Destination Meadowlands 2050 reimagines the Meadowlands Sports Complex as an interconnected site that brings entertainment, recreation, and ecological preservation into a single destination with a clear sense of place.
With generous support from The J.M. Kaplan Fund, RPA established an endowed Chair in honor of Richard Kaplan, a long-serving board member, inspiration, and friend to the organization.
The Richard Kaplan Chair for Regional Design is a core part of RPA’s endowment fund. The annual proceeds of the fund support an individual pursuing creative, ambitious, innovative research in urban design for the New York metropolitan region as a way to shift the narrative and catalyze change.
Richard was famous for several important traits that will be taken into consideration when selecting the Chair recipient:
A desire to be the first supporter of a bold project. Rather than following the philanthropic community, Richard inspired RPA to move in bold new directions. These funds will not augment existing projects, but launch new initiatives.
A deep appreciation of the transformative powers of design. Richard wanted New York City to be beautiful in every way possible, and advocated forcefully for higher design aspirations. Urban planning in particular suffers from a tendency to“play it safe” when it comes to design – to look for the least objectionable design, rather than the most inspiring. These funds will elevate design in the planning process across the spectrum of the region.
Towering ambition. Richard never accepted things as they were, but asked why we weren’t setting our sights higher. Likewise, this funding will be devoted to long shots, rather than safe projects.
As Urban Design Associate and the Richard Kaplan Fellow, Christine brings an invaluable design perspective and technical skillset to RPA. Christine works across all program areas to incorporate placed-based planning and urban design solutions to RPA’s housing and neighborhood planning, transportation, and energy and environment work across the tri-state region. Her current portfolio includes re-imagining the Meadowlands, urban design suggestions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and design principles for the IBX corridor.
Christine’s flagship project for her fellowship is the report “Destination Meadowlands 2050: A Design Vision for a More Connected, Resilient Sports and Entertainment Complex.” Covered in an exclusive by NorthJersey.com reporter, Colleen Wilson, this urban design vision can become a touchstone reference as the RPA New Jersey team, led by VP of State Program and NJ Director, Zoe Baldwin, push for its implementation.
Here is Christine in her own words explaining the report:
RPA Staff
Christine Garner
Richard Kaplan Fellow
Christine is a Design Associate working with the Housing & Neighborhood Planning team. Her responsibilities include informing urban planning & policy recommendations through visualizations, place-based planning, and urban design solutions.
Recent Research by Christine Garner
Additional Research by Christine Garner
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) provides subsidized housing to over 400,000 New Yorkers in 326 public housing developments across the City’s five boroughs, including 74% of New York City apartments with a rent of less than $500 per month and 51% of the City’s rentals leased at under $800 per month. NYCHA is the largest housing authority in the United States and is New York’s most prolific landlord, housing almost 8% of all New Yorker…
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Christine Garner, Urban Design Associate & Richard Kaplan Chair for Regional Design Fellowship Recipient, 2025 - present
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Miriam Peterson & Nathan Rich, Richard Kaplan Chair for Regional Design Fellowship Recipient, 2019 - 2020
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