Since 2002, New Jersey Future has honored smart planning and development in New Jersey through their Smart Growth Awards. The projects and developments they feature represent some of the best examples of sustainable growth and development in the state. Lori Ersolmaz worked with New Jersey Future on the Smart Growth Awards for two years and produced a series of (16) 2-minute Smart Growth Award videos which were screened for 500 event participants each year and thousands more who watched online.

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expands access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuels a prosperous economy. Find out more about the Smart Growth Awards.

“Lori has an amazing ability not only capture the visual essence of a building and its surrounding neighborhood but also an unparalleled talent in synthesizing a relevant narrative through a thoughtful and diligent interview process. ”

— Nick Tsapatsaris, Guenther Mill Urban Renewal, LLC.

SMART GROWTH AWARDS

A complete makeover for an industrial waterfront, heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy, creates an innovative workplace community with many embedded green infrastructure features.

A planned redevelopment of an empty mill building that was once the employment center for its surrounding neighborhood will once again make it a center for the surrounding community.

New housing adjacent to Metuchen station broadens choices and walkability for both longtime residents and newcomers.

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expand access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuel a prosperous economy. Find out more about the Smart Growth Awards.

“I worked closely with Lori to develop eight videos for New Jersey Future’s prestigious Smart Growth Awards. We wanted to do something really special for our 15th anniversary awards celebration and these videos really made the event (and New Jersey Future!) shine. Lori was easy to work with — she ‘got’ what we wanted to do, worked well with all of the video subjects and pulled it all together in record time. Can’t wait to work with her again!”

— Teri Jover, Deputy Executive Director, New Jersey Future

Redevelopment of an iconic, landmark building into a vibrant mix of housing, educational and retail uses, connecting the university district and the downtown.

An urban farm providing affordable, locally grown food, education and employment opportunities as well as much-needed open and biodiverse landscape for area residents.

Transit-oriented development converting surface parking lots and largely vacant properties into a 24-hour hub with new residents, retail, restaurants, offices and shared parking.