Rowan University Graduate Planning Studio 2026
Salem City Health Element
In Spring 2026, students in Rowan University’s Graduate Planning Studio, offered through the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability, are advancing the public health component of the City of Salem, NJ’s future master plan. In partnership with the Rowan University Community Planning + Visualization Lab and with partial support from the American Planning Association NJ Chapter, the studio centers public health as a core driver of community planning. Students are analyzing spatial and non-spatial data drawn from existing databases, plans, and reports, alongside direct community input gathered through workshops, intercept surveys, and in-depth interviews. Their work translates this research into actionable strategies, practical toolkits, and targeted recommendations to embed public health into Salem’s long-term planning framework.
M A J O R O U T P U T S
Final Report and Presentation Video - Coming soon!
1/4 mile walking buffer around greenspaces, community resources, and food resources
Partners
Sponsors
Faculty Advisor
Mahbubur Meenar, Ph.D.
Geography, Planning, & Sustainability
School of Earth & Environment
Acknowledgment
Laila Blanchard (Salem High School), Sean Brown (Director of Housing and Economic Development, City of Salem), Sharen Cline (Salem City Councilwoman), Thomas Dallessio, PP, FAICP (APA NJ Chapter), Emily Hazy (Grant coordinator, City of Salem), Shahd Juwhari (NJ Department of Community Affairs), Angela Knowles, PP, AICP (APA NJ Chapter), Michael Kolber, PP, AICP (BRS Inc.), Sam Opal, PP, AICP (Taylor Design Group), Simran Riar (NJ Department of Community Affairs), Sr. Pastor DaTonja "DT" Stanley (Harvest-Time Worship Center), Elizabeth Terenik, PP, AICP (Terenik Land Use LLC), Dr. Jody Veler (Salem City Mayor)
S T U D I O M E M B E R S
Team Members (from left): Nicole Abbott, Brendan Bermingham, Brandon Bollwark, Ada Elwell, Ladarion Hardison, Maheen Khan, Shreya Nalla, and Mercy Patrick
P H O T O S
Photos courtesy: Studio Members, Ethan Theurer, Dr. Meenar
