One of the town’s largest development proposals in decades, targeting properties along the Speedwell Avenue corridor, required major amendments due to the economic downturn and the developer’s inability to finance the project. In addition, citizen concerns remained unresolved with regards to affordability, open space, sustainable design, and a proposed roadway realignment that created a super-block.

The redevelopment strategy was amended through an extensive analysis of underwriting assumptions and public private partnership agreements. Negotiating parameters were created based on land valuation analysis, required investor rates of returns, tax structure, and financial capacity of the development to include affordable housing. A cost benefit analysis of competing infrastructure alternatives was also prepared to facilitate decision making. Financial models were prepared to facilitate transparent negotiations and served as the basis for business terms to which parties agreed. The LEED-ND inspired plan includes street patterns consistent with historic Morristown, contextual urban design and architectural standards, and green streets leading to a new park.

Insight: The importance of incorporating community needs and benefits as the cornerstone of a planning process.