Launched this year, Great Places in New Jersey recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces - three essential components of great communities. These places represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historic interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.

1. MEET APA-NJ’S
GREAT PLACES IN
NEW JERSEY 2012
Celebrating Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces

2. Downtown Bordentown, Bordentown City, Burlington County  Great Neighborhood
Bordentown has retained its downtown’s strong historic character while shaping it into a
high quality, mixed-use neighborhood with excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

3. Downtown Frenchtown, Frenchtown Borough, Hunterdon County  Great Neighborhood
Located on the Delaware River, Frenchtown’s historic downtown offers charming shops and
restaurants that grow its tourist trade, as well as a variety of housing types.

4. Pier Village, Long Branch City, Monmouth County  Great Neighborhood
From the ashes of a major fire that destroyed Long Branch Pier in 1987, Pier Village has
risen as a stunning beach front neighborhood with stores, restaurants and other walkable
amenities for residents and visitors alike.

5. Grove Street Plaza, Jersey City, Hudson County  Great Public Place
Grove Street Plaza, adjacent to the PATH station, has been transformed into a new center
for the cultural and political life of downtown Jersey City. Watch the local ABC News
story: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=8452640&syndicate=syndicate&section.

6. Waverly & Lincoln Places, Madison Borough, Morris County  Great Public Place
As the hub of downtown Madison, Waverly and Lincoln Places boom with bustling stores,
entertainment venues, restaurants and regular outdoor events.

7. Historic Perth Amboy Waterfront, Perth Amboy City, Middlesex County  Great Public Place
Capitalizing on its spectacular views of Raritan Bay and Staten Island, the Perth Amboy
waterfront offers a wide range of recreation opportunities and well-preserved historic
features that shine with local pride.

8. Broad Street, Hopewell Borough, Mercer County  Great Street
Through sound planning and the combined efforts of local officials, business owners,
and residents, Hopewell has retained Broad Street’s historic character while ushering it
into a new era of prosperity.

9. Church Street, Montclair City, Essex County  Great Street
Just two blocks long, Church Street still manages to excel in all of the elements of a
Great Street. Visitors following the S-curve route enjoy the streetscape as it unfolds.

10. A special thanks to the Great Places in New Jersey judges:
Jef Buehler, State Coordinator, Main Street New Jersey & Improvement
District Programs
Dan Kennedy, AICP/PP, Deputy Director, NJ Office for Planning Advocacy
Charles Latini, Jr., AICP/PP, APA-NJ Chapter President and Principal,
LGH Planning LLC
Debbie Lawlor, FAICP/PP, Region I Commissioner, American Institute of
Certified Planners
Tony Nelessen, M. ArchUD, PP, CNU, Associate Professor, Rutgers
Michael Sullivan, AICP/PP, APA-NJ Urban Design Committee
Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Director, Arts Build Communities, Rutgers
Linda Wills, AICP/PP, LEED Green Associate, Great Places Committee Chair
APA-NJ Great Places Committee:
Linda Wills, AICP/PP, Chair
Bonnie Flynn, AICP/PP, Chapter Secretary
Charles Latini, Jr., AICP/PP, Chapter President
Committee support: Sheena Collum, Executive Director
& Grant Hall, Intern, Ramapo College
Know of a great place in New Jersey? Nominate it in 2013!