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History
The Golden Triangle area has an important history to the development
of Cherry Hill. Originally farmland, the area evolved into an entertainment center with the
Garden State Park racetrack, Latin Casino, Rickshaw Inn, and Cherry
Hill Inn attracting visitors to the region. More recently, with the
redevelopment of the racetrack, Garden State Park has
transformed into a mixed-use development, once again attracting
people to Cherry Hill to live, work and enjoy.
How?
The study is in conjunction with Camden County
Improvement Authority (CCIA) and is made possible through the Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) with a Transportation
and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant.
What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is defined as intensified
development around a transit facility that is compact, mixed-use,
and pedestrian friendly that is intended to encourage transit
ridership. With rising costs and increasing traffic congestion,
national trends demonstrate the
land value around transit stations growing in value over time.
Where?
The NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line, connecting Center City
Philadelphia to Atlantic City, stops in Cherry Hill. The transit
stop is the epicenter of the study area and is located between the Garden State Pavilions shopping center
and the Garden State Park redevelopment, just north of Route 70 (see
map).
Why?
The purpose of this study is to determine the most efficient land
use for the various parcels from a comprehensive perspective. By
identifying the type of land use best for the area, redevelopment
initiatives can be successful. The study will include an examination
of alternative land uses, circulation improvements and connections,
natural resource restoration and preservation; and an evaluation of
the fiscal and infrastructure impacts with strong community
consensus.
Assets
Important assets of this area include the ongoing Garden State Park
redevelopment project, Subaru of America headquarters, Lockheed Martin
regional offices, a new Mercedes-Benz dealer, two national
hotels and many restaurant venues as well as the traditional, close-knit neighborhoods of Kenilworth and Woodland- and Camden County's
scenic Cooper River
Park.
Challenges
The various size of parcels and assortment of uses create several
challenges in a close community, where each property owner needs the
other. Some key issues include:
• Concerns of worsening local traffic, overcrowded schools and
increase local property taxes.
• A train station that is under-utilized, inefficiently serving
commuters to the central business district of Philadelphia.
• Railroad tracks act as a complete barrier between what would
otherwise be the seam of a great transit-village.
• Poor site layout and visibility of the Garden State Pavilions,
creating high turnover and rising vacancy rates.
• Severe soil erosion and degradation of tributaries leading into
the Cooper River, which is inaccessible and isolated from
neighborhood residents and local employees.
• Expansive, inactive parking lots that detract from any viable uses
and can create an unsafe feeling.
• Uncertainty about large parcels that are in key locations that
hinder revitalization of the overall area.
Elements in the Golden Triangle Transit Oriented Development Plan
include:
1. General Real Estate / Land Use Market Analysis,
2. Vision Statement with a conceptual land use master plan
3. Land Use with recommended land use types, densities, bulk
standards, etc.
4. Circulation with recommended vehicular, mass transit and
pedestrian improvements
5. Design with urban design, landscaping and streetscape guidelines
6. Natural Resources with open space, wildlife habitat and park
improvements
7. Public Participation Summary of public outreach and stakeholder
interaction
8. Strategic Plan with recommended action steps
Questions? Please contact us:
Natalie Shafiroff, Planner
Department of Community Development
NShafiroff@CHTownship.com
856.432.8706
