METRO'S ROLE:

The Metro Company led the visioning and preparation of a redevelopment plan for the North Walnut Street redevelopment area in the City of East Orange.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The illustrative plans demonstrate how larger blocks within the redevelopment area could be subdivided by introducing new streets. Smaller blocks within the redevelopment area encourage walking, provide for better dispersion of auto traffic and offer more convenient access to the train station, Rowley Park, the central business district and City Hall.

Brownstones consisting of one and two family attached townhouses are arranged along the street frontages in order to provide "eyes on the street" and create a safer environment. The brownstones are also positioned so that those houses facing the new street overlook the relocated Rowley Park (Alternative A) or the expanded Rowley Park (Alternative B). This creates a safer, more secure environment within the park. The addition of the new streets assure that the park will be more visible from the surrounding area, establishes the park as a desirable residential amenity for the new houses and improves safety by further integrating the park into the fabric of the community.

Off-street parking is located to the rear of the brownstones so that curbside parking is available. On-street parking is also encouraged so that residents and visitors coming and going from their homes and cars will create more activity in the neighborhood.

Slightly taller, loft-style apartment buildings, suitable for work/live artist space, are located along William Street at the south end of the redevelopment area. These buildings take advantage of the area's proximity to the train station, the central business district, the planned arts district and the performing arts high school campus.

The design concepts presented in the alternative concept plans are consistent with the principles of the State's "Transit Village" program.

RESULTS:

The Redevelopment Plan provides the City of East Orange with a realistic blueprint for neighborhood change and revitalization by incorporating pedestrian friendly streets, encouraging the use of mass transit and by providing for a variety of housing choices and recreational opportunities.

Renderings by LWDMR & Associates PC