Morristown is competing for bragging rights as northern New Jersey’s favorite downtown. Hoboken, Jersey City and Montclair are the other finalists, in a state planning contest. You can vote here through Sept. 26, 2014.
The winner will be announced in October by the state chapter of the American Planning Association, which will award a plaque .
A panel of pro planners chose the finalists from downtowns nominated by the public last month. Criteria included:
- How well each downtown functions as the centerpiece in the everyday life of the community
- Its reputation for excellence beyond the community’s boundaries
- Its vitality during the day, in the evening and on weekends
- Accessible parking and transportation alternatives
- Support from the community to attract, retain and grow businesses
“These communities really embody what good planning is about, and it’s clear from the nearly 5,000 votes we’ve received so far that residents from all throughout the state have a strong opinion,” said APA-NJ President Charles Latini Jr., in a statement. “Congratulations to each finalist on this achievement.”
Read on for more about the competition, from the planning association.
PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS ASK PUBLIC TO VOTE FOR THEIR FAVORITE NJ DOWNTOWN
Nearly 5,000 Votes Cast in Five Days
New Brunswick, NJ (August 25, 2014) – The New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NJ) announced on Friday the 10 finalists for the 2014 People’s Choice awards for Great Downtowns in New Jersey. The competition is open to public vote for the favorite in each of the Northern, Central and Southern Areas of New Jersey.
A panel of planning professionals selected the finalists from downtowns nominated by the public throughout the month of July. In reviewing the nominations, the panel considered how well each downtown excels in the characteristics of a great downtown, including how well it functions as the centerpiece in the everyday life of the community; its reputation for excellence beyond the community’s boundaries; its vitality during the day, in the evening and on weekends; accessible parking and transportation alternatives; and support from the community to attract, retain and grow businesses.
“These communities really embody what good planning is about, and it’s clear from the nearly 5,000 votes we’ve received so far that residents from all throughout the state have a strong opinion,” said APA-NJ President Charles Latini, Jr., AICP. “Congratulations to each finalist on this achievement.”
“The People’s Choice competition offers an excellent opportunity for your favorite downtown to be recognized,” said Linda E. Wills, AICP, APA-NJ Great Places Chair. “APA-NJ will present plaques to the three winning downtowns at local award ceremonies and add them to
the map of Great Places in New Jersey at njplanning.org/about/
Voting is open at njplanning.org/news/peoples-
People’s Choice Awards 2014 Finalists
Northern New Jersey
• Hoboken
• Historic Downtown Jersey City
• Montclair Center
• Downtown Morristown
Central New Jersey
• Downtown Asbury Park
• Downtown Red Bank
• Downtown Somerville
Southern New Jersey
• Downtown Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
• Glasstown Arts District, Millville
• Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
The American Planning Association-New Jersey Chapter is a not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA-NJ and its parent organization, the American Planning Association (APA), are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning — physical, economic, and social — so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people’s lives. For more information, visit planning.org and njplanning.org.
