Limits speculative development of large warehouses until 500,000 acres of farmland are preserved under farmland preservation programs.
Impact
The implementation of A5123 would enforce a pause on warehouse developments deemed speculative—those without secured tenants or buyers—until the designated acres of farmland are preserved. This means that local governments and approving authorities would not be able to consider applications for new large warehouse developments, potentially impacting the logistics and e-commerce sectors which frequently seek to establish warehouse facilities. Moreover, as New Jersey continues to confront urban sprawl and environmental degradation, this bill is designed to safeguard agricultural land and promote better land use practices.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5123 aims to limit speculative development of large warehouses on active farmland in New Jersey until a significant milestone is reached regarding farmland preservation. Specifically, the bill prohibits any approvals for such developments until the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) catalogs 500,000 acres of farmland preserved under state programs. This legislative measure reflects ongoing concerns about balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and agricultural viability.
Contention
Debates surrounding A5123 could center on the tension between economic growth and environmental preservation. Supporters argue that it provides essential protections for farmland and helps ensure the state's agricultural future. Critics, however, may raise concerns about stifling economic opportunities, particularly in the logistics and warehousing industries, which are crucial to job creation in the region. The bill's requirement for preserved farmland may lead to contentious discussions about the feasibility and speed of meeting the 500,000-acre milestone, which stands at about 248,009 acres as of early 2023.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Establishes restrictions and conditions for certain owners of preserved farmland to reacquire development rights for limited area of preserved farmland.
Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes.
Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.
Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.
Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 to Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey.
Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 to Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture, In Consultation With The Agribusiness Development Corporation, To Examine Existing Laws Related To The Sugar And Pineapple Industries And Determine Whether Updates Should Be Made For The Utilization Of Diversified Crops.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture, In Consultation With The Agribusiness Development Corporation, To Examine Existing Laws Related To The Sugar And Pineapple Industries And Determine Whether Updates Should Be Made For The Utilization Of Diversified Crops.