Building Mobility, Building Prosperity

June 30th, 2025 by Zeke Weston

Transportation is more than infrastructure—it’s a foundation for economic vitality and community well-being. In cities and towns across the globe, the quality and accessibility of transportation systems shape not only how people get from point A to point B, but also how they access opportunities for employment, education, and recreation. Strategic investments in transportation not only reduce commute times and ease congestion; they also serve as powerful engines for economic growth and community development.

A panel titled “Building Mobility, Building Prosperity: How Transportation Investments Fuel Community and Economic Development” addressed just the intersectionality of transportation investments at the 2025 NJ Planning and Redevelopment Conference, hosted by New Jersey Future and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Panelists brought a broad range of experiences to the discussion, and an even greater depth of on-the-ground experience. They included: moderator Veronica Murphy, Director of Community Development for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT); Dan Benson, County Executive for Mercer County; Susan Favate, Principal for BFJ Planning; Patrick Terborg, Managing Member for TD+Partners; and Tiffany Robinson, Trails Network Manager for the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition (NJBWC).

In his presentation, Dan Benson provided an insightful overview of the transportation opportunities and initiatives currently transforming Mercer County. He emphasized how strategic investments in transportation infrastructure will improve the region’s connectivity and stimulate local economic growth, revitalizing communities across the area.

One of the projects he highlighted was the revitalization of the Johnson Trolley Trail (JTT), a former trolley line now being repurposed to serve the mobility needs of modern-day Mercer County. By transforming old rail corridors into pedestrian and cycling trails, the project aims to reconnect the region’s communities, offering increased mobility and economic development opportunities. A key challenge within the area is the division caused by I-295, which cuts through the communities of Lawrence and Ewing. This physical barrier has hindered the ease of movement between these neighborhoods. To address this, the county plans to build a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over I-295 along the JTT to help unify these communities. With a $25 million investment by the NJDOT for the bridge’s design and a commitment from the county to maintain the bridge, this project marks a significant step toward making Mercer County more accessible and connected for all road users.

Susan Favate shared her perspective on how municipalities approach transportation investments and the vital role transportation plays in shaping our communities. While Favate is not a transportation planner by profession, her background in land use planning gives her unique insights into how transportation intersects with broader community development efforts. Favate emphasized that transportation impacts everyone, every day. This universal influence is why she integrates transportation planning into all her land-use projects. She highlighted how even streetscape improvements, such as sidewalk upgrades or better street lighting, qualify as transportation investments, as they enhance how people move through spaces, whether by foot, bike, or car. Another key point in Favate’s presentation addressed the needs of people with mobility challenges. Inclusive transportation planning ensures that all individuals, regardless of ability, can access public spaces and move through communities safely and comfortably.

One of the projects Favate highlighted was the Red Bank Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project, focusing on the redevelopment plan surrounding the town’s train station. Earlier in June, the planning board passed the redevelopment plan, which is set to transform the area into a more vibrant and accessible community hub. As part of the negotiations, the project was scaled back from six stories to a maximum of five, which will help balance density with the neighborhood’s character. Another significant change is the transformation of surface parking lots, which will be converted into a public open space, providing much-needed green space for the community. A major advantage of the development is the developer’s flexibility throughout the process, allowing for adjustments based on feedback and negotiations. However, the location presents challenges for pedestrian safety, as the train station is at grade level, meaning the train tracks are at street level, increasing the risk of accidents. To address these safety concerns, streetscape improvements will be a priority, ensuring pedestrians can safely navigate the area as the redevelopment takes shape.

Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan

Patrick Terborg’s presentation provided a valuable look into the developer’s viewpoint on how transportation investments shape urban and suburban development. He focused on Net-Zero TOD, the concept that TOD projects do not create new emissions because they offset the same amount of emissions as they emit, and the critical role public-private partnerships play in driving projects that enhance mobility, sustainability, and community revitalization. In doing so, Terborg highlighted the Transit Park initiative in Plainfield, New Jersey, located near the city’s train station. This project aims to revitalize the area surrounding the train station, making it more accessible and appealing to both residents and commuters. As part of the plan, the front of the train station will be transformed into a pedestrian walkway, making it easier for people to access the station and the surrounding areas. Additionally, 60 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed, helping to promote sustainable transportation options and support the growing adoption of EVs. Ultimately, the Transit Park project aims to activate the downtown area around the train station, turning it into a dynamic hub of activity.

Terborg emphasized that one of the most essential trade-offs in this type of development is the balance between less parking and more walkability. The goal is to reduce dependence on cars by making the area more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging people to rely more on public transportation. The shift to public transportation benefits the environment and brings people together, creating a more lively and accessible community. For developers, reducing parking spaces can lead to more affordable and efficient land use. Still, careful planning is required to ensure that transit options are robust enough to meet the needs of residents.

Tiffany Robinson’s presentation highlighted the transformative potential of trail networks in improving transportation access and providing new opportunities for mobility. Robinson emphasized that trails are not just recreational assets—they are critical pieces of transportation infrastructure that can help connect communities, reduce reliance on vehicles, and enhance quality of life for residents. One of the significant initiatives Robinson discussed was the North Jersey Trails Network (NJTN), which envisions a comprehensive regional trail system throughout North Jersey. With a population of 4.1 million, the region offers vast potential for increasing transportation access through well-designed trails. By providing safer, more accessible routes for walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized transportation, the NJTN aims to offer practical alternatives to driving.

To bring this vision to life, NJTN has partnered with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), a national organization dedicated to transforming unused rail corridors into multi-use trails. However, Robinson emphasized that successful trail development requires more than external partnerships. Planning trails with the community, not just for them, is crucial. This means working closely with residents to understand their needs and desires, ensuring that trails are built where people actually want to go, rather than where planners assume they should be. In addition to community engagement, Robinson stressed the importance of involving other key stakeholders, such as developers, consultants, and local businesses, in the planning process. This collaboration helps ensure that trail networks are well integrated into the broader fabric of the community and aligned with local goals. One of the key aspects of this initiative is the creation of criteria to identify opportunity corridors—specific areas where trail infrastructure could have the most significant impact on access and quality of life. By prioritizing investments in these corridors, NJTN can maximize the benefits of trail networks for communities that would benefit the most from improved transportation options.