In producing updated sewer service maps, New Jersey's 21 counties have partnered to sketch out statewide development well into the future. Critics complain that the plans favor developers over the environment, reports Jill P. Capuzzo.
New Jersey's updated sewer service maps, produced ahead of an EPA mandated deadline "after years of confusion, disputes and rule changes," are pitting those who believe the plans set out a blueprint for smart growth with those who decry the loosening of environmental protections, writes Capuzzo.
"In a news release announcing the counties' compliance with a July 15
deadline to submit their updated maps, the Department of Environmental
Protection praised the maps for 'protecting nearly 210,000 acres of
environmentally sensitive lands and better safeguarding the state's
water quality.' But for environmentalists, this number is more than
90,000 acres shy of the 300,000 acres once deemed environmentally
sensitive and expected to be shielded from sewer service development."
"David Pringle, campaign director for the New Jersey Environmental Federation,
said a more accurate headline for the maps would be 'Gov. Chris
Christie reinstates 100,000 acres into development area.'"
Lawrence Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental
Protection, counters that, "The 300,000 acres was just a starting point - a ballpark
number to begin the actual mapping process." He contends that, "The current 209,000 acres deemed sensitive reflect more up-to-date data..."
"The counties' new sewer maps, which are expected to receive final
approval by the end of the year, represent the first in a three-step
process to address water management issues," notes Capuzzo.
FULL STORY: Mapping Future Growth

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie