Partnering with Habitat for Humanity in Paterson, NJAPA’s Community Planning Assistance Program developed a concept plan for neighborhood infill and a linear park along the Passaic River. The organization is the primary community developer in the Northside neighborhood of Paterson. This area has significant challenges with crime and poverty and is located on a bend in the Passaic River which frequently floods.

The linear park space featured two types of green space; a walkway along the river, called the Riverwalk, and a sports fields in an area along the river dominated by abandoned and marginal industrial and residential properties. The idea for the Riverwalk would be a continuation of the riverfront greenspace being created by the federal government at the Great Falls National Historic Park in Paterson just to the southwest of the Study Area.

Mike served as the lead urban designer on the team and developed concepts for the Riverwalk as well as some select infill and redevelopment concepts for the neighborhood.