Newington officials have rezoned 64 acres to encourage transit-oriented development near a proposed train station.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a new transit village design district that allows mixed-use projects including retail, offices and apartments, the Hartford Business Journal reports.

The district straddles Cedar Street. The 44-acre section south of Cedar Street is designed for primarily residential development, while the northern side would allow higher densities including offices.

The rezoning was partially prompted by plans for a new train station on the Hartford-New Haven line at 565 Cedar St.

Economic Development Director Andrew Brecher estimates the dollar value of the potential development at $500 million, the HBJ reported. Existing businesses located within the zone include Sousa Corp. and Beacon Industries.