Hosted by NJTOD, Downtown New Jersey, and NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning (TFP) Program, the event will feature a timely discussion on gentle density and missing middle housing in New Jersey. Experts from public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local governments will share their experiences and strategies for expanding diverse housing options while preserving neighborhood character.
Middle Housing—ranging from duplexes to buildings with up to 12 units—have been largely sidelined since the mid-20th century, as zoning regulations prioritized suburban single-family homes or urban high rises. Reintroducing Middle Housing into single-family and transitional neighborhoods offers a practical approach to advancing Gentle Density.
As municipalities work to address the state’s housing shortage, gentle density provides a realistic and context-sensitive solution. This panel will highlight real-world approaches for developing Middle Housing, the role of public transit in supporting these efforts, and best practices for creating livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.
LOCATION:
NJ TRANSIT Headquarters
Conference Room 2A
– Town Hall
283-299 Market Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Registration, Networking & Refreshments at 9:30 AM
Panel at 10:00 AM
Registration closes Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
No late registrations can be accommodated.
AGENDA
Welcome
Stephanie DiPetrillo, Senior Research Project Manager, RU-VTC / NJTOD
Introduction
Michael Swan, AICP, PP, Assistant Director, Transit Friendly Planning, NJ TRANSIT
Moderator
Courtenay Mercer, Treasurer, Downtown NJ; Founding Principal + CEO, Mercer Planning Associates
Panelists
Adam Tecza, Urban Design Practice Manager, FHI Studio, now IMEG
Allison Ladd, Deputy Mayor and Director of Economic and Housing Development (EHD), City of Newark
Chris Cosenza, Project Manager, LRK
Chris Sturm, Policy Director, NJ Future
Closing Remarks
Megan Massey, AICP, PP, Director, Transit Friendly Planning, NJ TRANSIT
AICP Credits: CM | 2
