Featured Projects. Image: MUD Workshop Image: MUD Workshop Sullivan County Resiliency Project Sullivan County, NY Resilience has become an umbrella term for the planning and design strategies needed to help communities meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the future. Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events associated with it are the challenges most associated with the concept of resiliency and generally take a prominent position in any resiliency plan. The Resilient Sullivan plan applied a broad array of community concerns typically addressed in a comprehensive plan to address the economic, social, and environmental resilience of the County’s communities. BFJ Planning assisted MUD Workshop with targeted content for the Resilient Sullivan planning process, including analysis of the existing County-wide roadway and circulation systems, as well as recommendations for more resilient County-wide utilities and infrastructure. Example recommendations include: Conduct a grid capacity evaluation for increasing electricity demand; Support electrification of County facilities; Explore alternatives for solid waste options; Improve telecommunications and internet access; Install a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the County fleet. Client Sullivan County, New York Year 2024

Featured Projects. Select Practice Area All Select Region All Reset Filters Heading 2 Carmen Villegas Rezoning CEQR/NEPA New York, NY 40-42 Tulane Street Parking Plan Princeton, NJ East Hartford Plans of Conservation and Development East Hartford, CT Newtown Plan of Conservation And Development Newtown, CT Arcadian Mall Re-Envisioning Report Ossining, NY Sullivan County Resiliency Project Sullivan County, NY Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey Netivot Shalom Daycare Traffic Study Teaneck, NJ Tenafly Downtown Revitalization Plan Tenafly, NJ Mount Vernon East TOD High Density district (TOD-1) Mt. Vernon, NY Garment District MSMX New York, NY Hartford-Brainard Airport Property Study Hartford, CT Glen Cove Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements Glen Cove, New York City of New Haven Hill to Downtown Planning and Technical Services New Haven, CT New Rochelle Ongoing Planning Services New Rochelle, New York Mamaroneck Planning Advisory Services Mamaroneck, New York Stamford Parking Study Stamford, Connecticut Red Bank Planning Advisory Services Red Bank, NJ Rockland County Riverway Trail Feasibility Study Rockland County, NY Lehigh University Transportation Plan Bethlehem, PA New Rochelle Downtown Overlay District SEQR Review New Rochelle, New York Algiers Marina Bay Transportation Plan Algiers, Algeria Edison Township Master Plan Edison, NJ Wilton Center Master Plan & Form-Based Code Wilton, CT Sea Cliff Comprehensive Plan Sea Cliff, New York Load More

Awards. Search by Practice Area: Practice Areas Tenafly Downtown Revitalization Plan Tenafly sought a plan to identify actionable strategies to make its downtown more attractive for residents, businesses, and visitors. The 2022 Downtown Revitalizaton Plan is a comprehensive look at various interrelated topics. On the transit side, while Tenafly has not had passenger rail service since the 1960s, the former Northern Branch line is still a defining downtown feature, creating a physical divide and challenging conditions for pedestrians. Bus service into New York City is heavily used, but access to the stops was not optimal. The plan also examined ways to improve local business mix, parking strategies, and downtown branding. BFJ then worked with a consulting engineer to implement priority transportation upgrades. This included a detailed traffic study of the roadway network and alternative concept plans, with recommendations for operational improvements and cost estimates. Since completion of the plan, Tenafly has implemented many of the recommendations, including closure of a roadway adjacent to the historic train station and the bus stop to create pedestrian-only spaces, curb extensions, traffic light installation and re-timing, short-term streetscape improvements, installation of EV charging stations, and new signage throughout the downtown area. Sullivan County Resiliency Project Resilience has become an umbrella term for the planning and design strategies needed to help communities meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the future. Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events associated with it are the challenges most associated with the concept of resiliency and generally take a prominent position in any resiliency plan. The Resilient Sullivan plan applied a broad array of community concerns typically addressed in a comprehensive plan to address the economic, social, and environmental resilience of the County’s communities. BFJ Planning assisted MUD Workshop with targeted content for the Resilient Sullivan planning process, including analysis of the existing County-wide roadway and circulation systems, as well as recommendations for more resilient County-wide utilities and infrastructure. Example recommendations include: Conduct a grid capacity evaluation for increasing electricity demand; Support electrification of County facilities; Explore alternatives for solid waste options; Improve telecommunications and internet access; Install a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the County fleet. Rockland County Riverway Trail Feasibility Study BFJ Planning led a team to study the feasibility of a +/- 20-mile shared use path that extends north-south in Rockland County in proximity to the Hudson River. This effort was catalyzed by the County’s interest to invest in recreational outdoor amenities/infrastructure since the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to improve local quality of life and regional draw for visitors and tourism. Toole Design played a major role in evaluating path alignment options emphasizing design and connection opportunities related to environmental, built environment and social considerations. Toole Design also led the effort to estimate path demand/trip potential. Sub-consultant Urbanomics analyzed socio-economic characteristics and demographics, as well as tourism trends on the regional and County levels. Urbanomics projected the economic impacts of the path to further the understanding of its feasibility and communicate these benefits to the stakeholders and general public. A central component of gauging path feasibility was careful coordination and outreach with each municipality located along the path in order to assess key challenges and opportunities for path alignment and design. Initial outreach with municipal leaders was followed by community-based workshops and stakeholder engagement to inform nuances of path alignment and design. Maximizing connectivity to other recreational and tourist destinations and to trip generators enhance functionality and economic impact of the path. Red Bank Planning Advisory Services BFJ is working with the Borough of Red Bank on a holistic plan   for the redevelopment of the area around its train station. The area is a mix   of surface parking owned by NJ Transit, rail-related infrastructure,   privately owned properties, and the Borough’s Public Works facility. We   prepared redevelopment designation studies and then completed a redevelopment   plan that built on concepts established in the 2023 Red Bank Master Plan   (which BFJ also completed) and that incorporated community input on desired   uses and the scale and aesthetics of development. The redevelopment plan,   currently in the public hearing stage, establishes a set of implementing   standards that govern the uses, design, and built form of future development,   with a significant focus on enhancing the public realm and the historic   station building. In addition to this project and the 2023 Master Plan, as   Red Bank’s Borough Planner, BFJ also completed an updated municipal   Environmental Resource Inventory and assisted in the Borough’s reporting on   consistency with New Jersey’s State Plan. City of New Haven Hill to Downtown Planning and Technical Services BFJ Planning is working with the City of New Haven to provide planning and technical services as the city moves forward with redevelopment plans in the Hill-to-Downtown area, particularly at the location of the former Church Street South housing development across from historic Union Station. The scope of work for this project includes analysis of existing planning projects, engagement with local stakeholders, synthesis of recommendations for Church Street, Union Avenue, and the broader project area, and development of a financial analysis report to assess the feasibility of different development options. Netivot Shalom Daycare Traffic Study BFJ was retained by the Congregation Netivot Shalom to assist in the site plan approval process for this sanctuary and child care facility. BFJ estimated parking demands and traffic impacts and assisted in the design of the site plan. Lehigh University Transportation Plan BFJ Planning is working with a master planning team led by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects to prepare the transportation element of the Campus Master Plan. Guiding Principles of the process that are most related to transportation and circulation include: To unite the three campuses into one integrated campus experience; To activate the Mountaintop campus through a long-term vision with catalytic near-term moves; To strengthen connectivity with an emphasis on enhancing walking and bicycling. Key objectives of the Transportation Element are to support pedestrian friendliness on campus, vehicular circulation and safety, roadway redesign opportunities, and to improve parking conditions. Additionally, recommendations aim to improve the efficiency of the University’s shuttle bus operations by expanding “Express” routes, improving overall operation/productivity of the service, and increasing the appeal of the shuttle bus for users. Garment District MSMX As a part of New York City’s City of Yes initiative, broad changes were made to the zoning resolution to allow for denser housing development and more flexible uses. The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX) nests within City of Yes with the specific goal of making Midtown South a 24/7 mixed use neighborhood by increasing FAR allowances when building residential developments in areas previously zoned as manufacturing. As a result of the changes, property owners with lots in the MSMX zone have a new incentive to high density housing that would previously been non-compliant with the zoning resolution. The Garment District Alliance asked BFJ Planning determine which lots are most likely to consider redevelopment and illustrate what the changes to the neighborhood’s skyline would be if this redevelopment were to occur. BFJ surveyed the neighborhood to identify soft sites that were most likely to take advantage of the new zoning regulations and created a 3D massing model based on the newly permissible FARs and building heights in residential development to demonstrate the possible changes to density, skyline, and light access in the neighborhood. Carmen Villegas Rezoning CEQR/NEPA BFJ Planning studied the rezoning action for the Carmen Villegas Apartments Environmental Assessment Statement prepared in accordance with the New York City Environmental Review (CEQR) procedures. Following, BFJ Planning prepared an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. BFJ was retained by the development team, a partnership between Ascendant Neighborhood Development Corporation, Xylem Projects, and Urban Builders Collaborative. The project also included a request for funding through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and project-based vouchers through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Carmen Villegas will be a new 28-story, affordable senior building, containing 211 units in East Harlem. The project sets aside 30% of the units for formerly homeless seniors with incomes at or below 30% area median income (AMI), 70% of units for Independent Residence for Seniors (AIRS) at income levels at or below 80% AMI, and one superintendent unit. Under Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), 25‐30% of total units will be affordable at an average of 60‐80% AMI. The building will contain community facility space on the first and second floors, an open corridor providing space for outdoor programming, and a landscaped terrace on the sixth floor that is envisioned to connect to the existing Casita Park senior building next door, providing outdoor space to all tenants. The building will be built to Enterprise Green Communities standards and will incorporate sustainable features in pursuit of Passive House principles, such as increased insulation, airtight construction to maintain interior temperature and air‐quality while minimizing electrical loads, and solar panels. The building will also incorporate flood resiliency measures, such as elevating critical mechanical systems and the lobby vestibule with ramping above the sea level rise‐adjusted design flood elevation and incorporating a subgrade stormwater retention tank. The building’s heating, cooling and domestic hot water would all be electric using a ground source (geothermal) heat pump system. Arcadian Mall Re-Envisioning Report BFJ Planning assisted Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.(“UBP”) to explore redevelopment options for the Arcadian Mall in Ossining, NY, a shopping plaza that is suffering high vacancy rates and uncertain future. The report begins with an analysis of the current status of the property, including a description of the surrounding neighborhood context, existing land use and zoning regulations, and identifies the challenges and opportunities that the property is facing when considering redevelopment. The report describes and graphically illustrates options for redevelopment that include a residential component as well as significant streetscape, connectivity and public space upgrades. The overall vision is to create the conditions for a mixed-use, “village within a village” community. Our work also included developing a community outreach strategy and conducting a preliminary analysis of traffic and fiscal impacts. Algiers Marina Bay Transportation Plan The Algiers Marina Bay project area is located on the Mediterranean waterfront and comprises a new mixed-use development by Dahli. BFJ Planning was retained to evaluate transportation conditions surrounding the Marina Bay project and their effects on recommended transportation and mobility strategies that will enhance the operation and value of the development. Although the focus was on the Marina Bay project, BFJ also considered existing developments under Dahli ownership south of the Marina site, as all these properties will benefit from the same transportation system and will eventually function as one neighborhood where people live, work, and play. From a transportation perspective, these properties should function as an assemblage of uses that complement each other, where a significant proportion of generated trips remain internal and can be made on foot. This complementary land-use strategy will guarantee that this neighborhood will be active on a 24/7 basis and that all uses will support each other. This vision also fits into the general context of this site, which is surrounded by a transportation network that is dense and congested. Even though the project site has an access road connecting to the regional freeway system, city-wide commuting to this area is perceived as onerous and time-consuming. The more the properties under Dahli ownership can function as an independent community, the more sustainable and attractive it will be. Mount Vernon East TOD High Density district (TOD-1) BFJ Planning was retained by Alexander Development Group (ADG) to support the creation of the Mount Vernon East TOD High-Density District (TOD-1 District). The TOD-1 District facilitates ADG’s proposed redevelopment in downtown Mount Vernon: a 21-story mixed-use building accommodating up to 350 market rate dwelling units, approximately 7,000 square feet of retail space, and 201 parking spaces. Located near the Mount Vernon East Metro-North station and adjacent to both commercial and residential uses, this area was identified by the City of Mount Vernon as an ideal location for “high density” development in its 2024 Downtown Vision Report. BFJ collaborated with ADG and the City to draft the TOD-1 District – a mixed-use district that will promote high-density housing and commercial development in close proximity to public transit. BFJ also coordinated and prepared related SEQR documentation, including the Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1. 40-42 Tulane Street Parking Plan The Municipality of Princeton originally rejected the application for this four-unit apartment building because of an unsafe parking layout. BFJ was retained to redesign the parking layout in such a way that cars enter and exit in a forward maneuver. BFJ’s redesign of the parking area was a major element in the approval of this building application. Wilton Center Master Plan & Form-Based Code The Town of Wilton retained BFJ Planning to develop a downtown master plan for Wilton Center and accompanying form-base code. This work built of the Town’s 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), but involved additional outreach to the public, proprietors and property owners, and included a market analysis conducted by Urbanomics. While the Town has Village District Zoning, its downtown built environment exhibits characteristics of conventional zoning that focuses on the separation of uses and automobile-oriented commerce. Several shopping centers, including a large parcel owned and operated by KIMCO, were exploring opportunities to convert to a mixed-use environment, and the Town required a new zoning approach. BFJ developed recommendations for a new pedestrian-oriented circulation network, including a potential riverwalk along the Norwalk River, introduced new building typologies, and form-base zoning that focused retail in a more market-viable and synergistic fashion, while allowing for mixed-use and residential on secondary streets. Beyond the confines of the downtown, new overlay zoning was also created to support mixed use development and improve pedestrian connectivity along the State Rte. 7 corridor in Wilton. Newtown Plan of Conservation And Development BFJ Planning worked with the Town of Newtown to update its Plan of Conservation and Development. Located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, the Town is characterized by its rural landscapes, historic sites, and small town charm. Newtown sought to increase diverse housing opportunities and support economic growth while preserving the Town’s open spaces and bucolic character. Key goals include expanding options for senior housing, increasing opportunities for economic activity in key areas, prioritizing redevelopment of vacant urbanized sites, and reviewing measures to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety. Other key themes include expanding the Town’s open space inventory and promoting energy resiliency strategies to reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve power grid reliability. Hartford-Brainard Airport Property Study BFJ Planning directed a year-long study on behalf of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to determine the highest and best use of the Hartford-Brainard Airport property. The methodology encompassed market and fiscal assessments, environmental and flood control evaluations, and airport regulatory and contractual obligations. The study culminated in a recommendation to keep the airport open but to close the seldom-used crosswind runway for development of industrial uses on the site. This recommendation was based upon the analysis of alternative uses, the high development costs of such uses, and the isolation of the airport from adjacent community and neighborhood services. East Hartford Plans of Conservation and Development BFJ Planning is currently working with The Town of East Hartford to update its 2014 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which BFJ also prepared. While many of the prior goals and objectives remain relevant, the update will include an in-depth study of the Founders Plaza office complex along the Connecticut River, where a significant mixed-use development had been proposed. The POCD also focuses on the historical Town Center area along Main Street and identifies strategies to revitalize this key business area and better connect it with development activity along the Silver Lane corridor, lower Main Street, and the riverfront. The year-long POCD update process will be closely coordinated with Town staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission. The engagement program includes four public workshops and other online engagement activities to provide multiple opportunities to build consensus on goals and objectives and test recommendations for the Plan. Edison Township Master Plan BFJ’s Edison Township Master Plan was unanimously adopted by the Planning Board in 2024. It had been more than 20 years since the Township developed a full Master Plan, and a lot had occurred during the intervening period. The Plan incorporated new county, region, and statewide planning initiatives which gave reason to reassess Edison’s needs and the direction in which future growth must proceed. Edison Township is a diverse community of over 100,000 people covering approximately 30 square miles in Middlesex County, New Jersey. With excellent access to the regional roadway network, Edison has become a regionally and nationally significant warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution hub for commercial goods. However, the proliferation of these uses has caused the community to experience a significant amount of congestion and other quality of life issues. Those major roadways and highways, along with rail lines, and transmission lines, have physically divided the community. Without a core downtown, Edison’s commercial areas are generally strip malls along busy roads that are not safe for pedestrians or cyclists,  The new 2024 Master Plan provides Edison with actionable recommendations to adress these quality of life issues and knit the community back together. The plan evaluates opportunities to improve commercial corridors with better design and pedestrian amenities that will help to link surrounding neighborhoods to commercial areas. Potential future redevelopment areas are identifed, including for transit-oriented-development at the Edison Train station. Additional recommendations will help Edison meet its New Jersey Fair Share housing obligation, improve the efficiency and safety of roadways, expand public access to the Raritan River, and address climate change vulnerabilities to improve Edison’s resilience. Sea Cliff Comprehensive Plan Village of Sea Cliff retained BFJ to develop its first Comprehensive Plan update in more than 50 years. Sea Cliff is a small, history-rich Village on Long Island Sound that values its small-town feel while seeking ways to improve their commercial corridors. BFJ performed a review of existing zoning regulations to assess best approaches to help revitalize the Glen Cove Avenue commercial corridor and create a future strategy for a large country club property. Another key goal of the Plan is to address issues of coastal resilience through an assessment of sea level rise, wet-lands and coastal erosion activity. Other key themes include providing strategies to increase housing opportunities in certain areas of the Village, mitigate traffic and speeding issues, and improve connections for all users.  Glen Cove Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements In 2023, the City of Glen Cove retained BFJ to update its Comprehensive Plan. Glen Cove is a growing city of approximately 28,000 people located on the north shore of Long Island. This initiative was primarily funded by New York Department of State and New York Department of Environmental Conservation grants and Glen Cove sought to  incorporate Smart Growth principles and Climate Smart Community sustainability elements throughout their new Plan. Major themes addressed include water quality and supply, downtown improvements, walkability and street safety, coastal resilience, and parking strategies. The new Comprehensive Plan will guide the City through the next decade by identifying appropriate recommendations for smart growth policies, such as infill development and multi-modal transportation opportunities, to foster sustainable growth. BFJ also conducted the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) to examine potential adverse environmental impacts of the adoption on the Comprehensive Plan.  Stamford Parking Study BFJ Planning is leading a citywide review of parking issues in Stamford, Connecticut in response to recent development trends, expected growth, and the opportunity to provide data-driven recommendations for parking regulations and management. Through the use of an online curb management platform and data collection tool called Coord, BFJ has captured parking regulation information and curbside features to build a parking inventory for Stamford’s study areas (downtown, south end, Springdale and Glenbrook Station areas). This inventory will be the basis of occupancy and turnover data collection. Further contextualizing this data, BFJ reviewed the City’s zoning code requirements for parking. This review resulted in extensive recommendations  to “right-sizing” parking ratios, simplify the requirements and introduce incentives for more efficient parking.  As a member of the BFJ team Tim Haahs & Associates undertakes a comprehensive review of Stamford’s parking system: opera-tions, pricing, regulations, and payment equipment. This review will better position the study to identify opportunities to enhance user convenience, improve parking system operations, and to reduce unnecessary expenses while optimizing operating revenue. Throughout this process, a key component is a targeted public engagement program that will initially engage representatives from all City neighborhoods to identify parking issues and needs of individual neighborhoods. To build from this feedback, focus groups and a public workshop will further extend opportunities for data collection and feedback on initial recommendations.  Route 9W Corridor Management Plan BFJ Planning was retained by the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) to develop a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) for the portion of the Route 9W from the Hamlet of Marlboro north to Blue Point Road in the Town of Lloyd. The purpose of the CMP is to develop short and long-range recommendations to improve vehicular and non-vehicular access, safety and mobility along the Route 9W corridor. The plan contains an examination of existing conditions, a corridor safety assessment, and an evaluation of future impacts of development proposals and land use policies. The concluding recommendations and implementation plan outline actions to be taken to improve corridor access, operations, safety, and aesthetics and mitigate future impacts. The plan addresses all modes, including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit. One of the key issues that emerged from the public engagement process, from the safety audit, and from the consultant team’s assessment is the inconsistent character and configuration of Route 9W and the speeding issues created by a two mile four-lane section within the six mile corridor. BFJ developed a conceptual Lane Reconfiguration Plan to create a consistent and standard design along Route 9W that would reduce operating speeds without causing a significant impact to total travel times. The lane reconfiguration plan included detailed drawings and a level of service analysis designed to provide NYSDOT the information it needed to move forward with these plans during the corridor’s next scheduled repaving.  To optimize the safety and efficiency along the Route 9W corridor, BFJ developed a detailed Access Management Plan. The plan aims to give local planning boards guidance in addressing the growing number of driveways and street con-nections along Route 9W that add conflict points, impede the fluidity of the highway, and have a negative impact on the visual quality of the corridor.  Boston Post Road Diet Study BFJ Planning was hired by the City of Rye, New York to study traffic and safety conditions along the southern segment of the Boston Post Road (NY Route 1) from the Village of Mamaroneck border to Old Post Road, a 1.5 mile segment. The Boston Post Road, a major arterial connecting several villages and towns had 4 sub-standard lanes and relatively high speeds and crash rates. BFJ proposed to convert the existing four narrow lanes without shoulder to a two-lane highway with 7-foot striped median (to be landscaped in the future) and 4-foot shoulders on each side. Protected turn lanes were added at critical intersections. This plan was implemented and received with great success by the residents. Perth Amboy Circulation Element BFJ Planning was retained by the City of Perth Amboy to prepare an update to the Circulation Element of the City’s Master Plan. The planning effort, a follow-up to the City’s post-Sandy Strategic Recovery Planning Report, developed recommenda-tions and strategies that will help revitalize downtown, enhance sustainability and improve interconnectedness throughout the City and region.      The Circulation Element was conducted in conjunction with the City’s redevelopment plans, and rezoning and design stan-dards, each undertaken by other consultant teams. The final product included recommendations for pedestrian improve-ments, new protected bicycle lanes, new street connections and functional reclassification of arterials to a lower class road with pedestrian amenities. North Williamsburg Transportation Study BFJ Planning was retained by the New York City Department of Transportation to address parking and goods movement issues in the neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn, NY. This study was commissioned on behalf the council district, whose residents voiced concerned over traffic impacts of recent residential development and a growing industrial business zone. For the parking component, BFJ conducted an extensive survey of on and off-street parking locations, regulations, and utilization data in a study area consisting of over 1,000 block faces. The survey team also documented instances of double parking, illegal parking, truck loading, and unique parking situations to diagnose parking shortfalls. BFJ assembled the existing conditions and parking occupancy survey results into a GIS database. Recommendations were developed to address parking supply shortfalls for various user groups.  For the study’s goods movement component, BFJ conducted an inventory of truck routes and reviewed the effectiveness of existing truck route signage. BFJ determined origin and destination of truck trips by identifying and interviewing major truck trip generators. Truck mobility demand was assessed by applying existing traffic data to a GIS network dataset of truck routes and commercial and industrial corridors. Recommendations were provided to address truck loading and layover issues, routing, and roadway capacity constraints.   Virgin Islands Housing Demand Study BFJ Planning and Urbanomics reviewed the housing conditions and future housing needs in St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, on behalf of the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing and Finance Authority (HFA). As part of this study, the project team evaluated the local economy of the Virgin Islands, updated demographic characteristics, and identified deficiencies in the existing housing stock, such as overcrowding and affordability issues. In order to assess the residential real estate market, the team identified housing market trends and gathered building permit data.  The project team predicted future housing needs based on the projected increase in the number of households, and also compared projections to the current rate at which housing was being built to determine if housing supply was keeping pace with market demand. Based on these findings, the team assessed the feasibility of several housing developments proposed by the HFA for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mapping was done with “Mapbasics,” a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software program, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Community 2020 software package. Subase New London Joint Land Use Study Implementation BFJ Planning led a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) to implement a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) focused around the Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) and its neighboring Towns of Groton, Ledyard, Waterford, and Montville, and the Cities of Groton and New London. Subsequent to the completion of the JLUS, Electric Boat, with major facilities in the cities of Groton and New London, announced contracts with the Navy expected to increase employment at Electric Boat by at least 5,000 through 2030, while a wave of retirements is anticipated to require the company to replace an additional 14,000 employees.  The JLUS Implementation Project considered the impact of this growth on the 22 SCCOG- member towns. The Plan will explored the potential regional impacts of expanded activities at SUBASE New London and Electric Boat, with a particular focus on the housing market and transportation (vehicular, transit, and alternative modes). Xavier and the Franciscans Xavier High School, located on  West 16th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, underwent a process of evaluating its real estate assets and future facility needs. As part of this process, BFJ Planning was retained to prepare a zoning analysis, specifically focusing on the as-of-right development potential of Xavier High School under its existing C6-2M zoning designation. BFJ’s analysis determined the maximum allowable floor area and calculated the existing zoning floor area of the school and related facilities to determine the amount of excess development rights available for use by the School for expansion purposes or for transfer as-of-right to an adjoining lot. The amount of excess development rights that could be utilized by Xavier High School or transferred to an adjoining lot was calculated by first estimating the “zoning envelope” for the total lot, then subtracting the zoning floor area (the square footage of the existing on-site or built structures excluding the area below curb level), to obtain the excess development rights for the entire lot. BFJ’s analysis also included an estimate of the saleable value of the excess air rights. This valuation was based on comparable sales of air rights in other areas of Manhattan.  The high school expanded with a new six-story wing, adding classrooms, a gymnasium and recital space. The new annex adjacent to Xavier’s current campus has now been topped by a glass condominium building that rises 300 feet above 15th Street, west of Fifth Avenue.  Yonkers Affordable Housing Project BFJ has a 30-year history of working with the City of Yonkers in providing   professional planning, real estate, and environmental services. One of the significant projects was the evaluation of potential affordable housing sites within the City of Yonkers and a rehabilitation program for cooperative apartments. The affordable housing program included over 900 affordable units as part of a federal desegregation court order.  BFJ prepared a Federal Generic Environmental Assessment (EA) for the total housing program, followed by the evaluation of individual housing projects and the preparation of site-specific Federal EA’s for those housing developments. The EA addressed a range of issues including socioeconomics, demographics, neighborhood character, natural features, hazardous materials, traffic, utilities, historic and archeological resources, land use, and zoning. All of the required units were successfully completed including four new multi-family developments at the following sites: Cross Street, Grassy Sprain, Hoover Road and Yonkers Avenue. AMS Yonkers Downtown Redevelopment Project BFJ Planning, on behalf of the City of Yonkers, reviewed the AMS Yonkers Downtown Redevelopment Project, one of the largest single redevelopment efforts in Westchester County. A private Applicant sought to amend the City of Yonkers Zoning Code and Zoning Map to facilitate the development of three sites in downtown Yonkers known as the “Teutonia Hall Site”, the “Chicken Island Site”, and the “North Broadway Site”.  In several phases over approximately ten years, the Applicant proposed to redevelop the project sites with approximately 3,556 residential rental units, approximately 97,000 square feet (sf) of retail use, approximately 38,000 sf of commercial office, and approximately 2,906 parking spaces. The project involved both a zoning text and map amendment as well as site plan approval. BFJ assisted the City in the review of the project as well as all New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) documents, including the scoping document, draft and final environmental impact statement, and the Findings Statement.  Show More

BFJ Planning’s 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Brookfield, CT, was unanimously adopted on September 4. The Plan will guide local growth, zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning for the next decade. < Back Brookfield Planning Commission Adopts 2025 Plan of Conservation And Development Rich Kirby Read Article Sep 9, 2025 BFJ Planning’s 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Brookfield, CT, was unanimously adopted on September 4. The Plan will guide local growth, zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning for the next decade. Previous Next 1/1

The Peekskill Herald Sep 11, 2025 Developers Present Boutique Hotel, Mixed-Use Plans for Waterfront BFJ staffed a booth at Peekskill's Waterfront Development Open House on September 6. BFJ is working with the City of Peekskill, NY on a Cumulative Environmental Impact Report to provide an initial, generic assessment of potential significant environmental impacts from waterfront transit-oriented development (TOD) on three City-owned parking lots located just east of the Metro North Railroad tracks. Read More Patch Sep 9, 2025 Brookfield Planning Commission Adopts 2025 Plan of Conservation And Development BFJ Planning’s 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Brookfield, CT, was unanimously adopted on September 4. The Plan will guide local growth, zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning for the next decade. Read More Red Bank Green Jul 11, 2025 The Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan is unanimously approved by the Borough Council BFJ's Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan will transform a 25-acre tract allowing for mixed use development and green spaces near the train station. Read More Rockland County Times Jun 12, 2025 Rockland Planners Hold Final Public Meeting BFJ Planning has held public meetings in each of Rockland County’s five towns to hear views, ideas, and concerns in order to prepare the county’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update and Generic Environmental Impact Statement. Read More Red Bank Green Jun 11, 2025 Planning Board OK's Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan Red Bank Green highlights the Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan, a plan developed by BFJ Planning and PE to transform a NJ Transit station parking lot and nearby properties into apartment buildings and new public plazas, “Planning Board OK’s Red Bank Train Station Redevelopment Plan.” The plan follows up on BFJ’s 2023 master plan for the Borough of Red Bank, NJ. NJTOD, NJ Transit’s newsletter, shared the story, as did TAPinto Red Bank. Read More Westchester Municipal Planning Federation May 29, 2025 One White Plains Comprehensive Plan Wins WMPF Award! BFJ Planning is honored to receive a Planning Achievement Award from the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation for the One White Plains Comprehensive Plan. Read More East Hampton Star May 8, 2025 Ideas Abound for Village’s Future The East Hampton Star recaps a virtual workshop led by BFJ Planning’s Noah Levine and Emily Tolbert about the comprehensive plan for East Hampton Village Read More Rockland County Times Mar 27, 2025 Rockland County Community Advisory Working Group Kicks Off Comprehensive Plan BFJ Planning has been retained to update Rockland County's comprehensive plan. The first meeting, held on March 19th, kicked off the 18 month planning process. Read More Patch Feb 13, 2025 Greenburgh Town Board hires BFJ for Four Corners Mixed-Use Zoning BFJ Planning has been awarded a contract by the Greenburgh Town Board to prepare zoning ordinance amendments in connection with a Four Corners Smart Growth Zoning program grant. Read More TAPinto Red Bank Jan 9, 2025 Red Bank Planning Board Approves Environmental Resource Inventory Draft Susan Favate, BFJ Planning, presented a draft Environmental Review Inventory (ERI) at a public hearing. The Board unanimously approved the ERI which will amend the borough's Master Plan. Read More The East Hampton Star Dec 12, 2024 Neighbors Showed Up to Talk East Hampton Village's Future BFJ Planning is assisting the Village of East Hampton on its Comprehensive Plan Update and hosted the first public workshop on December 6, 2024. Read More TAPinto Jersey City Dec 2, 2024 Jersey City Accepts 5-Year UEZ Zone Development Plan And Adjusts Boundaries BFJ Planning and Urbanomics were retained by the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) to draft the 5-Year Zone Development Plan and Boundary Modifications. Read More Milford-Orange Times Nov 12, 2024 Orange Residents Invited To Weigh In On Town Plan BFJ Planning is working with the Town of Orange, CT to update their Plan of Conservation and Development. The first public workshop was held on November 13, 2024. Read More Long Island Press Oct 1, 2024 Planning committee seeks public input for grant projects BFJ Planning is working with Mineola, NY on the New York Forward grant program. A second public workshop was held on September 30, 2024 to present public and private grant projects to the community for input. Read More Asbury Park Press Aug 5, 2024 What should developer build next to Red Bank train station? Here is what neighbors want. Susan Favate is quoted about BFJ's redevelopment planning work around the NJ Transit station in Red Bank: “The new development will promote “a walkable, pedestrian-oriented, active, vibrant lifestyle." Read More Long Island Herald Aug 2, 2024 City’s comprehensive plan is a guide for next 15 years On Tuesday, July 23, The City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements, developed by BFJ Planning, was adopted by a unanimous city council vote. Read More TAPinto Red Bank Aug 1, 2024 Revitalizing Red Bank: Community Input Asked to Shape Train Station Redevelopment A BFJ Planning team, led by Susan Favate, hosted a workshop to hear from the public about their desires for the redevelopment of a parking lot at the Red Bank train station. Read More redbankgreen Jul 31, 2024 Red Bankers Post Wish List for Train Station Plan A BFJ Planning team, led by Susan Favate, hosted a workshop to hear from the public about their desires for the redevelopment of a parking lot at the Red Bank train station. Read More Jul 23, 2024 Adopted: City of Glen Cove Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements BFJ's Glen Cove Comprehensive Plan was adopted by a unanimous City Council vote on July 23, 2024. Read More Jul 15, 2024 Edison Township Master Plan Adopted BFJ’s Edison Township Master Plan was unanimously adopted by the Edison Planning Board on July 15, 2024. Read More Latest News.

BFJ staffed a booth at Peekskill's Waterfront Development Open House on September 6. BFJ is working with the City of Peekskill, NY on a Cumulative Environmental Impact Report to provide an initial, generic assessment of potential significant environmental impacts from waterfront transit-oriented development (TOD) on three City-owned parking lots located just east of the Metro North Railroad tracks. < Back Developers Present Boutique Hotel, Mixed-Use Plans for Waterfront Regina Clarkin Read Article Sep 11, 2025 BFJ staffed a booth at Peekskill's Waterfront Development Open House on September 6. BFJ is working with the City of Peekskill, NY on a Cumulative Environmental Impact Report to provide an initial, generic assessment of potential significant environmental impacts from waterfront transit-oriented development (TOD) on three City-owned parking lots located just east of the Metro North Railroad tracks. Previous Next 1/1

Featured Projects. Stapleton Senior Houses Environmental Assessment Staten Island, New York BFJ Planning (BFJ) was retained by BFC Partners, in conjunction with Community Agency for Senior Citizens, to prepare a federal Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a new low-income residential housing project, consisting of 105 low-income rental senior units, on a 1.07-acre portion of the Stapleton Houses property, located at 210 Broad Street. The project required the disposition of the 1.07-acre parcel to BFC Partners which required both United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) approvals. The project also required authorization to exceed the height and setback requirements in an R5 Residential Zoning District pursuant to New York Zoning Resolution and a Mayoral override of New York City Zoning Resolution parking and groundfloor use requirements. NYCHA was required to provide parking for 42.5% of the units located at the NYCHA Stapleton Housing Complex. In addition, the project required an amendment to the official City Map to eliminate an existing sewer easement as well as Subdivision Plat Approval. The EA was prepared to satisfy both the requirements of the NEPA and the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). In addition, since the project was located in New York City, the EA used the methodology contained in the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Technical Manual to determine project impacts. The EA included detailed analyses of land use impacts, visual resources and shadows, traffic and parking, noise, and construction impacts. The project received a negative declaration from NYCHA in 2007. Client BFC Partners Year 2007

BFJ Team. Evan Accardi Planner Evan Accardi is a recent addition to the BFJ team, with prior experience in project management, community engagement, and resiliency planning. Evan has particular interest in sustainability and land use planning, building on his dedication to equity and community considerations. Prior to joining BFJ, Evan has worked for Metropolitan Urban Design Workshop (MUDW), in addition to years of experience in the public health and clinical research industries.

Featured Projects. Netivot Shalom Daycare Traffic Study Teaneck, NJ BFJ was retained by the Congregation Netivot Shalom to assist in the site plan approval process for this sanctuary and child care facility. BFJ estimated parking demands and traffic impacts and assisted in the design of the site plan. Client Netivot Shalom Year 2025

Featured Projects. Community Workshop Scenario 1- The Airport remains open with limited new development of aviation uses Graphic Credit: Perkins Eastman Scenario 2- Closure of Runway 11-29 and development of industrial uses. Graphic Credit: Perkins Eastman Scenario 2- Closure of Runway 11-29 and development of industrial uses. Graphic Credit: Perkins Eastman Graphic Credit: Perkins Eastman Scenario 2- Closure of Runway 11-29 and development of industrial uses. Graphic Credit: Perkins Eastman Hartford-Brainard Airport Property Study Hartford, CT BFJ Planning directed a year-long study on behalf of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to determine the highest and best use of the Hartford-Brainard Airport property. The methodology encompassed market and fiscal assessments, environmental and flood control evaluations, and airport regulatory and contractual obligations. The study culminated in a recommendation to keep the airport open but to close the seldom-used crosswind runway for development of industrial uses on the site. This recommendation was based upon the analysis of alternative uses, the high development costs of such uses, and the isolation of the airport from adjacent community and neighborhood services. Client CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Connecticut Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee Year 2022-2024

Featured Projects. Elmhurst, Queens, Rezoning Environmental Assessment Statement and Uniform Land Use Review Procedure Elmhurst, Queens, New York City On behalf of a private development group, BFJ Planning (BFJ) prepared an Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) for the proposed rezoning of a 5.8-acre parcel in the Elmhurst section of Queens. The rezoning affected the southeastern portion of the Queens Block 1600 in Elmhurst, and rezoned the subject parcel from a M1-1 zoning district to a R7-B district with a C2-3 commercial overlay mapped to a depth of 100 feet along Corona Avenue between 94th Street and 91st Place. The proposed rezoning was intended to facilitate the conversion of a manufacturing building located at 45-10 94th Street to a mixed-use residential and commercial development; however, during the environmental review process the New York School Construction Authority secured a 99-year ground lease on the property and the warehouse was repurposed as a new public high school. As a result, the applicant submitted a new proposal to redevelop a 58,313 square foot parcel located at the western end of the rezoning area with a mixed use development consisting of two buildings and containing approximately 112 dwelling units; 6,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space; and approximately 75 accessory parking spaces. The City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) EAS included an in-depth analysis of the reasonable worst case development scenario (RWCDS) based on the maximum developable commercial and residential square footage on each lot while minimizing the number of parking spaces required on each site. Extensive studies were conducted on the proposed project’s impact on the area’s socioeconomic conditions, infrastructure, traffic and pedestrian trips, air quality, noise, open space and other environmental factors. Detailed archaeological and hazardous materials studies were also conducted. The City Planning Commission adopted a Conditional Negative Declaration on the project in June 2010 and the zoning was adopted in July 2010. Client 45-10 94th Street, LLC Year 2010

Featured Projects. Atrium at Sumner CEQR, SEQR and NEPA Review New York, New York On behalf of Urban Builders Collaborative, LLC, Selfhelp Community Services, Inc., and RiseBoro Community Partnership, BFJ planning served as a consultant to guide the client through the CEQR, SEQR and NEPA review processes for an affordable housing development under the Next Generation NYCHA program. The project involved the disposition of public housing property in accordance with Section 18 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to facilitate the development of a new 10-story mixed-use affordable senior building, designed to Passive House standards, in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, Community District 3. The Project Site, located at 43 and 67 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York, is an infill site within the NYCHA Sumner Houses campus. The project included the development of 8,000 square feet of community facility space and 189 units of affordable housing targeted to moderate and low income seniors with incomes ranging from 30% to 50% of the area median income. The project also included construction financing from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC). BFJ Planning prepared the required CEQR Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS), SEQR Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA). Potential impacts analyzed during the environmental review process included open space, transportation, air quality, noise, shadows, and hazardous materials. The project involved inter-agency meeting with NYCHA and HPD as well as a meeting and presentation to the Sumner Houses Tenant Association. The project is in the final stages of project approvals. Client New York City Housing Authority Year 2018