New Jersey Assembly Bill A3357

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

Modifies method of calculating impervious surface percentage for municipal parks in Highland preservation area.

Impact

Should A3357 be enacted, it would enable municipalities to place more impervious surfaces in individual parks, so long as the total impervious coverage across all parks remains within the three percent threshold relative to their combined area. Proponents of the bill argue this flexibility could facilitate better park development and maintenance while ensuring adherence to environmental protections meant to preserve water quality and natural resources. This change aims to balance recreational space needs with ecological considerations in the Highlands region, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of community green spaces.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3357 seeks to amend the method of calculating impervious surface percentages for municipal parks located within New Jersey's Highlands preservation area. This legislation modifies the existing legal framework established under the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, which currently restricts impervious surfaces to no more than three percent of each lot in this sensitive ecological zone. The proposed changes would allow municipalities to aggregate the total area of all municipal parks in their jurisdiction and treat it as a single lot when calculating compliance with these impervious surface restrictions.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups concerned that loosening restrictions on impervious surfaces may negatively impact the delicate ecosystem of the Highlands. Critics argue that increased development in municipal parks could lead to greater runoff, potentially degrading water quality in local waterways. Additionally, some stakeholders worry that the bill might set a precedent for further regulatory rollbacks within the Highlands, threatening long-standing conservation efforts designed to protect this vital area from overdevelopment and environmental harm.