The Right Public Involvement Process Arrives in New Jersey

As an increasing number of communities in New Jersey seek walk-able, neighborhood-based development as an alternative to sprawl, it is vital to involve the public in every facet of the planning process. To create the right redevelopment for a community, planners, developers, architects, engineers and elected officials must solicit the public to help influence the process. Whether it’s turning fading strip malls into vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods or reconnecting isolated neighborhoods to the surrounding fabric, residents should have a hand in ensuring a proposed development fits their community.We know this is a far cry from “business as usual” in many New Jersey communities, where developers have historically created housing tracts and strip malls by fighting for their rights under the state’s land use laws rather than obtaining the necessary buy-in from the community. It has resulted in an adversarial relationship between developers and host communities, where often the judicial system must ultimately decide if a ubiquitous big-box store or run-of-the-mill condo development can be constructed under the law. Often, an approval is met with community backlash aimed at whoever is sitting in the mayor’s office.

New Jersey municipalities should recognize that a strong working partnership with developers can enhance the final product, improving the local quality of life and the reputation of the community. We embrace a community planning process known as a “charrette.” You may have heard of it, as some towns and developers have used the term loosely to describe a public meeting or some basic form of community outreach.In reality, a charrette is much more. And it is finally coming to New Jersey.