Research Triangle Park, N.C. - The Triangle Transit Authority Board of Trustees has voted to begin talks with Cherokee Investment Partners and PB PlaceMaking to become the “Master Developer” for TTA’s 12-station, 28-mile Regional Rail System.

In announcing today's decision, General Manager John Claflin said, "Cherokee has many mixed use development projects nationwide, and we are fortunate to have a company of such high quality that is also committed to the principles of sustainable development." Based in Raleigh, Cherokee was the redeveloper for North Hills, a 500,000 square foot mall in Northwest Raleigh. Cherokee has partnered with PB PlaceMaking, a service center within Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the world's leading planning, engineering, and program and construction management organizations.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a vital component for the long term success of TTA's regional rail project. Development at station sites will help to create more livable environments by conserving land and by reducing the need for single passenger automobile use. This type of sustainable development focuses on creating compact neighborhoods with housing, employment, shopping, community services, and recreational opportunities all within convenient walking distance of public transit.

Cherokee CEO Tom Darden says his firm sees great potential in working with TTA. "We are enthusiastic to begin talks with the Triangle Transit Authority on its transit-oriented sustainable development project. The regional rail system has the potential to help shape the future of this region," Darden said. "Transit oriented development -- a blend of retail, office, housing, entertainment and recreation -- is a critical element to mass transit systems nationwide."

Cherokee's public-private commitment to the environment and sustainable growth was recently recognized by the United States Conference of Mayors, as the two organizations established a joint initiative to expedite the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties nationwide. In addition, Cherokee has received the prestigious 2001 Phoenix Award and the 2004 North Carolina Sustainable Business Award for its projects.

Cherokee is currently working on numerous projects that include transit oriented components, including the redevelopment of the former Gates Rubber Plant in Denver, Colorado and the revitalization of four landfills in northern New Jersey's Meadowlands district.

PB PlaceMaking's transit oriented development experience currently includes work on the Silver Spring Transit Center in Maryland. This intermodal transit center is a $200 million mixed-use joint development composed of mid-rise housing, commercial and hotel space surrounding an urban plaza/park. Also, PB PlaceMaking's TOD in West Hyattsville, Maryland was recently awarded the National Best Project of the Year Award by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for Excellence in Smart Growth and Sustainable Transportation.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International Airport, Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority also provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle.

TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in late 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.