Regional Center Partnership of Somerset County
The Job Growth and Private Sector Investment theme embraces what the Background Report refers to as “focus areas” including:
These all relate to and impact the Regional Center’s economic vitality. Strategies that support job growth and private sector investment include marketing the Raritan River as a major tourism amenity with easy access from our downtown districts; addressing circulation issues to increase access to goods and services; increasing housing opportunities including workforce housing whose residents will likely spend their money on local businesses; and creative placemaking strategies to help draw more people to our downtowns. Advancing the recommendations of the Supporting Priority Investment in Somerset County Initiative and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy are critical to advance the economic development goals of the Regional Center.
The Background Report provides land use strategies to address multiple issues relating to economic development. An illustration of this is the inclusion of a residential component in the re-use and redevelopment plans of vacant, underutilized office, industrial and commercial space. The residential component of a mixed-use project can be a catalyst to help stimulate economic revitalization and for restoring existing degraded environmental assets. Redevelopment and re-use of these properties serves as a mechanism for accommodating residential and economic growth, is consistent with smart growth and community sustainability principals, and supports implementation of the County Investment Framework. Additional recommendations include improving multi-modal linkages between employment and housing areas, implementing land use strategies such as the co-location of residential and employment opportunities, and reducing commuting costs with increased walking and biking.
The Background Report also recognizes the region as a life sciences hub for research and development and technical education. Fundamental to the region’s economic vitality is the promotion of the resources available in the Regional Center to assist major employers. An example is the Small Business Development Center located at Raritan Valley Community College which has successfully helped major employers meet workforce training needs.
Reliable train and bus service is also critical to the region’s economic competitiveness by being able to connect commuters with major employment centers both in New York and around the Regional Center. One-seat ride service along the Raritan Valley Line is one of the hallmark achievements for Somerset County and helps boost the attractiveness of the Regional Center’s accessibility. Train stations have become focal points for transit-oriented redevelopment that can help reduce the Regional Center’s reliance on automobiles and provide alternative living options. Finding innovative and reliable ways to address first- and last-mile commuting needs remains a critical issue to the region’s traffic needs.
The Regional Center is at the heart of a hub of major roadways in New Jersey. The junction of two major freight railroad lines in the Regional Center and the region’s active trucking industry underscores the importance of having an efficient and well-maintained transportation system for the movement of goods to reach both local markets and abroad.
Circulation in the Regional Center cannot be complete without adequate bicycling accommodations to provide a transportation option that is both healthy and environmentally compatible. The Background Report discusses how the needs of bicyclists can be addressed through a combination of bicycle compatible roadways including complete street policies and designated bikeways. Dedicated bicycle facilities allow a broader range of people to make local trips without being forced to use a car.
The Regional Center municipalities have long prided themselves on entering into shared-services agreements to reduce costs and provide higher levels of service. Many of the Regional Center’s community facilities present opportunities to promote increased shared services. The Background Report recommends the communities continue to preserve important historic resources and increase public awareness and understanding of these resources. The communities should cooperate with federal, state, county and non-profit organizations to preserve and promote these historic sites.