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Meadowlands Regional Chamber Members Volunteer Expertise for First Regional Vision Plan in 12 Years

On Aug 3, 2016

Meadowlands Regional Chamber members recently held an economic development vision planning process with intentions of establishing components of a new Master Plan for the Meadowlands Region, the first updated plan in 12 years.

The NJ Meadowlands Commission who established the last Master Plan in 2004, was merged into the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in 2015.  The Chamber has been advocating for a review of that Master Plan and believes a broader regional view is necessary.

The group of more than 40 regional business leaders contributed their expertise to outline what they believe should be components of a new vision that included the following goals and objectives:

  • Creation and support for an efficient regional network of bus, rail, and highway facilities that will interconnect areas of the district as well as the greater Metro NYC-area;
  • Promote a diversified economy that capitalizes on the location and assets of the greater Meadowlands with jobs for a range of skill levels, and businesses in a diverse range of industries poised for long-term sustainability and growth;
  • Provide a balance of residential and commercial uses that maintains a fiscal balance, a high quality of life, and efficient mixed-use patterns that focus density around transit centers and leverage infrastructure investments;
  • Maintain an efficient and flexible system of regional permitting and approvals that provides ease of use for regulatory community;
  • Develop a comprehensive flood mitigation plan that will protect current residents and businesses, as well as areas of redevelopment and new investment.

Business leaders who attended the meeting included all major industry sectors that comprise the Meadowlands economy.

“It was incredible to see our community leaders at work, bringing the highest level of intellectual and other resources with them, supported by their collective desire to see the region thrive,” said Steve Blumenthal, CPA and partner at MBAF, president of the Chamber’s board of Advisors, and a member of the Chamber since 2002, of the new plan.  “The Meadowlands has the location and the infrastructure that can support the influx of new businesses of any size, and our updated Vision Plan will help us attract commerce, and facilitate the region’s potential as the economic driver for the entire state.”

“Our members have been very supportive of our common goals for insuring the region’s success,” said Jim Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber.  “We’re going to lead this effort because the outcomes affect both businesses and residents here in the Meadowlands. We must capitalize on existing assets and infrastructure and be creative and bold so we can attract future investments for the sustained success of the region.”