Recently, some have questioned whether New Jersey’s regional planning bodies in the Pinelands, Meadowlands and Highlands really matter, or whether they just add an unnecessary layer of government or red tape. In their latest Star-Ledger column, Govs. Brendan Byrne and Tom Kean made it clear where they stand on regional planning.
Author Archive
Regional Planning Efforts Have Friends in High Places
Thursday, July 21st, 2011Revision to Land Use Law Advances Smart Growth
Thursday, July 7th, 2011Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation that updates the Municipal Land Use Law to make municipal “General Development Plan” (GDP) approvals and other longer-term approvals available to higher-density projects, including those with a mix of uses.
New Jersey’s Solar Ambitions Raise Difficult Land-Use Issues
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011Because of New Jersey’s small size, the effects of solar development on other land uses are more pressing than in other states. As solar development continues, the issue of whether a solar installation is the best use of a given parcel of land will become increasingly salient.
Bill That Undermines Tax Sharing Passes Committee
Friday, June 17th, 2011New Jersey Future opposes bill that would transfer the responsibility for funding the Meadowlands tax sharing program to the general fund.
Mutiny in the Meadowlands
Saturday, June 11th, 2011The Meadowlands’ long-standing and nationally-renowned regional tax sharing program is at risk. For over forty years, this system has enabled sound regional planning and environmental principles to guide the area’s renaissance, rather than competition for ratables.
Responding to Governor Christie’s Decision to Pull Out of Regional Climate Pact
Thursday, May 26th, 2011The governor intends to pull the plug on a worthy effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported oil. While most of our neighbors would receive millions of dollars from RGGI to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and state-of-the-art electric generation facilities, New Jersey would not.
National Experts Advise the Christie Administration on State Strategic Planning
Monday, May 23rd, 2011The Christie administration hosted a Governor’s Institute on Community Design workshop to explore advancing a state strategic plan that focuses on economic development and the importance of location.
Controversial Wastewater Deadline Passes
Friday, April 8th, 2011Where sewers are located largely dictates where development goes, especially smaller lot development. Similarly, where and how septic systems are regulated governs how larger lot subdivisions are designed.
State Launches “Strategic State Planning Process”
Thursday, March 10th, 2011On March 4, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Wayne Hasenbalg outlined the Christie administration’s State Strategic Planning Process Project.”
New Jersey Leads in Farmland Loss
Monday, February 21st, 2011New Jersey lost a greater share of its agricultural land to development than any state – more than 25 percent in the 25 years between 1982 and 2007.
