By: Jake Uitti
MONTGOMERY The township has been presented with two land-development awards by the Somerset County Planning Board for its work with the North Princeton Developmental Center and the Otto Kaufman Community Center.
In the category of excellence in planning, the county recognized the redevelopment planning framework and guidelines for the core portion of the NPDC property.
The township’s comprehensive NPDC report, according to county planning officials, includes a complete history of the development of the site, investigates current conditions of buildings on the property, and offers recommendations of buildings to be preserved and others to be demolished. The report examines current land-use patterns, road networks, utilities and environmental resources.
A Vision Plan and Redevelopment Concept Plan, including 14 guiding principals, also were developed for the site. Design parameters were created for roads, open-space viewsheds, bicycle paths, pedestrian links and stormwater management. Twenty maps illustrating aspects of the plan were included in the NPDC report, as well, county planning officials said.
In the adaptive re-use category, the township’s Otto Kaufman Community Center was recognized for its conversion from a former industrial site.
The community center consolidates recreation programs and facilities that were scattered throughout the township. The center includes a senior center, meeting rooms, program rooms, a gymnasium, dance studio and office space for township recreation staff. The attractive architectural design, county planning officials said, unifies the new addition with the existing building.
The community center is dedicated to former Mayor Otto Kaufman. The late Mr. Kaufman had been a county Planning Board member for 25 years, a Land Development Committee chairman and Township Committee member.
The two awards will be presented at the Somerset County Planning Board’s 23rd annual Land Development and Planning Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Jan. 17.
The presentation will be held at the Somerset County Courthouse Complex in Somerville. The public is invited to attend.
