Linden NJ’s City Engineer Wins the 2023 New Jersey Planning Officials’ Achievements in Planning Award
Mr. Nicholas J. Pantina, PE, CME, CPWM, the City of Linden’s Engineer and Director of Community Services is the 2023 recipient of the New Jersey Planning Officials Achievement in Planning Award. The NJPO honored award recipients at the annual NJPO Achievement in Planning Awards Breakfast on September 29, 2023 .
“I’m both humbled and honored to be recognized with this award. My team members in the Engineering Department help contribute to our department’s excellence, and I see this recognition as a reflection of my team members’ efforts as well as my own”, said Mr. Pantina.
Mr. Pantina has thirty-five years of experience comprising various disciplines of Civil Engineering including municipal, project and construction management, pavement design and management systems, public and private infrastructure improvements, transportation, Planning & Zoning Boards, stormwater management, and soils. He successfully coordinates projects, plans, and develops strategies while managing strict budgets.
“Not only is Mr. Pantina a great resource and partner, but also he’s reliable and extremely knowledgeable. The City of Linden appreciates and values Mr. Pantina as the City Engineer and Director of Community Services,” said Mayor Derek Armstead. “As the City’s Engineer, he is responsible for coordinating technical and engineering projects. leadership skills, communication, along with innovation and creativity. I’m so proud that he’s a part of our team.”
As the Director of Community Services, Mr. Pantina oversees four divisions, comprising approximately 175 people from various departments, including Public Works & Vehicle Maintenance, Transportation & Properties, Engineering, and Information Technology. He also oversees the City’s Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Shade Tree Advisory, as well as any redevelopment project construction. Mr. Pantina‘s past roles include Assistant Resident Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Member/Board of Trustees/Past President of the New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists, and Soil Inspector. He has also managed Professional Services Task Order Contracts for NJT’s Construction Management Group.
“Linden is a beautiful, forward-thinking, productive and proactive City”, said Mayor Armstead. “We continuously strive to create a working environment that provides opportunities to the local population and business community. When my department heads are recognized in this manner, it gives me great pride as well as affirm that we’ve made excellent decisions.”