"So, all of the areas of New Jersey have the potential for growth, although it might not be explosive growth. For instance, I spoke recently with a woman from Einstein's Alley [a forum aimed at creating jobs and stimulating innovation and economic development in Central New Jersey]. She said they're not aiming for big companies, they're dealing with small companies with a lot to offer that could make this a more desirable place to locate. That's very important growth, but it's not exponential growth.

"Major growth could come in North Jersey, and when we say North Jersey, we're thinking of the economic engines in Newark and Hoboken. What you don't want to see in North Jersey is decline. You have to think of how to add growth to an already built-up, congested area, and build up and add growth in such a way that you're filling in spaces and making spaces more functional. In other words, adding to the transit potential and so forth. Those would be positive steps to take as North Jersey grows.

"Jersey City has had a lot of success recently, and in Newark there's a lot of expectation on the mayor to drive interest and drive growth. Up north, you have the financial institutions, telecommunications and the port. The port is the number one economic driver in New Jersey. In the North, sprawl is contained by the Highlands, which are protected, and that makes redevelopment of older buildings and spaces more attractive.

"Each region has its own strengths and benefits. We've been looking at regions for all kinds of growth potential, their constraints, their need for infrastructure investment. And how you sustain growth and balance it with other needs is what quality of life is all about."