South Jersey Suburb Seeks Redevelopment, Attracts Controversy

The controversies emerging from Cherry Hill, New Jersey will likely strike a familiar chord for many Americans.

1 minute read

August 29, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Covered Bridge

The Scarborough Bridge—a wooden covered bridge in the Barclay Farms neighborhood of Cherry Hill, New Jersey—was built in 1959. | John / Flickr

Kevin Riordan reports from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where "Mayor Chuck Cahn's redevelopment strategies, largely focused on the township's older portions west of I-295, have angered some residents."

Two controversies in particular have been notable:

Earlier this year, fierce opposition deflated the administration's trial balloons for erecting a new town hall on Kings Highway and for encouraging high-density residential development near Park Boulevard.

And in July, after unanimous township council approval of a zoning code amendment that will permit gas stations as part of redevelopment projects on six west side tracts, some opponents shouted "shame" in the packed council chamber.

The redevelopment activities of the Cherry Hill City Council and mayor have prompted the creation of group local activists called Cherry Hill United, which faults the city government for "serving the needs of developers and chasing commercial tax ratables at the expense of residential neighborhoods," as Riordan describes their grievances.

The Cherry Hill experience offers a case study in suburban redevelopment politics—in this case, the city has passed through several development eras while still flourishing.

Sunday, August 28, 2016 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

2 hours ago - SD News

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

3 hours ago - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

4 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA