(Photo: Taken by Studio Team at Lincoln Street in Jersey City, NJ)
MASTER OF CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING
Edward J. Bloustein:
School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers University | May 2023
New Brunswick, New Jersey
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
University of Connecticut | May 2019
Storrs, Connecticut
Urban Planning
Site and data analysis
Team collaboration
Street design/circulation
Stakeholder engagement
Public presentation
CENTRAL AVENUE SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
MANAGEMENT CORPORATION - Jersey City, NJ
Rutgers University Studio Team, September - December 2022
• Created a mixed-use development prospectus for a block
• Produced a scope of work and vision for the project
• Understood surrounding land use and zoning
• Engaged community and local developers
• Delivered research and recommendations in a cohesive ArcGIS Story Map presentation
TIGHE AND BOND - Shelton, CT
Software • Adobe InDesign
• ArcGIS & ArcGIS StoryMaps • Sketchup • AutoCAD & Microstation • Microsoft Office Suite
Infraworks
Transportation & Land Use Engineer, August 2019 - May 2021
•Developed “road diet” traffic safety concept plans
•Evaluated mobility and transit accessibility in CT neighborhoods
•Conducted traffic corridor studies, analyzed traffic volumes
•Illustrated temporary traffic control plans for road work
•Completed aerial mapping of project infrastructure
(Photo: Taken by Studio Team at Thorne Street in Jersey City, NJ)
Freedom Fountain - Princeton, NJ
(Photo source: Google Maps)
The public realm design in cities can often be lacking and fails to encourage interaction between public and private spaces.
(Dashed lines indicate pedestrian footpaths through building interiors)
The purpose of this assignment was to enhance the existing plaza in Princeton, NJ through an active environment that results in a seamless transition between building interiors and the outdoors. The above drawing reflects how building edges can be oriented toward open spaces to encourage pedestrian engagement, thereby activating previously underutilized areas and creating an attractive place.
Existing Open Space
Existing Parking/Transit
Networks of infrastructure define the built environment, and open space is a crucial determinant of the functionality of urban form at the pedestrian scale. The graphics above display existing vs potential open spaces in downtown Bloomfield, NJ identified within a quarter mile radius. The existing open space in the urban core is minimal, especially compared to the excessive amount of surface lot parking in Bloomfield. Empty parking lots can be converted to public gathering spaces and sustainable development near the transit station can be encouraged to promote a healthy, walkable community.
Proposed Open Spaces
A 3D rendering completed using SketchUp and Photoshop to graphically convey a vision for a lively campus destination. The downtown College Avenue campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ lacks a central place for students to gather and spend time together.
Image
Some of the most significant buildings (the library, gym, student center) fail to produce an inviting atmosphere that is safe and accessible. This vision illustrates a potential redesign of College Avenue that produces adequate green space, lighting, and circulation for pedestrians that creates a welcoming environment.
Infill Redevelopment Project in Norris Square in North Philadelphia
• Historically industrial area that is economically disinvested
• Vacant lots and deteriorating conditions
Mission Statement
Create a more active, engaging, and fun urban corridor through mixed-use development and unique pedestrian spaces.
Strategies
1. 2. 3.
Create a pedestrian network through green space site anchors.
Provide active and dynamic design for pedestrians.
1940s Industrial beginnings
Site Analysis & Goals
Create a sense of place along the corridor.
1950s - 1970s
Population Decline, loss of industry
Major nodes and points of interest were identified to understand travel patterns and significant corridors surrounding the Norris Square neighborhood.
Regional flooding and minimal green space will require sufficient stormwater infrastructure.
Identified New Unique Spaces
Key Site Features
• Reduced block width
• Increased ped access and newly discovered paths, similar to the Atlanta beltline
• Engaging, active, walkable
• Placemaking hubs
Environmental Features
• Green buildings and roofs
• Bioswales and improved stormwater drainage
• Increased green space and dynamic terrain
Intersection of new and old
Placemaking hubs,
Outdoor seating/dining
Engaging, active environments
Curved paths, dynamic terrain
This design charrette like process helped the team visualize the importance of building edges and creating a sense of safety and enclosure.
Source: Terrain NYC
Source: Newline Skateparks
Source: Paseo Verde Apts
Source: RDC. Firm
Source: NACTO
A holistic analysis of Camden, NJ was conducted to better understand land use patterns, existing environmental conditions, and future implications.
Camden, a former industrial and manufacturing hub in South Jersey has experienced decades of economic disinvestment and population decline, spurred by the historic period of deindustrialization and decentralization of cities. This has resulted in a geographic segregation of race and ethnicity.
This study illuminated environmental hazard areas in Camden which can be remediated and repurposed through brownfield redevelopment.
1970 2021
60% White
39% Black
16% White
43% Black
31% Other
(Source: US Census & Social Explorer)
This population distribution indicates the high concentration of residents in Camden City compared to the rest of Camden County. Given the overburdened nature of the city and its higher intensity land use, more efforts must be made to rectify its issues.
The historic practice of urban renewal has stripped away the spirit of formerly successful urban cores and has resulted in piecemeal development patterns. This has led to the construction of many surface parking lots that dominate the landscape, but there lies significant potential to develop these areas.
The Central Avenue Special Improvement District has requested the studio team to redevelop Block 2901, a three-acre site with surface parking, into a mixed-use development with a parking garage.
Transform the project site into a vibrant mixed-use hub, providing parking, which will facilitate economic and community development in the Heights, Jersey City.
Strategies
1. 2. 3. Present design options for the project site. Emphasize the project site as a destination.
Engage stakeholders and community members.
• Interpret land use and zoning in the neighborhood to understand existing regulations.
• Compile comparable developments for design inspiration.
• Research street design and placemaking strategies
• Parklets
• Pop-up shops
• Food trucks
• Shared streets
• Dynamic public space
• Temporary Markets
• Conduct a thorough site analysis and understand resident use patterns of the block.
• Explore intersection safety and curb management methods.
• Illegal/double parking
• Lack of loading zones
• Pedestrian safety
Solutions
• Flexible parking/loading zones
• Dedicated transit and bike lanes
• Curb extensions at intersections
• Engage local developers and stakeholders to understand development trends and what is financially feasible at the site.
• Create, format, and deliver final ArcGIS Story Map presentation with recommendations to client.
Story Map presentation can be accessed here.
URL for reference: https://arcg.is/ezeeu
Story Map presentation can be accessed here.
Development trends