A P T J Fall 2010 N m o b i l i t y Livability in Northern New Jersey

Livability: A Legacy of Northern N.J. Communities

hat’s old is new again. With deep historical separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Over roots, many New Jersey towns have 600 modest houses are arranged around the edge of features dating back a century or more— “super blocks” with large interior parks. Located including closely spaced row homes, grid near Fair Lawn Train Station, the 149-acre street layouts, ornate brick and stone neighborhood includes a shopping center, a community cWommercial buildings and downtown train stations— center, a library and a network of parks and trails. that are being rediscovered as the foundation for Even newer suburban towns in New Jersey are more “livable” and sustainable lifestyles. Ironically, able to draw on the examples of their older neighbors many of the “antiquated” features are being looked and make use of shared infrastructure—notably, the to as wave of the future in community design. state’s extensive mass transit system—to give residents new lifestyle options. P O K

T In the midst of economic T I W

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L recession, the ethos of getting back I B to basics and reclaiming what is valuable from the past is gaining ground. It is being combined with an appreciation for the power of new technologies and a greater understanding of the environmental impacts of various development patterns and their relation to the transportation system. This issue of Mobility Matters highlights examples of livability and sustainability in communities throughout northern New Jersey that point to new and hopeful directions for the future.

Key Concepts The terms “livability” and “sustainability” have been gaining a lot of currency recently, thanks to a push by the Obama Administration p The planned community In many cases, New Jersey towns are showing the and major federal agencies. of Radburn in Fair Lawn, nation what it means to create communities where The Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Bergen County was not every trip has to be by car, where not every Communities formed by the Environmental consciously designed for shopping experience has to be at a mall, where Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation livability in the 1920s. people from diverse backgrounds and income levels and the Department of Housing and Urban can live comfortably together, and where conserving Development, has defined a livable community as With its interior parks energy and doing good for the environment are part one “in which people have multiple, convenient and pedestrian paths, of daily life. transportation and housing options as well as it has become an icon Perhaps no place says more about North Jersey’s destinations easily accessible to people traveling in for town planners. legacy than the community of Radburn in the and out of cars.” Six livability principles have been borough of Fair Lawn in Bergen County. Radburn established (see box on page 3). has become an icon for town planners. Founded in Sustainability emphasizes the effective use of 1929, the community was intricately planned to financial, energy and natural resources in ways that

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u Preserving open can be continued over time, K T T I W without imposing burdens on space and providing L L I recreational opportunities future generations. B enhance communities’ There are no formulas for livability. Right, meeting livability and sustainability goals. Communities are taking hikers and bikers enjoy a creative approaches in a host of trail at Sandy Hook, areas, such as promoting transit- M onmouth County . oriented development (TOD)— homes, businesses, schools and other development near train stations and bus terminals. Another related concept is promoting “complete streets,” which involves road designs and investments that make streets accessible and safe for all travelers, including pedestrians and bicyclists. • Traffic calming measures, such as narrowed lanes Many communities have enhanced livability with and crosswalks with pedestrian lights. features such as these: • Alternative travel options such as bike lanes, sidewalks, bicycle- or car-sharing programs, and • Mixed-use development in downtown areas, shuttle buses. including renovated historic buildings and street • Preserving open spaces and natural resources and level storefronts with offices or apartments above. providing recreational opportunities. • Clustering destinations or creating programs that minimize the length of auto and truck trips. “As we go about investing transportation funding, we have to consider the role of Spurring progress transportation in its broadest context— Government has a significant role in spurring the how it can shape housing and economic development, how it innovation needed to improve livability. New Jersey has a long record in this regard. As the most densely can link residents with job opportunities, how it can affect the populated state in the nation, New Jersey was one of quality of life in our communities, among other factors.” first states to enact statewide legislation aimed at limiting sprawl and promoting “smart growth.” —Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney, The State Planning Act adopted in 1986 set in Chairman of the NJTPA motion continuing efforts to realize smart growth in communities throughout the state. While there have been continuing challenges to • Housing development affordable to a diverse meeting the goal of smart growth over the years, population including members of the local recognition of its importance has gained wide workforce. acceptance among local officials and residents • Traditional street grids that more evenly distribute throughout New Jersey. The current efforts in the traffic, easing congestion on main routes.

m o b i l i t y NJTPA Board of Trustee s

THE NJTPA is the Mobility Matters is published by the Hon. Dennis McNerney , Hon. Pasquale “Pat” Lepore —Passaic federally authorized North Jersey Transportation Planning Chairman—Bergen County Executive County Freeholder Metropolitan Planning Authority, Inc. with funding from the Federal Hon. Peter S. Palmer —Somerset County Organization (MPO) Transit Administration and the Federal Hon. Gene F. Feyl , First Vice Chairman— Freeholder Highway Administration. The NJTPA is Morris County Freeholder for the 6.7 million Hon. Susan M. Zellman —Sussex County solely responsible for its contents. people in the 13-county northern New Hon. Tom DeGise , Second Vice Chairman— Freeholder Hudson County Executive Jersey region. Currently, the NJTPA Executive Director: Mary K. Murphy Hon. Daniel P. Sullivan —Union County oversees over $2.5 billion in transportation Managing Editor: Karl Vilacoba Hon. Matthew Holt , Third Vice Chairman— Freeholder investments. The NJTPA evaluates and Hunterdon County Freeholder Contributing Editors: David Behrend, Jeff Hon. Angelo Accetturo —Warren County approves proposed transportation Perlman, Ted Ritter, Dan Schned, Mark Solof Hon. Joseph DiVincenzo , Secretary—Essex Freeholder improvement projects and provides a forum County Executive Design: Dralyn Veech James S. Simpson —Commissioner , NJDOT for interagency cooperation and public Hon. Jerramiah T. Healy —Mayor, Jersey City Host Agency: New Jersey Institute of Technology James Weinstein —Executive Director, input into funding decisions. It also Hon. H. James Polos —Middlesex County Inquiries should be addressed to: NJ Transit Corporation sponsors and conducts studies, assists Freeholder The North Jersey Transportation county planning agencies and monitors Christopher O. Ward —Executive Director, Planning Authority, Inc. Hon. John D’Amico Jr. —Monmouth County compliance with national air quality goals. Port Authority of NY & NJ One Newark Center, 17th Floor Freeholder The NJTPA serves the fourth most populous Deborah L. Gramiccioni —Director, Authorities Newark, New Jersey 07102 Hon. Cory A. Booker —Mayor, City of Newark Unit, Office of the Governor MPO region in the country. NJTPA Board Phone: 973.639.8400 meetings are held bi-monthly and are open Hon. James F. Lacey —Ocean County Fax: 973.639.1953 Freeholder to the public. www.njtpa.org

2 | Livability in Northern New Jersey areas of livability and sustainability are very much consistent with smart growth, broadening its focus Six Principles of Livability beyond land use concerns. u PROVIDE MORE TRANSPORTATION CHOICES. Develop safe, Livability and sustainability are key priorities of reliable and economical transportation choices to decrease Plan 2035 , the Regional Transportation Plan for Northern New Jersey, which guides the planning household transportation costs, reduce the nation’s process overseen by NJTPA. dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce “Transportation is about more than just moving greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public health. people and goods,” said Dennis McNerney, Bergen u PROMOTE EQUITABLE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Expand County Executive and Chairman of the NJTPA. “As location- and energy-efficient housing choices for people of we go about investing transportation funding, we have to consider the role of transportation in its all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities to increase mobility broadest context—how it can shape housing and and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation. economic development, how it can link residents with u ENHANCE ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS. Improve economic job opportunities, how it can affect the quality of life competitiveness through reliable and timely access to in our communities, among other factors.” In addition, the concepts are considered in the employment centers, educational opportunities, services and NJTPA’s studies of regional needs, including grant other basic needs by workers, as well as expanded business programs that fund studies by the 15 city and county access to markets. “subregions” that are members of the NJTPA. Factors u SUPPORT EXISTING COMMUNITIES. Target federal funding related to livability and sustainability are among the toward existing communities—through strategies like transit- criteria used for establishing priorities among proposed transportation investments. Other NJTPA oriented, mixed-use development, and land recycling— initiatives promoting livability include: to increase community revitalization and the efficiency of public works investments and safeguard rural landscapes. • Walkable Community Workshops —walking tours u COORDINATE AND LEVERAGE FEDERAL POLICIES AND with local residents and officials aimed at INVESTMENT. Align federal policies and funding to remove identifying problems for pedestrians and developing strategies to address them. barriers to collaboration, leverage funding and increase the • Climate Change Working Group —a forum for accountability and effectiveness of all levels of government concerned stakeholders to identify, support and to plan for future growth, including making smart energy coordinate efforts in North Jersey to reduce choices such as locally generated renewable energy. :greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare the u transportation system for climate change’s impacts VALUE COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS. Enhance the on the environment. unique characteristics of all communities by investing in • Regional Coordinated Human Services healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods—rural, urban, Transportation Plan —provides a regional or suburban. coordination of ongoing efforts in northern and —Source: Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities central New Jersey to meet transportation needs of senior citizens, the disabled, low-income persons and others who don’t drive or have special • Local Safety Program – supports the construction transportation needs. of quick-fix, high-impact safety improvements on county and local roadway facilities in the NJTPA region.

The NJTPA also works closely with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ Transit, which administer a number of programs that promote TOD and other related initiatives. This includes the Transit Village program which provides funding and technical assistance to municipalities to redevelop or revitalize the areas around transit stations. “The 100 or more train stations and other key transit hubs in northern New Jersey are a vital asset,” said Morris County Freeholder Gene Feyl, also the First Vice Chairman of the NJTPA. “They are ready-made focal points for rebuilding t Newark Broad Street

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K in the early 1900s, R Further information on many of the livability A W E initiatives touched on in this publication can be remains one of the N

E H T found at the NJTPA website, www.njtpa.org. Ò state’s busiest rail hubs.

Livability in Northern New Jersey | 3 Zest in the City: Revitalizing Our Urban Cores key investment principle in Plan 2035 is to “help the region grow wisely.” To promote sustainable growth, the NJTPA supports compact development in areas already served A by transportation infrastructure, including redevelopment of urban areas. Ò “Compact development and redevelopment reduces pressure on rural land and helps preserve open space and protect the environment,” said Hudson County Executive and NJTPA Second Vice Chairman Tom DeGise. “It also creates more walkable, transit-friendly communities, helping improve the efficiency of the transportation system.” Ò Additional benefits to sustainable growth are greater energy efficiency, healthier lifestyles, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, among others.

Historic Design Standards, Light Rail Aid environmental improvement and a Rebound of Paulus Hook fresh engaging sense of place in station areas.” esidents in the Paulus Hook public transportation access, The HBLR links to other mass Rsection of Jersey City have seen gained further momentum with transit options along the Hudson their neighborhood transformed the launch of the Hudson- Bergen River waterfront—including into a model of urban revival over Light Rail (HBLR) in 2000. ferry services, commuter trains, “Compact the past two decades, with The line runs along Essex and subway-like PATH trains and development and restored historic brownstones, Hudson streets in Paulus Hook numerous major bus routes. With thousands of new apartments in with a stop near the office towers. its wealth of energy-efficient travel redevelopment well-designed brick structures, Paulus Hook sits roughly at options, Jersey City is one of the reduces pressure and walkable, tree-lined streets in the center of the 19-mile HBLR, most transit-friendly places in the the heart of a bustling city. The which handles roughly 42,000 nation. About 60 percent of on rural land neighborhood’s eastern edge along trips each weekday. The line is workers commuting to or from and helps the Hudson River has new office credited as a catalyst for the Jersey City use mass transit— preserve open towers housing the second only to satellite operations New York among space and of major New York the nation’s 100 protect the City financial firms. largest cities—and environment.” The area’s 9 percent walk stabilization can be to work. —Hudson County traced back to the The type of Executive 1980s, when the development spurred Tom DeGise, city adopted strict by transit varies by NJTPA Second historic district neighborhood . In Vice Chairman design standards contrast to the protecting Paulus somewhat genteel Hook and a few Paulus Hook, the other neighborhoods. area around the Many of the area’s Grove Street PATH historic structures station a few blocks had deteriorated, away has a lively u The Hudson-Bergen but the designation nightlife and a Light Rail has aided forced owners to restore the construction of thousands of new thriving arts scene. redevelopment efforts in buildings rather than tear them apartments and raising property The recession has taken its Jersey City’s historic down or make additions that values along its length from toll with a modest drop in light Paulus Hook clashed with the neighborhood’s Bayonne to North Bergen in rail ridership and a fall off in new neighborhood. character. One by one the homes Hudson County (with a further development. Still, the benefits of were improved, building extension planned to Tenafly the mass transit investment community pride and ultimately in Bergen County). “These remain. Beyond enhanced attracting further investment and developments,” according to a mobility, nationwide, studies have restoration. 2008 Rutgers University study, shown that homes near transit are The revival of Paulus Hook, “represent new riders, new ratables, holding their value better than in an area that already had excellent new business creation investment, those in more auto-dependent new employment opportunities, areas. Ò

4 | Livability in Northern New Jersey Steinbach Comeback Helps Revive Asbury Park’s Cookman Avenue

he “Jewel of the Jersey Shore” scene is excellent. It’s like night Tis shining once more. After a and day down there—it was three-decade economic downturn, almost like a ghost town.” Asbury Park has reemerged as a Perhaps no site symbolizes lively city by the sea that’s drawing Asbury Park’s heyday, slide and comparisons to Miami Beach. resurgence better than the Those who haven’t been there Steinbach building, which takes in a while are often surprised by up a triangular block that fronts how much has changed. Historic Cookman Avenue. In the late buildings that were boarded up 1890s, the building began its run for years have been converted into as one of New Jersey’s most stores and apartments, while prominent department stores until several blighted structures have market forces, including the been razed and replaced by new opening of a Steinbach location at construction. nearby Seaview Square Mall, At the heart of the redevelop- caused the store to close in 1979. Down the road, a luxurious p The recently ment effort is Cookman Avenue, The structure lay dormant for mixed-use project called Wesley renovated Steinbach a downtown strip that connects several years and was almost Grove was recently completed in a building on Cookman the train station area on Main destroyed by a fire in 1989. barren area where a few Avenue in Asbury Park. Street to the beachfront. Thanks Three years ago, reconstruction abandoned buildings previously to a wave of investment by on the building was finished. stood. The block-and-a-half-long major developers, small business Steinbach now houses 63 apart - complex has created a well-lit, entrepreneurs and new residents, ments on its upper floors and streetscaped link for pedestrians Cookman started bustling again in several commercial tenants on the and bicyclists traveling between the early 2000s. ground floor, such as the popular the waterfront and the downtown “Downtown now you have restaurant Old Man Rafferty’s. section of Cookman Avenue. “It trouble finding a parking space,” According to Sammet, the success allows people to walk and feel said Asbury Park Director of of the Steinbach project and safe walking between the two Ò Planning and Redevelopment Cookman Avenue has spread to districts,” Sammet said. Donald Sammet. “The restaurant other areas.

Once N.J.’s Tallest, Building Again Aims High recast as 317 one- and two- bedroom apartments along with our years ago, Eleven80 did a Developer Cogswell Realty extensive amenities, including a Fcomplete 180, transforming Group saw potential in the Art private health club, four-lane from an abandoned skyscraper Deco building and committed to a bowling alley, pool hall and to the first new luxury housing massive effort to restore its façade multimedia room. project in Newark in over and insides. Its 35 floors were Eleven80’s opening 40 years. Capitalizing on its coincided with Newark’s efforts location above the Newark to recapture the street life the Subway and blocks from Penn city’s downtown enjoyed when Station, the building has attracted the tower was originally built. tenants as an alternative to The New Jersey Performing Arts renting in New York City. Center, the Prudential Center Eleven80, named for its and a number of new 1180 Raymond Blvd. address restaurants and businesses have in the city’s central business opened in the district over the district, opened in the early last few years. According to 1930s as the Lefcourt Newark Eleven80’s owners, the project’s Building and briefly enjoyed commuter-friendly selling point status as the state’s tallest has proven effective, as over t The Lefcourt building. The structure was one 80 percent of its tenants work of the premier office buildings in Manhattan. Ò Newark Building in Newark before badly (now called Eleven80) deteriorating over a 20-year underwent a major period of non-use. restoration effort and is now home to over 300 apartments.

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C Devco’s efforts, the Gateway Heldrich hotel and Transit Village, soon to be the conference center (above) city’s tallest building, is currently and the upcoming under construction. The structure Gateway Transit Village, will contain 44,000 square feet of shown at right in an retail and 12,500 square feet of artist’s rendering. Nonprofit Helps Get Hub City Back on Track office space, 42 condominiums and 150 residential rental units ew Brunswick is home to to form the New Brunswick (20 percent of which will be NRutgers University, Johnson & Development Corporation, or affordable), along with a 650-space Johnson World Headquarters and Devco, a nonprofit urban real parking garage. The building will the Robert Wood Johnson estate development firm that would also have a direct connection to University Hospital. Building help revitalize their hometown. the New Brunswick Train Station upon these three pillars, the city “In the 1970s, New Brunswick via a public promenade. has become one of the most was just a residue of its previous The Hub City’s roots as a rail impressive examples of urban glory, in a state of deterioration,” center have never been overlooked. revitalization in New Jersey. said Anton Nelessen, Undergraduate New Brunswick station has served Four decades ago, New Program Director and Associate as an important asset in the city’s Brunswick was at a crossroads— Professor at the Bloustein School revitalization, providing reliable the state of the city was bad of Planning and Public Policy at access to the downtown core for enough that Johnson & Johnson, Rutgers. “And Devco, since its residents, workers, students and which was founded in New inception, has been a persistent visitors. In 2005, the city was Brunswick, considered moving. force for redevelopment in the city designated a transit village by the Fortunately for New Brunswick, that has brought about a great deal NJDOT due to its consistent the Fortune 500 Company instead of positive change, but of course transit-oriented development, chose to join forces with Rutgers there is much more to be done.” bicycle and pedestrian University and the New Jersey Devco has played a major improvements, and “place- Economic Development Authority role in completing at least making” efforts. Ò 13 redevelopment projects that

Urban Townhomes Transform Low-Income Housing offering residents convenient travel options. ownhouses described as “family townhouse-style units have been Jersey City Mayor and NJTPA Tfriendly” with “gracious living built in the region’s urban areas in Board member Jerramiah Healy space” are helping transform recent years to replace the often said at the 2009 opening of the public and low-income housing in aging high-rise projects that Barbara Place Terrace Apartments northern New Jersey with a new suffered high crime rates and often that the development “will replace standard of livability for residents. carried a stigma for low-income the barracks-style public housing The descriptions were applied to residents. Nearly all the homes are that once stood here with 56 43 new two- and three-bedroom near bus and rail transit lines, affordable housing and 11 market rental homes called Oak Brook rate rental units which will help Square that opened in fall 2009 in bring quality housing to the proud Newark’s South Ward. and hard-working families of At the opening, Newark Jersey City.” Mayor Cory Booker, a member Also in Jersey City, a second of the NJTPA Board of Trustees, phase of the award-winning said the development “will offer Gloria Robinson Court Homes is our residents stylish living under construction. The first u The Gloria Robinson conditions [and]…an eco-friendly phase featured 144 residential Court Homes complex, environment.” units plus community spaces and located in Jersey City. Hundreds of similar low-rise, an outdoor recreation. Ò

6 | Livability in Northern New Jersey Transit-Oriented Development in New Jersey ixed-use development around rail stations and other public transportation hubs is called transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD creates compact mixed-use Mcommunities adjacent to transit infrastructure with the goal of increasing transit use and reducing automobile commuting trips. Ò “So many towns in our region grew up around rail stations and have thrived for over a century thanks to their presence,” said NJTPA First Vice Chairman Gene Feyl. “As demand for transit-oriented development “So many towns continues to rise, centers of transportation—as they have for decades—continue to drive in our region grew up around the economic engine of our state as well as our local communities.” Ò Many of the region’s rail stations and rail and bus hubs could potentially serve as sites for future TODs. The NJTPA supports have thrived for these opportunities through its long-range transportation plan (Plan 2035) , various study over a century programs and other planning activities. thanks to their presence.”

The Highlands at Morristown Station generating tax ratables for the —Morris County municipality. And for commuters, Freeholder orristown’s efforts to promote Over 400 parking spaces in it doesn’t get much more Gene Feyl, Mtransit-oriented development the garage are permanently convenient: the door to the NJTPA First Vice took a big step forward in 1999, designated for commuter parking. parking garage is about 30 feet Chairman when the city made some zoning The parking facility replaced from a walkway connecting to the changes and designated the area former surface parking that was train station’s platform. around its train station (which located on NJ Transit property. “It’s amazing—you walk out offers Midtown Direct service to NJ Transit and the developers and you are on the train, pretty New York via NJ Transit) as a now “own” the parking, similar much. It’s a fantastic project,” mixed-use “Transit Village Core.” to a condominium arrangement. said Mike Fabrizio, Executive The following year, Morristown became one of the first five sites to receive the state’s official Transit Village designation, signaling intentions to plan multiple TOD projects within a half- mile of the train station. Around this time, a project that came to be known The Highlands at Morristown Station took root on 3 acres of land formerly owned by NJ Transit (and sold to the developers) at the intersection of Morris t A view of the Street and Lafayette Highlands at Morristown Avenue, right next to Station complex from the train station. the neighboring train Today, almost fully station’s platform. occupied, it stands as a fine example of mixed-use TOD, Deals like this between Director of the Morristown featuring a combination of developers and NJ Transit are not Downtown Partnership. “It 271 upscale one- and two-bedroom only a way to promote TOD, but demonstrates the effectiveness of rental apartments, 8,000 square also increase ridership and these [TOD] projects if they’re feet of ground floor retail space, generate additional parking done right and in the right and a six-floor, 724-space parking revenue for NJ Transit, while also location.” Ò garage. preserving transit accessibility and

Livability in Northern New Jersey | 7 C L

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the Park Square project A L which has stimulated an increase two blocks away. in transit ridership to major employment centers like Manhattan, Newark and Trenton. In 2002, Rahway was given the designation of a Transit Village by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Over the next five years, the city grew in population and the station accumulated over 500 additional daily boardings. Some of the city’s new residents reside in several recently completed developments within walking distance to the station. Among them is Park Square, a mixed-use development Rahway Downtown Rebounds Around Train Station with one- and two-bedroom apartments located two blocks ver the last two decades, perhaps the city’s greatest asset. from the station. Along with ORahway has reinvented itself And after decades of decline in the increased residential density in the and its new image is intricately downtown business district, it is station area, around 200,000 linked to its train station. an asset that the city heavily relied square feet of office space Conveniently located about upon as the catalyst for urban (180,000 in 2007) and over 45 minutes from both New York revitalization. 30,000 square feet of retail space and Trenton at the convergence of In the late 1990s, all of the (33,000 in 2007) have been built the Amtrak/NJ Transit Northeast pieces began coming together. since the transit village Corridor and NJ Transit’s North First, NJ Transit invested over designation. Ò Jersey Coast Line, the station is $13 million to renovate the aging station. Two years later an award- winning public plaza was added,

Station’s Prosperity Spreads in South Orange station and Sloan Street include retail stores, eateries, offices and outh Orange has been held up enacted, a cluster of stores nestled street life. Sas a national model for a beneath the viaduct had fallen The prosperity spread to the town using its transit hub as a into disrepair. downtown area, too, as a number springboard for economic The village and NJ Transit of transit village developments revitalization. By the early 1990s, worked with a developer to replaced dilapidated and nearly a quarter of the storefronts renovate the facilities and attract underutilized properties. Among in the village’s downtown were upscale tenants. The station was them are the South Orange vacant and foot traffic had given a valuable boost when NJ Performing Arts Center, which dwindled. Then in 1994, the Transit introduced express service opened in 2006; the 200-unit Village Trustees adopted a that made the trip to Manhattan Gaslight Commons apartments, redevelopment plan that called for 20 minutes faster. Today, the named after the gas street lamps the restoration of the train station that have come to and strategies for reinvigorating symbolize the the downtown area around it. village; the Eden The modern South Orange Marketplace Train Station, located at 19 Sloan gourmet grocery u Several new St., was built during the World shop and café; commercial and War I era along the Morris & and the Avenue at residential projects Essex Railroad line. The structure South Orange, a have been completed was comprised of a ground-level 79-unit luxury over the last few ticketing station and three tracks condo complex. Ò T I S N

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8 | Livability in Northern New Jersey Built to Last: New Jersey’s Downtowns hallenged economically for years by shopping malls on the highways, the small town main street is making a comeback in northern New Jersey. In many ways, these Ccommunity centers embodied the ideals of livability long before the term was conceived. Ò Residents of New Jersey’s downtowns can leave the car behind and walk to dinner, work or the community theater. The compact living spaces above the strips’ ground floor stores mean smaller energy costs for residents, a lifestyle that’s become attractive to a green-minded generation that is now moving into its first homes. Ò Today, these classic neighborhoods, with their local landmarks and vintage architecture, are being reinvented by entrepreneurial small-business owners who now occupy their spaces. Sometimes, even a modest investment in transportation can prove instrumental in aiding the transformation.

Washington Borough: serving the needs of the Traditional Downtown for a Rural Region surrounding rural area. While big-box stores and shopping ariety is the spice of life. And A redevelopment plan centers have been established Vmuch the same goes for adopted by the town in 2009 along some nearby rural routes, community development. In envisions a “traditional town patronizing them can require a downtown Washington Borough center with vibrant streetscapes, trade-off—prices may be better in Warren County, the new quality open space, pedestrian but more driving is often required Midtown Limited building is comfort, and adequate parking.” and the shopping experience can bringing benefits of mixed-use The strategy has been working. be impersonal. development to a reviving P O K downtown business district. T T I W

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Taking the place of four L I deteriorated buildings on B Washington Avenue that were torn down in 2007, the first of two Midtown Limited buildings has been built, with the second underway. They have commercial space on the ground floor with 48 residential units on two upper floors—reviving the living- working mix of classic American small town business districts. “All those people who moved into the Midtown Limited are now residents who shop downtown.” said Sandi Cerami, Executive Director of the Washington Business Improvement District. “We have seen an increase in Even with the recession, “we’re Driving downtown, patrons p The completion of foot traffic.” bringing people in” Cerami said, can find small businesses offering the Midtown Limited The mixed-use building is referring to the prospects for a host of retail and entertainment Building and attractive adding to the progress in creating new businesses and development options, many within walking streetscape work an attractive and walkable opportunities. distance. Farmers can even find has helped generate downtown. A streetscape project, Historic buildings are also tractors at the local car dealership. more foot traffic in undertaken with the help of a part of the mix. A building with a Again, variety is a strength. Washington Borough, NJDOT grant, has rebuilt bank on the ground floor includes For its 6,700 residents, Warren County. sidewalks, lighting, curbs and a restored ballroom used years Washington Borough “still has other elements to enhance ago by the local Mason chapter. that small town feeling with the pedestrian crosswalks. Revival of Washington’s advantages of living in the downtown is helping the borough country,” she said. Ò return to its historic role in

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u Pedestrians enjoy a O sidewalks are interconnected.” K T T I

W At 5 feet wide, sidewalks are

weekend stroll down L L I Main Street in Sparta, B separated from the roadway by a Sussex County. 3-foot “paver strip” that covers utilities and also creates a “safe zone,” according to Troast. “Most people walk on the sidewalk and not on the paver strip, so you have the separation of vehicle traffic and the walking space.” In addition, Troast said some traffic-calming measures and new crosswalks have improved the area’s walkability. For example, Sparta’s Investments Yield Walkable Downtown one mid-block crosswalk connected a parking area to a popular “These upgrades he “walkability” of downtown development and residential church. You can also walk from Sparta in Sussex County construction near the downtown, the downtown to a major senior are in keeping T represents a return on an and connect almost the entire citizens complex. And, in addition with ‘complete investment that local officials town center (the township to a system of connected bike streets’ principles, began making in the mid-1990s. looks to complete a final segment paths, Sussex County’s transit As part of its phased Master of connections in step with system picks up and drops off which are Plan implementation, the Township anticipated redevelopment as the riders in front of town hall, where designed to Council spent about $1.2 million economy improves). a park-and-ride is nearby. balance safety in the “town center” district to “We said, ‘Look, we’ve got to “These upgrades are in install sewer and water lines along invest in the infrastructure of the keeping with ‘complete streets’ and accessibility Main Street, reconstruct roads town to entice people to invest in principles, which are designed to for all users, not and add or complete sidewalks. our town,’” Troast said. As a balance safety and accessibility for Township Manager David Troast result, in downtown Sparta today, all users, not just drivers ,” said just drivers.” said those improvements, and Troast said, “We’ve got lighting, Sussex County Freeholder Susan —Sussex County others subsequently financed with we’ve got benches, we’ve got M. Zellman, also a member of the Freeholder grants, helped boost economic walkways…and all of the NJTPA Board. Ò Susan M. Zellman, NJTPA Board Member Theater Stars in Pompton Lakes Redevelopment carried out a streetscape upgrade with rebuilt sidewalks, energy- he Smiling Rhino Theater is the new businesses that have efficient LED lighting and façade Tbringing big city culture to the opened in long vacant spaces in improvements to entice visitors small town of Pompton Lakes in the downtown in recent years. and encourage walking. The BID Passaic County, contributing to a “We’ve had a good run of business hosts a weekly farmers market downtown revival and strengthened start-ups,” said John Soojian, chair during summer. community along the way. of the local business improvement The town looks to attract Housed in a historic building that district (BID), while noting that further development downtown once was a movie theater—and, the recession has taken its toll, with by capitalizing on its role as a long ago, a vaudeville showcase— increasing turnover in storefronts. transportation hub. Upward of

the nonprofit P Still, the 100 buses per day pass through O K T T

theater company I progress is a great the town and there is a prospect W

L L puts on about I achievement for for reestablished train service on B nine adult and an old industrial the NYS&W line in the future. children’s town. Since the “Our redevelopment gives u A former movie house productions a 1970s, shopping something to transportation and in Pompton Lakes, year. The play centers and big obviously transportation gives “42nd Street” box stores outside something to our redevelopment,” Passaic County, is will be this fall’s of town drew Soojian said. performing a second act top attraction. customers away. The town still faces challenges, as a community theater. “Culture is Pompton Lakes including pollution left over from a something that draws people,” began to chart a course for revival closed Dupont plant and periodic Artistic Director Carmela Wolosz with a county-led visioning flooding that has displaced said. “[The theater] has been an process in 2006, followed by the residents. In those times, residents excellent thing for the town. adoption of a new master plan for “tend to pull together and help People come in for a production the borough in 2007. With other people out. It’s just a nice and they’ll also do dinner.” support from Congressman Bill community,” Soojian said. Ò Indeed, restaurants are among Pascrell, Pompton Lakes has

10 | Livability in Northern New Jersey Canal Crossing Gives Industrial Site a Major Makeover

anal Crossing in Somerset began on 13 three-story buildings CCounty’s South Bound Brook is containing new residential an ongoing redevelopment success townhouses. A total of story from a number of different 152 townhouses have been built— livability perspectives. But it all of them sold and occupied— hasn’t come easy. bringing in many new residents Canal Crossing is built on an and giving the downtown a 11-acre site—right along Main fresher look that also includes was vacant for over 20 years, but p The Canal Street in the downtown—that was streetscape and lighting the redevelopment reinforced Crossing development once home to busy industrial improvements along Main Street. Main Street concepts and the took the place of a plants, most recently the GAF Pedestrian access to the physical and visual links to the brownfield site in Corporation, which closed in recreational Delaware and Raritan Delaware and Raritan Canal State South Bound Brook, 1984. The infamously vacant Canal towpath along the Raritan Park,” Somerset County Planning Somerset County. brownfield site, with its 100-year- River, which was not permitted Director Robert Bzik said. old idle smokestack, was seen as a during the site’s industrial days, is When the economy begins to contaminated eyesore of ghostly, now possible by a historic, recover, planned commercial crumbling buildings. rehabilitated swing bridge. development is expected to After a series of false starts, Commuters have a 10-minute continue, allowing residents to setbacks, and cleared regulatory walk from their Canal Crossing walk or bicycle to shops and hurdles, demolition and careful homes to NJ Transit’s Bound restaurants adjacent to the cleanup of the site finally got Brook Train Station. townhouse buildings. “Completing underway in 2003, preparing the “Canal Crossing is a true any retail component in a mixed- tract for mixed-use redevelopment. success story because not only did use project today is challenging Two years later, construction it clean up an industrial site that given market conditions,” Bzik acknowledged. “But, projects with sound planning fundamentals— like Canal Crossing— have a competitive advantage.” Ò P

O restaurants with an international t Bergenline Avenue K T T I flair—Cuban, Ecuadorian, Italian, W in Hudson County is

L L I B Indian and more. renowned for its The sidewalks are often lively shopping and crowded with shoppers—especially restaurant scene. on Saturday afternoons—and hundreds of buses and jitneys ply the streets. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line also serves Bergenline Avenue in Union City, offering connections to destinations along the Hudson River waterfront, as well as ferries Bergenline Avenue a Thoroughfare with and commuter trains. However, International Flair it’s the pedestrian activity that gives Bergenline Avenue an aura hriving shopping districts often Bergenline Avenue serves as of excitement. On a typical day, Tconjure up thoughts of high-end the unofficial main street of visitors can count more pedestrians clothing stores, fancy outdoor northern Hudson County as it and cyclists roaming the avenue cafes, expensive restaurants and passes through Union City, West than cars driving down it. wine bars situated along tree-lined New York, Guttenberg and North Serving one of the most densely streets with wide sidewalks. The Bergen. Bergenline Avenue boasts populated areas of the state, the commercial strip along Bergenline a diverse retail experience, with street has a ready-made customer Avenue in northern Hudson over 300 shops and restaurants. base right at hand. Much of the County lacks most of these With many mom-and-pop local population is Spanish- characteristics yet still manages to businesses, Bergenline Avenue speaking, with a large Cuban- be one of the liveliest downtown offers surprises not found in American community—second in shopping districts in New Jersey. suburban malls, notably a wide size only to that of Miami— variety of reasonably priced centered in Union City. Ò

Livability in Northern New Jersey | 11 u The Dvoor Farm in Raritan Township, Hunterdon County, hosts farmers markets every Sunday that can draw up to 1,000 visitors, according to its T

organizers. The historic S U R T

tract, once owned by D N A L

William Penn, was N O D R preserved for open space E T N U

and recreation in 1999. H

Farmers Markets Help Squash Transportation Costs, Beet Back Sprawl

IT’S A CLOUDLESS AUGUST DAY at Military Park in Newark, and a crowd of more than a hundred relaxes on lunch breaks, listens to local singer Hunter Hayes belt out Marvin Gaye, and, of course, sifts through fresh white eggplants. Every Thursday from July to late October, the corner of Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard comes alive with the Newark Downtown District Farmers Market, an open- air bazaar of local produce, baked goods and crafts. More than just a popular social gathering, the market offers residents a central place to shop for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in a neighborhood where they’re tough to find. For vendors, it’s a chance to sell goods directly to consumers in a market that’s served almost exclusively by convenience stores. Farmers markets are growing like corn stalks, thanks to heightened societal interests in healthy diets, organic foods and physical fitness. In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the number of registered markets nationally jumped from 5,274 in 2009 to 6,132 in 2010, a rise of 16 percent. According to the USDA, there were about a half-dozen such markets operating in Newark this year and over 110 throughout the Garden State.

12 | Livability in Northern New Jersey “Farmers markets cut down the Aside from the importance of number of miles food has to travel sustaining regional food systems in before it reaches the dinner table,” communities on New Jersey’s said Hunterdon County Freeholder urban/suburban fringes, farmland “When you buy from and NJTPA Third Vice Chairman preservation is a key to combating Matthew Holt. “A lot of the produce farmers markets, sprawl. The state has made we buy at the supermarket is imported everything you eat important strides on this front in from other states and countries. recent years, whether through is grown a few When you buy from farmers markets, buying properties or other creative everything you eat is grown a few miles away and arrangements, like purchasing a miles away and you’re helping you’re helping support tract’s development rights. support local growers.” For instance, in 2007, the The markets also reduce the local growers.” state, Middlesex County and South travel for Garden State-grown pro- Brunswick Township bought the —Hunterdon County Freeholder duce, since trips from the farm to a development rights to the 149-acre Matthew Holt, distributor and from the plant to Barclay Farm, a community staple NJTPA Third Vice Chairman the grocery store are no longer that grows Christmas trees, fruits necessary. Surprisingly, this old- and vegetables. The deal ensured fashioned sales method is being viewed by a new the family could continue to own and operate the generation of farmers as one way of modernizing property as a for-profit farm, but could never develop their businesses. Cutting out the middle man means it as anything else. Buying the development rights was less overhead and greater profits for the farmer. less expensive than buying the tract outright and “The farmers who embrace this model are very spared the state from handling its daily operations. entrepreneurial,” said Margaret Waldock, Executive The Dvoor Farm, a historic local landmark once Director of the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance owned by William Penn, was under the threat of (HLTA), which runs a highly successful market at development when it was preserved in 1999. the Dvoor Farm in Raritan Township. “They’re very energetic and they’re using tools like t A popular farmers social media to get the word out on what market is held every they’re selling.” Thursday from the summer to fall at Military Park in downtown Newark. The market offers city residents access to a wide variety of locally grown produce.

A coalition of government agencies, nonprofits and private donors contributed to purchase the 40-acre tract and transferred its ownership and control to the HLTA. Under the terms of accepting state Green Acres funds, the land can only be used public recreation and farming purposes. The market at Dvoor started four years ago with just four vendors. The HLTA kept it going and on any given Sunday today, it hosts about 20 local vendors and 1,000 visitors, Waldock said. “Our instincts were telling us this was going to work. We timed it perfectly with a trend,” Waldock said. “People are really responding. It’s exciting to see.” Ò

Livability in Northern New Jersey | 13 Freedom in Choice: Expanding Transportation Options ne of the six principles of livability is to provide more transportation choices. Throughout this publication, we’ve highlighted communities that have improved their Oaccommodations for walking, bicycling and riding public transit. When a variety of options are in place so residents don’t have to drive themselves to work, school or other local destinations, good things follow. Among them, household transportation costs and gasoline consumption go down, while air quality and traffic conditions improve.

Bike Lockers Offer it several times a month in the warmer seasons. Convenience, Security He said his locker adds for Commuters peace of mind and flexibility to his ince 1994, NJ Transit has commute. “With the bike Steamed with transportation in the locker, I don’t have u Weather-proof bike management associations (TMAs) to worry about weather

and municipalities to provide K or vandalism. Some days,

lockers can be rented at N I L

long-term bike locker rentals at W I’ll ride my bike and just

many NJ Transit stations O D

train stations and other commuter A leave it in the locker if I E

for a modest fee. M hubs in the region. The sturdy, have plans to get off at weather-proof lockers collectively James Barlow has rented a another station for dinner or the provide secure shelter for bike locker at NJ Transit’s Belmar like,” Barlow said. Ò 375 bikes at about 30 locations. Train Station since 2007 and uses They feature tamper-proof locks (so you don’t have to fumble with a chain) and have enough room for a bike and helmet. The rental fee is about $90 Go Bus Offers Workers Speedy, Comfortable annually, plus a $25 refundable Access to Airport key deposit. Regionwide, the overall locker rom pilots to mechanics to “I applaud NJ Transit for occupancy rate hovers around Fbaggage handlers to restaurant partnering with people who ride 67 percent, according to NJ staff, it takes a massive workforce the buses to develop the innovative Transit Service Planner Fred Storey. to accommodate the 33 million Go Bus service, which will enhance “We don’t make any money on passengers and 765,000 tons of our residents’ quality of life,” “I applaud NJ the program,” he said. “It’s just an cargo that pass through Newark said Essex County Executive extra service for our passengers.” Liberty International Airport each Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., who Transit for TransOptions, the TMA year. To help serve this growing also serves as Secretary of the partnering with for the Morris County area, regional job hub, NJ Transit NJTPA Board of Trustees. people who administers bike lockers at seven recently launched the Go Bus 28, locations. Vice President Don a specialized line that gives ride the buses Watt said the lockers are most workers fast, round-the-clock to develop popular in towns where livability access to the airport. is enhanced. Go Bus 28 links residential the innovative “In walkable towns, like your areas in Bloomfield and Newark Go Bus service, Madisons and Chathams, and with major employment centers in which will where there’s also restricted downtown Newark and the parking at the train stations, that’s airport zone, with stops at every enhance our where more people tend to think terminal and nearby work locations residents’ about a locker,” Watt said. such as the maintenance facilities quality of life.” in the north area of the airport. Getting stuck at red lights is a —Essex County frustration commuters face less on Executive Joseph N. the Go Bus, which benefits from DiVincenzo, Jr., priority signalization at key points NJTPA Secretary along the 12-mile route.

14 | Livability in Northern New Jersey Residents over 60 or adults t R esidents arrive with disabilities can also rely on for breakfast at the the county’s public transportation Senior Outreach system, Ocean Ride, for similar Services Center in services. Ocean Ride operates Brick, Ocean County. shuttles along a number of fixed routes throughout the county and also accommodates requests for door-to-door transportation to doctor’s visits, shopping centers, transit facilities and other destinations. Ocean Ride is available on a first come, first serve basis, and accepts voluntary donations from riders. Ò Brick Programs Ensure Seniors’ Mobility

ith its high concentration of open only to low-income seniors TMAs Help Promote Livability Wage-restricted developments, and disabled persons. affordability and seaside location, These residents have unique ransportation Management Associations (TMAs) are Ocean County has become one of needs, and Brick has answered the private, nonprofit organizations that work with the Northeast’s top retirement call—every day, at its Senior employers and governments to provide transportation destinations. However, while Outreach Services Center. T options in mostly suburban locations (e.g., commercial Brick (population 80,000) has its Residents who phone the office districts, malls and industrial parks). TMAs frequently share of luxurious gated 55 and can request free door-to-door car work in support of livability principles and smart growth over communities, it is also the rides to doctor’s office visits, bus home of the Chambers Bridge transportation to complimentary initiatives aimed at promoting efficient land-use patterns. Residence, George Conway, David meals at the senior center and Many TMAs offer shuttle services and promote non- Fried and Forge Pond Meals on Wheels deliveries to auto modes of transportation, such as walking and apartments—housing complexes their homes. In addition, the bicycling. TMAs also help employers provide flex-time, senior center helps coordinate telecommuting, and compressed work schedule pilot weekly bus rides to local shopping projects; assist with the development of emergency ride centers and periodic trips to home programs; and generate rideshare match-lists to recreational events, educational potential carpoolers and vanpoolers. Designed by and for customers, seminars and health screenings. The TMAs serving the NJTPA region are: the Go Bus features enhancements The township has a staff for added comfort such as high position dedicated to handling the Meadowlink Commuter Services (meadowlink.org) : Bergen back seating, individual lighting and medical trips, according to County and western portions of Hudson County, air conditioning controls, a luggage Edward Moroney, an assistant in eastern portions of Passaic, Union and Essex and storage area, overhead racks, the Mayor’s Office. This person Monmouth counties hand straps, and on-board audio may give 15-20 seniors rides to TransOptions (transoptions.org) : Morris, Sussex, Warren, and and visual bus stop announcements. well visits per week, waiting for Each bus is clearly marked with the patient in the doctor’s office western portions of Passaic and Essex counties the Go Bus logo and unique color until the appointment is through, Hudson TMA (hudsontma.org) : Hudson County scheme. The route’s 25 stops he said. feature colorful, easily identifiable “These are mostly people who Keep Middlesex Moving (kmm.org) : Middlesex County shelters, improved are not comfortable behind the Ridewise (ridewise.org) : Somerset County lighting, seating and wheel or don’t have immediate information family members around,” said HART Commuter Information Services (harttma.com) : Hunterdon displays. Moroney, who handled some of County For more the driver duties as a township Greater Mercer TMA (gmtma.org) : Mercer County, information, visit intern in 1998. Montgomery Township (Somerset County) and Ocean www.njtransit.com/ Brick’s school district recently County (In 2006, Ocean County established Coast TMA, gobus. Ò forged a partnership with the township on these services, which is operated by the Greater Mercer TMA) allowing them to continue despite the budgetary pressures brought on by the economy. The school district supplies two buses and t A NJ Transit's fleet of

R drivers to take residents to and I E R

O from daily meals at the senior Go Buses are marked M

. E center, while the township pays with an easily identifiable M A D

A for the meal costs. logo and color scheme.

Livability in Northern New Jersey | 15

Pre-Sorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 184

Affiliated with the New Jersey Institute of Technology One Newark Center, 17th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 A P T J

Fall 2010 N

In This Issue

u Livability in Northern New Jersey

u Transit-Oriented Development

u Among the hallmarks u Urban of livable communities Revitalization are their variety of transportation options u Thriving Main Streets and convenient access to destinations for people traveling with or without

cars. Right, visitors admire the waterfront P scenery near the Exchange O K T T Place commuter hub I W

L L I

in Jersey City. B www.njtpa.org