The NJTPA selected Boonton to participate in its Planning for Emerging Centers Program, which provides technical assistance to municipalities that seek to create more sustainable, transit-supportive and walkable communities.

The goal of this work is to be recognized by the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Transit Village Initiative, which creates incentives for municipalities to redevelop or revitalize areas around transit stations. The program aims to create vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods where people can live, work and play without relying solely on automobiles.

Boonton wants to establish a central transit zone district as part of its overall transportation vision for the community. This would include parking, circulation and other regulatory changes for the entire downtown. The goal is to increase usage of the NJ TRANSIT passenger rail station and find redevelopment opportunities that would support the downtown and station area. The planning process will include significant public and stakeholder outreach.

Through the Planning for Emerging Centers Program, the NJTPA provides consultant and staff support to municipalities to conduct planning studies that aim to integrate transportation into land development plans; for planning around transit facilities; for climate change and sustainability plans; and for the transportation circulation element of master plans, which include vehicular, bus, bicycle and pedestrian movements.

Boonton is one of three municipalities the NJTPA has selected to receive support from a consultant team led by Group Melvin Design, a Camden-based planning and urban design firm that specializes in building sustainable communities.  The NJTPA is also offering staff and consultant support to the Borough of Freehold in Monmouth County and Green Brook Township in Somerset County.

Project Resources:

• Boonton Flyer (PDF)
• Boonton PEC press release (PDF)
• Exhibit A Sow Emerging Centers (PDF)
• NJTPA RFP (PDF)