ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Downtown Atlantic Highlands has been named a Great Place in New Jersey for 2014 by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NJ). Now in its third year, Great Places in New Jersey recognizes unique and exemplary downtowns, streets, neighborhoods and public spaces – four essential components of exceptional communities.
APA-NJ calls for nominations annually and receives submissions from municipalities, county governments, developers, other public and private organizations, and individuals. Atlantic Highlands’ nomination was submitted to APA-NJ by the Monmouth County Planning Board.
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Frederick J. Rast, III, said, “We are very honored to not only be nominated for this prestigious award but to receive such a designation as a Great Place in New Jersey for 2014 is a reflection to our business community including the Chamber of Commerce and our municipal workforce who do a great job with maintaining downtown.
“Atlantic Highlands has so much to offer. You will find many variety shops, restaurants, our municipal harbor, fast ferry service to and from New York and a first class hotel,” Rast said. “It’s a great place to live and visit with so many things to enjoy.”
He thanked the Monmouth County Planning Board “for recognizing and nominating our wonderful borough and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association for this great award recognizing Atlantic Highlands – a great place to live, work and play.”
Linda E. Wills, APA-NJ Great Places chair and one of this year’s Great Places in New Jersey judges, said “Atlantic Highlands has proven that even a small community can create a downtown that is truly a Great Place.
“The judges were impressed by its distinctive local flavor that honors the borough’s seafaring heritage, the volume and array of special events and programs, community involvement, and the connections to adjoining walking and hiking trails,” Wills said.
Great Places in New Jersey is just one of the ways that APA-NJ is celebrating Community Planning Month in October (www.njplanning.org). Community Planning Month is designed to recognize and celebrate the many residents, officials and professionals who contribute to making great communities.
Additional information about the designees, the nomination guidelines and how to suggest a Great Place for 2015 are available by visiting www.njplanning.org.
