South Jersey Suburb Seeks Redevelopment, Attracts Controversy

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.