Emerging Centers

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Raritan Sustainable Economic Development Plan

The Borough of Raritan sought assistance with creating a Sustainable Economic Development Plan to help maintain and expand existing employment and economic activity in the Downtown. 

This project resulted in the creation of the Downtown Raritan Vision Plan, Downtown Redevelopment Plan and an Implementation Toolbox. The Plan is a 10-year economic, land-use and multi-modal vision for Downtown Raritan. The documents were created through extensive community engagement. 

The Vision Plan presents a people-centered approach to economic development, with the goal of advancing projects that support both existing and new residents. It calls for creating inclusive public spaces that welcome people of all ages and abilities; for new development that respects the community's character; and strengthening the Borough's relations with existing and future businesses.

The Redevelopment Plan provides the regulatory framework necessary to implement many of the Vision Plan's recommendations.

The Implementation Toolbox will help guide the Borough and partners in implementing the Vision Plan. It includes specific action items and steps for completing them. 

     A conceptual drawing of a parklet on Somerset Street.
 

Planning for Emerging Centers Program Overview:

The Planning for Emerging Centers Program, managed by the NJTPA, provides technical assistance to municipalities for the development of local policies, regulations and planning activities that promote transit-supportive and pedestrian-oriented development and redevelopment. The goal of the program is to advance local sustainable transportation and land use planning that benefits the region’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

Local studies supported under the program will involve robust participation from stakeholders and the public, as well as implementing agencies at the municipal, regional, and state level (such as the NJ Department of Transportation, NJ TRANSIT, Transportation Management Associations, and counties). Recommendations produced from these studies shall be consistent with the NJTPA Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and advance actions identified by the Together North Jersey (TNJ) Plan.

The Planning for Emerging Centers Program will address increased demand for diverse, mixed‐use development that supports transit, bicycling and walking as well as implement the strategies and actions developed through the TNJ planning process. The NJTPA Planning for Emerging Centers Program works cooperatively with and advances the goals of the Transit Friendly Program administered by NJ TRANSIT and the NJDOT Transit Village Program.