Somerset County’s Office of Planning, Policy, and Economic Development gave an Excellence in Planning Award to the Borough of Raritan, NJTPA and consultant FHI Studios for the Raritan Sustainable Economic Development Plan.
The Somerset County Planning Board announced the 2021 Land Development and Planning Awards this week. The Raritan study was among four projects that were recognized.
“We hope the public recognition of these projects will inspire residents and local leaders to support eco-friendly and sound land development and planning,” said Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano in a statement. “With efficient and sustainable land development we can continue to advance an eco-friendly infrastructure, optimize our land use for future land preservation, and save money when we have efficient and sustainable communities.”
The plan, completed in June 2021, was funded through the NJTPA’s Planning for Emerging Centers Program, which provides technical assistance to help municipalities create more sustainable, transit-supportive and walkable communities, as well as develop comprehensive approaches to strategic planning at the local level.
The Borough of Raritan sought assistance with creating a plan to help maintain and expand existing downtown employment and economic activity. The plan resulted in the creation of three documents:
- Downtown Raritan Vision Plan, which presents a people-centered approach to economic development, with the goal of advancing projects that support both existing and new residents.
- Downtown Redevelopment Plan, a regulatory framework to help implement the Vision Plan.
- Implementation Toolbox, action items and steps to help guide the Borough and its partners in implementing the Vision Plan.
The Planning for Emerging Centers Program will be accepting applications for the next round of funding shortly. Information about the solicitation will be posted at njtpa.org/PEC.