Neighborhood Planning
Orange, NJ
Rendering by Gateway Merchant Bank
Purpose and Goals
Build Consensus amongst our neighbors, illustrating our priorities for the Hospital Redevelopment Plan
Develop a Neighborhood Plan with our Priorities to Communicate to Developers, City Officials and Elected Officials
Replicate Consensus Building Workshop in other neighborhoods to develop specific neighborhood plans.
Influence City of Orange, Planning, Development and Political Action
In the City of Orange, NJ, a neighborhood plan could be a valuable tool for guiding future growth and development, particularly as it relates to housing, infrastructure, and community amenities. By involving residents in the planning process, the City of Orange can ensure that development aligns with the community's needs and desires.
Increase the likelihood that projects or solutions will be widely accepted
Create more effective solutions.
A Draw on local knowledge from a diverse group creates solutions that are practical and effective.
Improve citizens' knowledge and skills in problem solving.
Regular, ongoing discussions allow people to express concerns before problems become too big or out of control.
Increase trust in community organizations and governance.
Increased Acceptance and Sustainability
Community engagement provides organizations and decision-makers with valuable insights and perspectives, leading to better-informed and more effective decisions.
Benefits of Community Engagement
What We’ve Done So Far
Linking community engagement and consensus building with political action
Media
“Byron Nicholas is a professional city planner who lives a block away from the site. He said he only became aware of the project in late 2024, a few weeks before the city’s planning board gave its stamp of approval…”
“ I think having a gated community really sends a message to residents adjacent or in the perimeter of the site that they're not welcomed,” Nicholas said.
