New Jersey’s blueprint for guiding development and preservation has never played a more vital role in managing the state’s growth.
State Planning
State Plan Update Still Stalled
Friday, September 30th, 2005Seeking Smart Growth Momentum
Monday, January 19th, 2004New Jersey has historically been a leader in the land use reform, however, the last major piece of planning legislation passed in 1985 (State Planning Act).
New Way to Pay for Schools
Friday, November 14th, 2003Without links to better planning, impact fees will simply subsidize sprawl. If impact fees are allowed only in communities with solid land use planning, they could be an incentive for smarter growth.
Big Map Bows to State Plan
Friday, October 24th, 2003For more than a decade, municipal and county planners and citizens have offered their guidance on this critical question to the State Planning Commission. The consensus about where growth should go, and land should be preserved, in the interests of the state as a whole, is reflected in the State Plan.
Saving New Jersey’s Heritage
Sunday, July 20th, 2003Transfer of Development Rights, or TDR, gives local governments a tool to stop sprawl at little or no cost by shifting development from farms and forests into desired growth areas.
State Budgets and Spending For Development
Friday, January 31st, 2003Smart growth – and smart budgeting – means encouraging development where infrastructure already exists or can be easily extended, to maximize the investments we’ve already made in our communities and homes, and to spare our open lands.
Governor Sets Summit for October 22
Friday, October 11th, 2002New Jersey has yet to link meaningfully state spending to its State Plan, even though the Plan defines where growth will best benefit New Jersey’s economy and environment, as identified with participation from local governments.
Affordable Housing and Sprawl
Friday, August 2nd, 2002Towns can indeed protect themselves from builders remedy suits. But it will take municipal, Administrative and Legislative leadership to stop sprawl and build affordable housing.
Council Kicks Off April 23
Friday, April 19th, 2002The Smart Growth Council kicking off April 23 will “re-orient how the state looks at growth,” by integrating the State Plan into state spending policies and departmental regulations, according to Governor James E. McGreevey.
Leaders of the Pack
Monday, February 18th, 2002The 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.