Walking Tour in Perth Amboy Offers Insight Into Urban Planning Careers
Middlesex College’s Office of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships held a tour of the City of Perth Amboy, followed by a luncheon and Q&A, on October 20 for students interested in a career in urban planning.
The event was led by Topology.is, a Newark-based real estate and planning firm interested in creating a workforce pipeline into the field of urban planning.
According to Charlotte Quigley, director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships at Middlesex College, alumna Sitwat Syed ’19 reached out to her office with the idea of introducing students at her alma mater into this “difference-making field,” one that draws upon expertise from several academic disciplines: geography, engineering, science, and law.
“Urban planning has such a direct impact on the quality of life in densely populated areas because it involves issues such as sustainability, social justice and economic development,” said Quigley, who noted that Topology has partnered with the City of Perth Amboy on several big projects critical to creating sustainability, mitigating pollution, managing stormwater runoff and others with the goal to improve the quality of life in the community.
“So, the tour was a great way to introduce our students, especially those who live in Perth Amboy, to see firsthand how they can make an impact in the places they call home.”
To explore academic programs at Middlesex College, visit middlesexcollege.edu/academics.
