Hudson County Strategic Revitalization Plan

HEYER, GRUEL & ASSOCIATES served as the consultant to Hudson County in connection with the preparation of the Hudson County Urban Complex Strategic Revitalization Plan.  The Plan received a National Sustainable Communities Award from the National Association of Counties and the US Conference of Mayors and the 1999 NJAPA Outstanding Planning Award for Comprehensive Planning. The Plan was also the first Regional Plan endorsed by the New Jersey State Planning Commission. 

The Hudson County Urban Complex consists of the 12 municipalities which comprise Hudson County.  The Plan provides a coordinated approach to directing public and private investments.  It isolates key issues affecting growth in the County, assesses the capability of the County and its municipalities to address the issues and establishes specific action strategies. 

The Plan proposes a three tiered approach to revitalization that focuses on economic development, labor force, and quality of life.  Key priorities include: 

•  Completion of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit system and associated station improvements, clean up of contaminated sites and promoting tourism.

• Addressing the changing employment market and the skills gap to meet future employment needs.

•  Improving housing conditions and public education, providing additional parks and recreation amenities and improving health and social services.

The Plan was prepared through an extensive public outreach process.  The process established an open dialogue between the municipalities and County and resulted in a consensus on major issues and the desired future for the County.