Topology

09/02/2026

Sometimes it takes a few years, but it is always rewarding to see your hard work make an impact. 💚

Last week, the Township of Millburn broke ground on inclusive playground renovations at Taylor Park, funded by a $750,000 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres grant.🛝

Back in 2023, when Topology helped the Township update their Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Element, Taylor Park was mentioned more than any other facility as being in need of improvements. The Plan recommended better accessibility, modernized facilities, and applying for Green Acres and other outside funding.

Another full circle moment! 🔁 Congrats to 's elected officials, staff, and Recreation Commission for getting this done! Read more: https://twp.millburn.nj.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/2789

08/29/2026

Data centers are having what you'd call a PR problem these days, becoming one of the newest NIMBY land uses. The conversation around them is more complicated than “good” or “bad.” 🏭

These massive facilities can bring significant tax revenue but raise very real concerns around land, energy, water, jobs, noise pollution, and community impact. For planners, the challenge is figuring out how to balance potential tradeoffs and make sure communities are prepared to capture the benefits while managing the costs: https://www.planning.org/blog/9333188/data-centers-and-the-future-of-economic-development/

Data center development is a highly contentious local economic development issue. But it isn't happening in a vacuum. Data center development has the potential to amplify or mitigate five key challenges for the future of economic development. It also isn't the first large-footprint land use to spark...

08/28/2026

A major milestone for Livingston Township, NJ! 🎉

Last month, the Township received Court approval of its Fourth Round Affordable Housing Plan and Compliance Certification, confirming that Livingston has met the requirements of New Jersey’s Fair Housing Act and its affordable housing obligations. 🏘️ The approval came through a joint request from the Township and Fair Share Housing Center, with no challenge to Livingston’s amended plan, reflecting the strength of the plan and the tremendous work behind it. The certification covers the Township's obligations through 2035 and provides a clear path forward for creating additional affordable housing opportunities in the community.

Shout outs to Graham Petto, Marc Lincer, and everyone on the Topology team for helping guide Livingston through this complex process and to the Township Council, Planning Board, municipal staff, Fair Share Housing Center, and everyone who helped make this possible.

A prime example of what thoughtful planning and collaboration can accomplish! 🤝 Teamwork makes the dream work.

08/27/2026

🎵I was on my way to Nashville, I just couldn't hardly wait 🎵

Earlier this summer Topology Planner III Marc Lincer made a quick trip to Music City to enjoy Shelby Park and biking along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. During his time there he had a chance to see Cornelia Fort Airpark, the Cumberland River from its pedestrian bridge, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and a Queens of the Stone Age / Foo Fighters concert, the last at Nissan Stadium ahead of the completion of the New Nissan Stadium. 🎸

Marc is pretty jazzed about the new stadium, because not only does it leverage redevelopment of the existing site for a new mixed-use neighborhood across the river from downtown, but the redevelopment and other financial schemes significantly limit public investment needed to support the new stadium's construction and operations. File that under things you love to see. 💚 Now imagine if the Tennessee Titans could get their O-Line figured out and give Cam Ward some protection. That you'd really love to see!

🏟️ Check out some renderings and learn more about the development at https://newnissanstadium.com.

08/22/2026

Not only do we support the sovereignty of New Jersey's 565th municipality, Topology would like to officially throw our hat in the ring to become the first municipal planner for the Town of Beltley ( ). 🎩

Though your infrastructure and housing stock may be lacking, your potential is limitless. Come on, just look at those public amenities! Just let us know when you publish the RFP! 📠

Read more: https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/if-beltley-wants-to-become-n-j-s-565th-municipality-heres-what-it-would-take/

Beltley has a name, a founder, a playground, and thousands of views on social media. What it doesn’t have is a municipality. John “Cozz” Cozzarelli has

08/21/2026

Mr. Worldwide 🌍 As of today Topology is now internationally recognized!

Today, we're pleased to announce that we have been named "Best Urban Planning Firm 2026 - New Jersey" in Build’s Architecture Awards 2026! 🏆

These awards recognize the organizations and professionals shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, technical expertise, and visionary thinking. Learn more and see a full list of winners here: https://www.build-review.com/awards/architecture-awards/

The Architecture Awards recognise the organisations and professionals shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, technical expertise, and visionary thinking. The Architecture Awards recognise the organisations and professionals shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, t...

08/20/2026

What can El Camino de Santiago teach us about urbanism? 🤔 Hold our pinxtos, we're going in!

Kaixo! 👋 Topology Planner Julian Wexer recently spent a week hiking el Camino del Norte through the Basque Country and Cantabria Region of Spain, spending five days walking over 85 miles from to to see the eclipse. 🌒 Along the way, he passed beaches, farms, cities, forests, and everything in between. Beyond offering opportunities for personal reflection, social connections, and beautiful vistas, the Camino demonstrates valuable insights we can and should incorporate into our planning practices.

♿ Accessibility matters. The hilly topography of makes accessibility a challenge, especially for an aging population. Spanish towns have addressed this challenge through the construction of publicly accessible elevators. In the town of Portugalete, there was even a moving walkway located along the sidewalk.

🌽 Recreational amenities and agricultural communities can coexist. El Camino passes through many rural communities while also offering opportunities for recreation and active transportation. The route provides an additional source of customers for small-town businesses without impeding on pastoral or farm land. At one point, the path even brought Julian through a corn field.

↖️ Wayfinding matters. Throughout the five day trek, signs of various shapes and sizes led the way. Despite changing types of signage, each contained an obvious yellow arrow and often a shell. Consistent, clear, and useful iconography, whether in the form of a stone monument or a spray-painted arrow, proved to be the most important factor.

What are some other examples of international urbanism that you'd like to see incorporated into thoughtful in America?

08/18/2026

We've got Business Improvement Districts, Special Improvement Districts, Urban Enterprise Zones...and now Opportunity Zones? This is getting out of hand. But, don't worry. We got you. 🤝

The federal Opportunity Zones Program is coming to New Jersey, and municipalities have a chance to help shape the process. 🏗️ The State is seeking recommendations for the next round of Opportunity Zone designations, with a focus on areas with economic and investment potential, housing development opportunities, and demonstrated community support. With the nomination process now underway and recommendations due August 28th, municipalities with eligible census tracts should take a closer look at their options. 🕵️‍♂️

Topology has helped several of our clients navigate Opportunity Zone planning and can help your municipality evaluate eligible tracts, build a compelling case for designation, and prepare your recommendation. Let's chat and find out how we can help. 👋

Learn more about New Jersey’s Opportunity Zones here: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlps/home/opp_zones.shtml

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

08/18/2026

It's been 84 years...... 👵 No, not quite. Only five. But still, time sure does fly!

Please join us in congratulating Topology Principal Graham Petto on his five year Topo-versary! 🍾 In his time with us Graham has brought a diverse background in policy analysis, , and municipal planning to the firm. He provides planning services to municipalities, guiding development, land use regulations, land use boards, and strategic implementation, while also serving as Topology’s lead GIS professional. 🗺️

Graham has particular expertise in compliance and planning, including helping municipalities navigate housing obligations, evaluate planning strategies, and incorporate affordable housing into broader community planning and redevelopment efforts. 🏘️ His work on the Township of Millburn’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, included helping the Township navigate affordable housing compliance while facilitating extensive public engagement and a transparent planning process.

Before joining Topology, Graham served as Assistant Township Planner for the Township of Montclair’s Department of Planning & Community Development and worked as a Research Project Coordinator at Rutgers University’s Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, building on earlier planning and research experience in Maryland. 🦀

Congrats, Graham! Here's to five more! 💚 Learn more about Graham on our website: https://www.topology.is/graham-petto

08/17/2026

Now that's what we call placemaking. 📍

A new chapter is about to begin for Quimby Street in the Town of Westfield, New Jersey! Last week, landscape architecture firm Arterial shared designs for a new flexible pedestrian street with the Council and public. 👨‍🏫 This beautiful design will further activate Quimby Street, creating an entirely new gathering space in Downtown Westfield for years to come! More details below. 👇