Understanding the important role transportation plays in the local economy, Passaic County recently completed a study to identify priority locations where strategic infrastructure investments could help spur private investment, development and redevelopment.
Adam Bradford, a supervising planner with Passaic County, presented on the study and its recommendations at the NJTPA’s Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) meeting on August 12. The Passaic County Strategic Infrastructure Investment Plan is among five studies that were completed in June with funding from the NJTPA’s Subregional Studies Program.
The County evaluated socio-economic and market trends to identify economic strengths and constraints, growth industries and the needs of underserved communities. Data analysis considered land uses, population and employment and stakeholders and the public were also engaged to help select five priority investment areas. A vision was developed for each of the five areas, along with recommended actions and strategies to help implement them. The five areas are:
Pompton Lakes – Wanaque Avenue
The vision for this area is to create a vibrant downtown, for people to live, work and visit. Key recommendations are improving vehicular and pedestrian access to the parking lot west of Wanaque Avenue; exploring sidewalk widening to improve walkability and create an opportunity for sidewalk cafes and public spaces; add bike lanes; and slow down traffic to make it safer for people walking and biking.
Wayne – Route 23 Willowbrook
The vision for this area focuses on leveraging the strengths of Willowbrook Mall, the Mountain View Train Station and Wayne Route 23 Transit Center to create a regional destination. Recommendations include improving bus circulation between the three sites, improving pedestrian access between Willowbrook Mall and surrounding properties; and adding bike lanes, particularly near the two train stations. Bradford said. Walkability around the Mountain View Train Station could be improved by addressing issues like multiple driveways, signage, and traffic.
Clifton – Route 3
Route 3 is the major corridor that runs through the south part of Passaic County but is more like an interstate than a state route, Bradford said, with lots of traffic, high speeds, three lanes and all kinds of buses. Existing bus stops are on small triangular islands which are part of on- and off-ramp areas but have no protections to prevent commuters from getting hit if a vehicle came up onto the island. The vision for this area is to consolidate driveway access to businesses to improve traffic flow and safety, explore bus route improvements to make it safer for riders and pedestrians walking to stops, and fill in missing sidewalks.
Paterson – Hospital complex
The vision for this area is to grow St. Joseph’s University Medical Center into a world-class health campus, encouraging investment in complementary businesses and services. The recommendations also call for road safety improvements to make it easy for people to get to the hospital for treatment or work, creating a network of bicycle lanes, and exploring the feasibility of a train station.
Paterson – Presidential Boulevard
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Recommendations for this area capitalize on key tourist destinations like the Great Falls National Historic Park and the recently renovated Hinchliffe Stadium, with the goal of creating passive and active recreational opportunities along the Passaic River. The vision includes a mixed-use waterfront, that in addition to recreation, would feature housing and commercial amenities. Recommendations also include resiliency measures to address flooding, and improving freight movements between nearby highways, like Interstate 80, and warehouses and industrial complexes in the Bunker Hill industrial area.
The final report is available on the
NJTPA’s Subregional Studies page here.