New Brunswick New Jersey : the decline and revitalization of urban America This book examines the transformation of New Brunswick New Jersey over the past forty years in the context of trends in urban environments throughout the United States. It provides historic demographic and economic backgrounds of both urban America and of New Brunswick; analyzes trends and public as well as public private partnership programs involved in urban revitalization nationally; reviews the decision making and planning process that led to New Brunswicks revitalization; examines several major redevelopment projects in New Brunswick that demonstrate the citys success in capitalizing on governmental and private sector funding mechanisms yet that often evoke controversy concerning the projects implementation and beneficiaries; and finally analyzes the lessons learned from the redevelopment of New Brunswick for a future national urban policy While many older American cities struggle to remain vibrant New Brunswick has transformed itself adapting to new forms of commerce and a changing population and enjoying a renaissance that has led many experts to cite this New Jersey city as a model for urban redevelopment. Featuring more than 100 remarkable photographs and many maps New Brunswick New Jersey explores the history of the city since the sixteenth century with an emphasis on the dramatic changes of the past few decades. Using oral histories archival materials census data and surveys authors David Listokin Dorothea Berkhout and James W. Hughes illuminate the decision making and planning process that led to New Brunswicks dramatic revitalization describing the major redevelopment projects that demonstrate the citys success in capitalizing on funding opportunities. These projects include the momentous decision of Johnson & Johnson to build its world headquarters in the city the growth of a theater district the expansion of Rutgers University into the downtown area and the destruction and rebuilding of public housing. But while the authors highlight the positive effects of the transformation they also explore the often heated controversies about demolishing older neighborhoods and ask whether new building benefits residents. Shining a light on both the successes and failures in downtown revitalization they underscore the lessons to be learned for national urban policy highlighting the value of partnerships unwavering commitment and local leadership. Today New Brunswicks skyline has been dramatically altered by new office buildings residential towers medical complexes and popular cultural centers. This engaging volume explores the challenges facing urban America while also providing a specific case study of a citys quest to raise its economic fortunes and retool its economy to changing needs.