Tools for New Regionalism
PlanSmart NJ received a grant from the Dodge Foundation to develop and test its new 3-Systems Planning© approach. This approach is based upon data collection, mapping, and analysis for three main systems that influence and are influenced by land use: Economy, Transportation, and Environment. PlanSmart NJ believes that Smart Growth planning will seek to balance, or optimize, outcomes in these three systems, so that communities can accommodate economic growth while preserving natural resources.
This project will fund PlanSmart NJ's work in developing various data collection, mapping, and analysis techniques. The central tool is geographic information system (GIS) software, which allows the user to combine different types of mapped features on a common map. Through various GIS functions, one can assess how different features compare and contrast with each other. Using GIS mapping and analysis techniques, we will produce plans that identify growth targets for new development, multi-modal transportation improvements especially public transit, and priority areas for preserving natural and cultural resources. The work on this project will feed into the Mercer County Master Plan update.
Funded By
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
163 Madison Avenue, P.O. Box 1239
Morristown, NJ 08962-1239
David Grant, Executive Director
(201) 540-8442
Mercer County Planning Division
P. O. Box 8068
Trenton, New Jersey 08650
Donna Lewis, Director
(609) 989-6545
Start Date
June 2001
Completion Date
2003
Key Staff
James Hess
Noelle Reeve
Brian Carson
Contract Amount
$100,000