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
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.
Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
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.
Florida Atlantic University
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland