Week 6: Greening Hightstown Through Everyday Urban Stewardship
In Hightstown, New Jersey—a small but historic borough in Mercer County—urban sustainability is emerging not through massive development, but through the cultivation of trees, the development of green infrastructure, and the education of community members. At the forefront of this effort is David Zaiser, as both the Chair of the Hightstown Environmental Commission and the borough’s Shade Tree Official.
Zaiser’s dual role empowers him to lead the borough’s vision for a more resilient, beautiful, and eco-friendly Hightstown, one that involves the public and has a long-term perspective.
Planting Trees to Plan for the Future
As the borough Shade Tree Officer, Zaiser manages the borough’s Street Tree Program, an ordinance that has been in effect for years to expand the city’s tree cover. Zaiser’s responsibilities include:
• Processing street tree planting requests from residents
• Identifying appropriate locations for tree planting efforts
• Identifying species of trees appropriate to plant adjacent to the sidewalk
• Managing the maintenance of existing trees
By facilitating street trees along public rights-of-way, Zaiser’s efforts reduce the urban heat island effect, filter air contaminants, and create more pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and a healthy ecosystem. Zaiser’s work also involves advising on development plans to ensure that existing green assets will not be impacted by future growth.
Environmental Advocacy & Public Engagement
In his role to guide the work of the team of volunteers in the Hightstown Environmental Commission, Zaiser also collaborates with the city government to:
• Advanced stormwater management practices are incorporated in green infrastructure
• Advance educational opportunities for the community about native plants and the design of rain gardens
• Develop and share information and resources on low-impact landscaping
• Access the formal planning process during meetings to plan for opportunities
The Environmental Commission acts as an advisor to the Planning Board and the Borough Council, considering sustainability in the decisions that govern Hightstown’s land use policies and zoning. Zaiser’s contributions and involvement in this process are vital to achieving eco-planning opportunities for a borough with growth opportunities.
Why His Work Matters
Although the borough of Hightstown is small, its commitment to local planning sends a powerful message about the importance of environmental planning. Zaiser’s work contributes to:
• Resilience at the urban level through a greater density of trees and green design
• Civic engagement of community members taking part in ecological stewardship
• Creating healthier streetscapes that produce shaded sidewalks, cleaner runoff, and increased biodiversity
In an era of increasing climate uncertainty, Zaiser is demonstrating how the ordinary urban planning process at the municipal level can drive improvements in the health of a borough’s urban ecosystem and community.
The Road Ahead
As Hightstown embarks on a Master Plan Reexamination, Zasier and the Environmental Commission will continue to shape the borough’s land use policy and planning process to achieve sustainability, walkability, and protect green space. From local ordinances to expanded rights of public space, Zasier’s involvement will ensure that the long-term development of the borough is realized with consideration for the existing natural environment as a long-term ecological value.
Get Involved
Residents can request planting of trees, attend Environmental Commission meetings, or volunteer for cleanups and tree plantings. Get involved with the Environmental Commission by visiting the Hightstown Environment Commission website.
