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In May 2007, Dresdner Robin completed an Area in Need of Redevelopment Study for the Bergen Square neighborhood in Camden. The demographics, economic history and zoning history of the area were studied in preparation for a physical evaluation of the neighborhood. This process included a survey of the nearly 3,000 parcels in the 240-acre area. Each lot was evaluated according to the NJSA criteria for designation as an area in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation. Through this survey, it was determined that the zoning was not in keeping with the challenges the neighborhood currently faced and that the number of vacant lots and abandoned buildings in the neighborhood made private investment in the area nearly impossible. Included in the evaluation was a review of the land use patterns, transportation and circulation patterns, building conditions, urban design, active institutions and environmental conditions.

Extensive mapping was also carried out for this project. Combining information provided by the City of Camden and data from the area survey, maps detailing area in need of redevelopment criteria, land use, ownership, brownfields, and vacancy were created. Mapping was essential to the determination of redevelopment areas. Throughout the process, mapping and statistics were provided to the City of Camden to relay to the area’s residents and businesses. This information was used to create an Area in Need of Redevelopment Study. Dresdner Robin was in constant contact with the Department of Development and Planning to ensure that a viable, responsible study of redevelopment was carried out.