New Jersey
Wind Farm Proposal off New Jersey Shoreline Draws Controversy
An independent analysis insists that Fishermen's Energy's 30-megawatt wind farm project could cause a statewide economic disaster, writes Tom Johnson.
Debating Urban Transit Tax Credits
New Jersey's Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit provided $1.5 billion in incentives for 13 projects, garnering mixed opinions over the past two years. Intended to build communities a half mile from transit, some question if it even works.
Toll Increase Pushes Commuters Into Transit
The Port Authority of N.Y & N.J toll increase on Hudson River bridges and tunnels causes a 4% drop in vehicles and 3.7% increase in PATH train ridership despite fare increase; 3/5% increase in E-Z pass usage, and 20% increase in toll revenue.
Senate Approves Federal Funding for NJ Rail Tunnel
Despite cancelling the ARC Tunnel project last year, New Jersey may build an alternative tunnel using U.S. Senate funding.
Cleaning Up the Tri-State's Toxic Rivers
Passaic River, the Hudson River, the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek all share the dubious distinction of hosting Superfund sites, where industry polluted the river. MetroFocus has a look at cleanup strategies.
New Jersey Parks Get Partially Privatized
A new plan from Governor Christie involves the state retaining control over the parks but contract with non-profit and business partners for services.
Camden Employers Incentivizing Middle-Class Homeownership
Last week, local officials announced that the troubled city's largest employers, including three hospitals and a university, will begin offering incentives to lure workers into buying homes in the area. Geoff Mulvihill reports.
Transferring Issue is 7 Line Extension's Downfall
According to Alon Levy, the 7 line extension from New York City to Secaucus, NJ will get workers "almost to their jobs," but not quite. It may seem trivial, but literature on the penalty of certain transfers may be pointing to failure.
New Jersey Governor Wants to Kill Smart Growth in the State
An overhaul of the New Jersey State Plan proposed by the Governor's office would eliminate the State Plan Policy Map, which designated growth areas and conservation in the state.
Reduced Toll Increase Continues NJ Bus Dead-Heading Problem
Because the Port Authority Bus Terminal lacks a garage, empty buses shuttle off to New Jersey for storage between the AM and PM commutes. The garage would have been funded by a higher toll, which NJ and NY governors rejected.
Controversial Bridge & Tunnel Toll Increases Take Effect
Over the vociferous objections of AAA, cash tolls on all Port Authority of NY & NJ bridges and tunnels jumped $4 on Sept. 18 to $12. However, discounts for electronic toll collection, low emission vehicles, and off-peak travel are considerable.
Struggles and Success in Two Neighboring Stadium Towns
Two neighboring towns -- one with a bustling soccer stadium and the other with a struggling minor league baseball stadium -- offer a story of changing times in the U.S.
Railroads Made Atlantic City a Reality
As a Northeast Corridor connection to Atlantic City goes beyond the planning stage, historian Dennis Niceler reminds locals that the existed solely because of the railroads.
New Jersey Gov. Scraps Rail, Invests in Mega-Mall Instead
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie defunded the construction of the ARC Tunnel (connecting NJ to NY via increased rail service), claiming that it was fiscally irresponsible. Now, Christie is using state funds to finance the construction of a mega-mall.
Transit-Oriented Tax Credits Nudge Company to Relocate
By relocating to a transit-adjacent building in New Jersey, electronics maker Panasonic has qualified for more than $100 million in tax credits from the state.
Development Authority Seizes Control of Boardwalk
Is Park Place next? In Atlantic City, the newly-created Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has taken control of the city's casino district.
"The Ugliest Damn Building in New Jersey"
"...and maybe America," added Gov. Christie. The building in question is Xanadu, a brightly-colord mall that was scheduled to open in 2007 and with almost $2 billion spent ran into financing problems. New investment may turn the project around.
Can A Failed Mega-Mall Un-Fail?
Officials in New Jersey are planning to revive a stalled megamall project called Xanadu. The New York Times asks a panel of experts whether the plan should move forward.
NJ Gov. Christie on the Hook for $271 Million
New Jersey owes the Feds $271 million for canceling the infamous, $9 billion Hudson River rail tunnel. The state was ordered to pay up in not-so-subtle terms by DOT Secretary LaHood.
A Parking Lot is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Smart growth proponents are fighting a New Jersey transit agency plan that would lease out dozens of parking facilities to private operators for 30 to 50 years.
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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