The Leaders in Economic Development

May 31st, 2006 by New Jersey Future staff

Those seeking new jobs and economic growth for New Jersey can learn much from seven role models for smarter growth to be recognized June 6 in Newark by New Jersey Future.

Matrix Development Group and Wachovia Bank NA will share New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Leadership Award for their partnership in relocating Wachovia’s regional headquarters to a $15.7 million development in the heart of Trenton, in collaboration with the city and the Economic Development Corporation of Trenton, and their ongoing commitment to smart growth.

A community group from Camden’s Parkside neighborhood, Hillier Architecture, and the city’s planning department will be recognized for spearheading a participatory neighborhood planning process and creating a plan to revitalize the neighborhood’s retail, housing and open spaces.

New Jersey City University, along with A. Nelessen Associates and KSS Architects, will be honored for their plan to transform an abandoned industrial site into academic, retail, and community spaces within walking distance of public transit.

Other awards will be presented for creative affordable housing, historic building reuse, infill neighborhood design and main street revitalization, all representing the best in New Jersey redevelopment and smarter growth.

SMART GROWTH AWARDS PRESENTED JUNE 6
The developers, citizens and communities leading New Jersey toward long-term prosperity through smarter growth will be celebrated on June 6 at the Newark Club, as part of a fifth anniversary celebration of smart growth success.

The winning projects offer the best of leadership in economic development that aims at long-term prosperity by demonstrating at least five of seven smart growth criteria: Located near existing development and infrastructure; increases range of housing options; creates or enhances a vibrant mix of uses (residential, retail, office); protects open space, farmland and critical environmental areas; creates or enhances choices for getting around; walkable, designed for activities at the street level that encourage personal interaction; and respects community character, design and historic features.

Winners are selected from a statewide public nomination process by an independent jury of professional developers, architects, planners and redevelopment experts.