Contact Us
The Hudson County Division of Planning provides information and recommendations for the orderly and proper development of the County. The Division provides staff support and technical assistance to the Hudson County Planning Board, the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy “CEDS” Committee.
The Division of Planning is located at:
Bergen Square Center
830 Bergen Avenue
Suite 6A
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Please contact us at
countyplanning@hcnj.us
201-217-5137
Byron Nicholas, PP, AICP
Division Chief
Born and raised across the Hudson River in New York City, and now calls northern New Jersey home, Byron attributes his interest in urban planning to the City’s vast transit network. He holds a Master of Urban Planning and a BA in Environmental Design from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and is currently the Planning Accreditation Board’s AICP Young Planner Appointee.
Kevin Force, PP, AICP
Supervising Planner
A native of Teaneck and current resident of Jersey City, Kevin received his Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University in 2013, where he concentrated in Community Development and earned a Certificate in Historic Preservation. Kevin’s been with the Division since December 2013.
Samuel Schroeder, PP, AICP
Supervising Planner
Samuel earned his Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from the University of Cincinnati, where he participated in a cooperative education program earning experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors of the planning profession. Samuel recently earned his AICP certification.
Mario Tridente
Building and Zoning Inspector
A native of Hoboken and lifelong Hudson County resident, Mario is the liaison between municipal construction/zoning officials. Mario has received his Zoning Official certification from the Bloustein School of Government Services and has earned his Municipal Shade Tree Management and Hazard Shade Tree Assessment certifications from Rutgers University extension.
Gina Jaramillo, C.P.M.
Office Manager (Executive Assistant)
Gina is an experienced office manager and is skilled in graphic design. Gina ensures that critical functions for the office are carried out and serves as human resource manager for the office. Gina also manages our office’s participation in a high school internship program.
Elizabeth Morales
Community Service Outreach Coordinator
Elizabeth, a Hudson County native, has worked for the Division of Planning for 21+ years. She is a dedicated and seasoned coordinator with a strong background and degree in Human Resource Management. Elizabeth is responsible for facilitating the efficient functioning of the office, has a passion for networking with others, and leadership development.
Sophia Calcaterra-Hull
Environmental Planner
Sophia earned her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Maryland. She worked in a variety of positions focused on environmental stewardship and public engagement before continuing her education, earning a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute. Sophia recently earned her Certified Floodplain Manager certification which she uses to help ensure the county is prepared for future flooding. While she is not technically a native to the county, Sophia married into a family deeply rooted in Jersey City and Bayonne, and even wrote her Master’s thesis about greenspace accessibility throughout Bayonne, NJ.
Dominique Turnbull
Environmental Planner
Dominique earned her Bachelor’s in Geography from Florida State University, where she minored in urban planning and worked with a variety of sustainable initiatives before continuing her education. Dominique earned a master’s degree in City Planning from University College London and worked in the public sector on housing and transport developments. She is responsible for managing Planning Board applications and inquiries.
Carmen Rosario
Assistant Planner
A Hudson County native, Carmen Rosario’s upbringing inspired her career in urban planning. She holds a bachelor’s in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University and her Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University in 2025. Her experience spans urban sustainability initiatives, community engagement and advocacy.