LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Whatcom Transportation Authority is moving ahead with plans to build housing next to their station in Lynden.

The Lynden Tribune reports plans are in the works to build 116 affordable housing units on the 3.5-acre property along Front and 19th Streets.

Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis says the location is a good spot for housing density because of its proximity to the bus station.

A report presented at a meeting of the WTA Board of Directors on Feb. 15 showed that park-and-ride facilities like the one currently at that location have underperformed in recent years.

Korthuis says park-and-ride options generally do not work because once people have gotten into their cars, they tend to stay there for the long haul.

WTA hired RMC Architects from Bellingham to draw up a master plan for the redevelopment and hopes to soon have a long-term lease with a developer in place.

Lynden is not alone in Whatcom Couty in the push to build housing near public transit with walkability to nearby services like grocery stores and medical facilities.

There is also a housing development under construction next to the WTA station in Ferndale.