The nation’s most densely populated state took an important step toward curbing sprawl Jan. 31 with the creation of a Smart Growth Policy Council within the governor’s office. Made up of Cabinet heads and leaders of key state agencies, the council will meet bi-monthly or as needed.
Environment and Agriculture
Leaders of the Pack
Monday, February 18th, 2002A Step Away from Cleaner Water
Thursday, January 10th, 2002In addition to preserving land, New Jersey needs new rules that steer development away from open areas we depend on for clean water.
Real Winter Warmth?
Tuesday, December 11th, 2001The way we use our land in New Jersey is changing our climate, and in turn, could dramatically change our economy and way of life.
Farmland Tax Policies Work Against Preservation
Wednesday, October 10th, 2001New Jersey, as virtually all other states, helps its farmers stay profitable with preferential property tax treatment. Known as “farm-value assessment,” this tax policy sharply reduces the property tax on “actively devoted farmland.”
Saving Land Without The Tax Bite Takes TDRs
Wednesday, August 1st, 2001Saving Land, Sparing Taxpayers New Jersey announced last week that it will spend $230 million to purchase another 58,000 acres of farmland and open space, and preserve these from development. In March, Burlington County preserved 640 acres of farm property […]
State Needs New Water Rules Tied To Growth
Thursday, July 12th, 2001The State could and should move more aggressively to adopt new rules that limit development and sewer expansion in environmentally sensitive areas, and encourage growth in the areas designated for growth by the State Plan.
Sprawl Gets NJ Coming – and Going – via Property Tax
Friday, March 30th, 2001Many communities on the front lines of sprawl saw their property taxes jump by over 40% to cover the costs of providing new roads, sewers, schools and services.
Development Style Can Reduce Road Costs
Tuesday, February 13th, 2001Road Costs and New Development Laying a local, two-lane road typically costs $1 million a mile. The cost per resident can be reduced dramatically if plans for new roads are coordinated with plans for more compact development – even when […]
If You Zone For It, They Will Come
Thursday, January 25th, 2001The Sarnoff Corporation in West Windsor this month announced plans to transform its rolling 335-acre campus into a 12-building office park.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Friday, December 22nd, 200050 Years Ago in New Jersey In 1950, we munched Sugar Pops and Ball-O-Fire gumballs for the first time. Most of us (58 percent) lived in places with urban or small town densities where you could walk to stores, movies […]