Main
streets and town centers
are the economic hubs
of New Jersey. They
bring together a variety
of workers, making
it possible for the
exchange of information
and goods. A town with
a strong core encourages
development of retail
and cultural institutions
that create a lively
neighborhood with a
high "quality of place."
They help boost real
estate values while
making it easier to
get around without
a car, thereby reducing
stress on our road
system. NJFIT supports
reinvesting in New
Jersey's downtowns.
A
variety of businesses
are drawn to the
walkable, community-oriented
downtown in Washington
Borough, Warren County,
NJ.
Downtowns
spur economic growth
The way downtowns manage transportation
needs has a big impact on their success
as economically viable and livable towns.
Thousands of workers need to commute
to work every day. Materials must be
delivered to factories and finished goods
to markets. Compact, mixed-use development
increases companies' accessibility to
labor, materials and sites which reduce
their transportation costs.
Vibrant urban centers
and markets are signs
of economic vitality.
Studies have shown that
more compact areas - particularly
those served by efficiently
integrated transportation
systems - enjoy higher
productivity levels, employment
rates and median incomes.
Walkable downtowns are
good for people and business
Communities that invest in the improvement
of walking conditions and downtown areas
see significant increases in retail sales
and property values. These improvements
help the local economy and make a pleasant,
lively safe neighborhood with a high
quality of life for the people who live
and work there.
Strong
downtowns benefit
the
entire region
When central city income grows and poverty
decreases, metropolitan areas experience
an increase in incomes, housing prices
and municipal revenues. On the other
hand, when urban centers are left to
decay, the entire region is weakened.
A recent study found
that states with
higher-density counties
are more productive
on a state level.
Since
the New Jersey
Performing Arts
Center (NJPAC)
opened in Newark
in 1997, millions
of people have
come to visit.
The building is
designed to encourage
foot traffic and
has improved the
public's impression
of Newark. According
to National
Redevelopment Real
Estate, in 1997,
only 20 percent
of office buildings
in Newark's downtown
were occupied;
by 2001, 80 percent
were occupied.
The
Tools and Case Studies best
associated with the
Economic
Vitality FITness goal is
listed below in the drop
down boxes. Achieving this
goal is possible through
the application of
various tools and programs.
