38. a. Concurrently with the preparation of the capital improvement and infrastructure plan pursuant to section 42 of P.L.2002, c.43 (C. 52:27BBB-41), the board shall oversee the preparation of a strategic revitalization plan for the qualified municipality.

The strategic revitalization plan shall incorporate a blueprint for the economic, social, and cultural revitalization of the municipality through the promotion of development and redevelopment in both the downtown business district and residential neighborhoods. The plan shall promote diversification of land uses, including housing where appropriate, and enhance the linkages of these uses to the rest of the community. The plan shall ensure a full range of housing choices through redevelopment, new construction, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse of nonresidential buildings, to the extent possible, and the introduction of new housing into appropriate nonresidential settings. To the extent that the existing housing stock can be preserved, the plan shall encourage maintenance, rehabilitation and flexible regulation, where possible.

The plan shall promote economic development by encouraging strategic land assembly, site preparation and infill development and assure that infrastructure improvements support a central role for the municipality within the regional context. The plan shall include strategies for integrating port redevelopment, downtown regeneration and the revitalization of residential neighborhoods. The plan shall also provide for the maintenance and enhancement of a transportation system that capitalizes on high density settlement patterns by encouraging the use of public transit, walking, and alternative modes of transportation, including the use of water transportation, where appropriate.

In addition, the plan shall provide for maximum active and passive recreational opportunities and facilities at the neighborhood, local and regional levels by concentrating on the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing parks and open space while expanding and linking the system through redevelopment and reclamation projects.

The strategic revitalization plan shall be drafted by urban planners recruited through a comprehensive nationwide search.

b. The strategic revitalization plan shall be submitted to the chief operating officer, the mayor, each member of the governing body, the commissioner, the Governor, each member of the Senate and General Assembly, and each member of the regional impact council within six months after the first meeting of the board.

c. The strategic revitalization plan shall be adopted upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the full authorized membership of the board.

L.2002,c.43,s.38.