Suspends "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" until certain conditions are met.
Impact
The suspension of the Highlands Act implies that specific restrictions and development regulations imposed under this legislation will not be in effect until the aforementioned funding conditions are satisfied. This temporary halt may provide some relief for landowners who have been in limbo under these guidelines. Still, it raises questions about the long-term environmental protections designed to safeguard the Highlands Region and the water quality supplied by it. As such, the impact on environmental policy and local governance may be significant.
Summary
Senate Bill 1871 aims to suspend the provisions of the 'Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act' until the State of New Jersey establishes a dedicated source of funding for the acquisition of lands located in the Highlands preservation area. This bill entails that the State must ensure funds are available to purchase land from willing sellers, primarily for farmland preservation and recreation purposes. Additionally, the bill states that the land to be acquired must belong to those who owned it at the enactment of the Highlands Act on August 10, 2004, or their immediate family members.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its potential to undermine environmental protections in the Highlands region while the suspension is in effect. Proponents believe this bill allows for necessary flexibility for landowners and can accommodate economic benefits through land sales for conservation. Conversely, opponents argue that such a suspension can promote overdevelopment in sensitive water resource areas, undermining decades of conservation efforts aimed at protecting water resources and local ecosystems.
Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.
Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.
Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.
Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.
Extends for five years expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres program and farmland preservation program for lands in Highlands Region.
Exempts expansion or reconstruction, within 125% of existing footprint, of municipal and county buildings and certain emergency services buildings from "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act."
Extends for five years expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres program and farmland preservation program for lands in Highlands Region.
Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.