Even under the best of circumstances, a redevelopment project can take years to realize – from designating an area in need of redevelopment, to finding a develo ... more

Even under the best of circumstances, a redevelopment project can take years to realize – from designating an area in need of redevelopment, to finding a developer, negotiating a redeveloper agreement, and watchdogging the development phase. Municipalities that build the organizational capacity to manage this process are more likely to see successful projects completed. Some towns are fortunate to have the resources available either to devote staff time to this effort or to hire consultants to do the same; others struggle with the challenge. This session will explore a few of the ways towns can organize to facilitate the process, presenting the pros and cons of various approaches.

Instructors:

Paul Phillips AICP

In today’s market, municipalities need to distinguish themselves as developer-friendly while maintaining and promoting the goals and objectives of its residents ... more

In today’s market, municipalities need to distinguish themselves as developer-friendly while maintaining and promoting the goals and objectives of its residents. The City of Hackensack in Bergen County has implemented strategies and mechanisms to promote market-driven revitalization of its downtown without the use of eminent domain while ensuring a high quality for future development. The city has utilized proven mechanisms such as areas in need of rehabilitation and redevelopment and coupled that with a unique zoning program to promote private redevelopment downtown. The overall strategy includes implementation of a vision plan, a public parking management, changes to the circulation pattern, new zoning, an expedited review process, and much more. Attendees with hear directly from the team that is making it happen – be prepared to ask questions.

Instructors:

Nancy Kist

In the United States and abroad, innovation districts are increasingly being used as revitalization tools. They have several key features, one of which is the p ... more

In the United States and abroad, innovation districts are increasingly being used as revitalization tools. They have several key features, one of which is the presence of a university. This session will look at different roles a university can play in fostering an innovation district, what attracts private industry to such districts, and what municipalities can do to help establish such districts. One such district under development in New Jersey will be presented as a case study. Speakers will finish by discussing why these districts are important not just to their immediate areas but to the economic future of all of New Jersey.

Instructors:

Debbie Hart

As New Jersey approaches full build-out, the future of development will be redevelopment. But what kinds of housing options will be needed in order to absorb a ... more

As New Jersey approaches full build-out, the future of development will be redevelopment. But what kinds of housing options will be needed in order to absorb a full range of future growth and demand in already-built places? If we want to accommodate the number and diversity of household types that will be seeking to live in existing centers, what kind of housing unit configurations should be incorporated into redevelopment projects? And what kinds of units might be added to existing properties via subdivision and infill? Panelists will discuss a variety of housing types – some new, some long forgotten – that can add to a town’s building mix and help meet the needs and desires of an increasingly diverse future population.

Instructors:

Robert Antonicello

Port Newark /Elizabeth, part of the Port of New York and New Jersey, is the largest port on the East Coast and third largest port in the United States. It is an ... more

Port Newark /Elizabeth, part of the Port of New York and New Jersey, is the largest port on the East Coast and third largest port in the United States. It is an important driver of New Jersey’s economy and is well positioned, both geographically and economically, to maintain its competitive advantage as the goods movement industry evolves in the coming decades. A port’s ability to compete in the global economy depends not only on its onsite operations but also on its landside capabilities. The geographically fixed nature of ports means that many port-related land uses – e.g., rail yards, intermodal facilities – are not easily located elsewhere and their efficiency depends on adjacency to the port itself. With urban redevelopment becoming a more common phenomenon both in New Jersey and nationally, and with the conversion of industrial land and maritime facilities to non-port related uses (housing, retail, recreation) occurring near ports around the world, port-related land uses may sometimes come into conflict with other important redevelopment initiatives, possibly competing for the same plots of land. This session will focus on an assessment of both present and future aspects of the port’s economic impact on the state, its land-use needs, and potential conflicts with other redevelopment priorities.

Instructors:

James Van Schoick AICP

For decades New Jersey, like much of the rest of the country, has under-invested in infrastructure—even though poor roads, crowded trains, crumbling bridges, le ... more

For decades New Jersey, like much of the rest of the country, has under-invested in infrastructure—even though poor roads, crowded trains, crumbling bridges, leaking pipes and inefficient buildings are an expensive burden. If New Jersey is going to address its economic situation and attract new business to the state, it will need to confront these infrastructure gaps. But will the state simply fix what is there, using 30-year old technology and thinking, or will it look to new solutions that not only upgrade what is there, but make it more efficient and resilient for years to come? During this session, Facing Our Future, an independent, bipartisan effort led by more than twenty former cabinet officers and senior government executives, will premier its report on New Jersey’s transportation, water and energy infrastructure, highlighting critical gaps, needs and funding recommendations. The audience will then shift gears and take a look at the innovative strategies being used in New York City and Washington, D.C. to address aging infrastructure in a new way, while encouraging future-oriented, sustainable redevelopment.

Instructors:

Michael Catania

As New Jersey faces one of its most significant rebuilding challenges in decades, communities and whole regions have the opportunity to envision what their futu ... more

As New Jersey faces one of its most significant rebuilding challenges in decades, communities and whole regions have the opportunity to envision what their futures will look like and build toward this vision. John Fregonese has been a planner for 30 years, where he has earned the reputation of being able both to create an energizing vision for communities and to develop concrete, workable solutions to urban problems. He will discuss with this New Jersey audience strategies for how to continue to redevelop in a way that is resilient to future flooding and water events.

Instructors:

John Fregonese

In his recently released book FIT, Robert Geddes argues that buildings, landscapes, and cities should be designed to fit: fit the purpose, fit the place, fit fu ... more

In his recently released book FIT, Robert Geddes argues that buildings, landscapes, and cities should be designed to fit: fit the purpose, fit the place, fit future possibilities. The concept of fit replaces old paradigms such as form follows function and less is more by recognizing that the relationship between architecture and society is dynamic, complex, and, if carried out with knowledge and skill, richly rewarding. We all live in constructions – buildings, landscapes, and, increasingly, cities – and the book invites architects, planners, civic leaders and others to reconsider what is at stake in architecture and why great design delights us. Join the author and panelists for a lively discussion about the role of architecture and design in the context of redevelopment.

Instructors:

James Constantine FAICP

Several years before Hurricane Sandy, the foreclosure storm hit New Jersey fast and furious and the state is still reeling in its aftermath. Though significant ... more

Several years before Hurricane Sandy, the foreclosure storm hit New Jersey fast and furious and the state is still reeling in its aftermath. Though significant progress has been made and lessons have been learned, there is still more work to do. This session will provide up-to-date statistics and analysis of the foreclosure landscape in the state, what programs and initiatives are in place to restore individual financial and housing security as well as neighborhood and community resiliency, and opportunities and partnerships available to ensure the long-term sustainability of those efforts. The panel will also reflect on which initiatives have been the most effective and what kinds of programs are needed going forward.

Instructors:

Anthony Marchetta

The devastation from hurricane Sandy left communities facing a myriad of rebuilding challenges. The short-term response is well-underway as property owners and ... more

The devastation from hurricane Sandy left communities facing a myriad of rebuilding challenges. The short-term response is well-underway as property owners and local officials seek a return to basic functionality; thinking about longer-term rebuilding for resilience is just beginning. This panel will start with an assessment of the storm’s damage to the built environment and the opportunities for making communities stronger and safer. Then panelists will explore the planning and redevelopment tools appropriate for various types and stages of rebuilding, and how they can be applied to address community needs, such as to update building codes, serve lower-income residents, finance infrastructure upgrades, streamline permitting, improve community design and retreat from vulnerable areas. New Jersey examples will be provided and the lessons offered will apply statewide.

Instructors:

Stanley Slachetka AICP