Planning Innovation Network Launched in Northern NJ
"Northeast NJ's Economy: Competition for Land, Access, Infrastructure" brought together the public, private and nonprofit sectors to examine the future of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties through the lens of a revolutionary planning framework developed by PlanSmart NJ as part of its Smart Growth Economy Project.
New tools and strategies were unveiled for the first time in the region to assist in the creation of a comprehensive vision to grow the economy, conserve natural and fiscal resources, and improve racial and economic integration. The goal is to set job, housing, open space, greenhouse gas mode shift and commutershed targets for the region.
Land use maps of the region, including existing conditions and projected growth, demonstrate how looking at the economy, environment, equity (or social justice issues) and efficiency of infrastructure can reframe revitalization plans for Northeast New Jersey. (Click here to learn more about what PlanSmart NJ is calling 4-E Planning.)
During the September 27 conference, the first panel, which was moderated by Susan Bass Levin, of the Port Authority, considered whether there is enough infrastructure, especially water and transportation systems, to support planned revitalization efforts. Speakers were Robert Ceberio, of the NJ Meadowlands Commission, Allen Magrini, of Hartz Mountain, Bernard McNeilly of Parsons Brinkerhoff, and John Weingart of the NJ Highlands Council.
The second panel, which was moderated by Michael McGuinness, of NJ-NAIOP, looked at the pros and cons of redevelopment for existing residents. Speakers were Michelle Doran McBean, of Future City, Kathleen Miller Prunty, of the Cranford Downtown Management Corporation, William O’Dea, of the Elizabeth Development Company, and Mayor Jose Torres, of Paterson.
Other speakers included Toni Griffin, Director of Community Development for the City of Newark, Gil Medina, of Cushman & Wakefield, Dianne Brake, president of PlanSmart NJ, and Noelle Reeve, Vice President of Planning for PlanSmart NJ.
The Newark conference marked the launch of PlanSmart NJ's Planning Innovation Network, which aims to bring together state and local leaders to build the capacity for sound land use planning throughout NJ, region by region, particularly in cities that are currently underserved. More events are being planned for other regions. Please check back for more details later.
Conference PowerPoint
To view Dianne Brake's PowerPoint presentation, click here 
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Speaker Biographies
Dianne Brake-
PlanSmart NJ
Robert Ceberio -
NJ Meadowlands Commission
Susan Bass Levin -
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Toni Griffin -
City of Newark
Allen Magrini -
Hartz Mountain
Michelle Doran McBean -
President, Future City Inc.
Michael McGuinness -
NJ-NAIOP
Bernard McNeilly -
PB Americas, Inc.
Gualberto Medina -
Cushman & Wakefield
Kathleen Miller Prunty -
Director, Cranford Downtown Management Corporation
William O’Dea -
Deputy Executive Director, Elizabeth Development Company
Noelle Reeve -
Vice President, Planning, AICP, PP
Jose Torres -
Mayor, City of Paterson
John Weingart -
Highlands Council
- Economy: Jobs-to-Housing Information for Northeast NJ
- Environment: What the Physical Landscape Looks Like in Northeast NJ
- Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat for All of North New Jersey
- Equity: Northern NJ’s Dense Pockets of Concentrated Poverty
- Infrastructure: Where Transit, Major Ports, Highways, Airports are Located
- Workforce Housing Availability for Essex County
- Job Growth: By Number of Jobs (2005-2030)
- Job Growth: Percentage Change (2005-2030)
- Population Growth: By Number of People (2005-2030)
- Population Growth: Percentage Change (2005-2030)
- Major Employment and Transit Locations
- Redevelopment Incentives
- State Agency Restrictions on Growth