Want Commuter Benefits? Sometimes it Helps to Ask

A story about how a simple proposal, made by a resident, produced results in the New Jersey borough of Paramus.

1 minute read

April 18, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


New Jersey

sevenMaps7 / Shutterstock

"The efforts of one concerned commuter saw the first signs of fruition this week," reports Melanie Anzidei from Paramus, New Jersey.

The city of Paramus has launched a new online survey, gauging residents' opinions about their commutes. "That survey, which has been months in the making, was the result of a call to action by resident Robert Denicola last year," according to Anzidei.

More specifically, "Denicola wrote a detailed letter to the borough council proposing options that could ease residents’ commutes into Manhattan, where he works." Borough officials put together the survey to gauge the wider interest in some of the idea proposed by Denicola  in the letter.

Monday, April 17, 2017 in NorthJersey.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rendering of proposed greenway design for downtown San Diego street.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park

The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

5 hours ago - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Oil well on hilltop in Los Angeles with city neighborhoods in background.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites

Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

6 hours ago - LAist

Downtown Billings, Montana with mountains in background.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform

A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.

April 7 - Montana Free Press