More than 60 municipal officials and concerned citizens gathered at Hominy Hill Golf Course on May 19th to learn more about Smart Growth.

Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick opened the planning summit, which was sponsored by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County Planning Board, and the Monmouth County Environmental Council. The Freeholder declared that the goal of Smart Growth is to “protect our natural assets and enhance life for our residents.”

Adam Zellner, Executive Director of the NJ Office of Smart Growth, emphasized the importance of planning for growth so that it is less reactive, less costly and less wasteful. He advised that planning for the future should focus not only on where to grow but also how to design developments and communities.

Eric Wilkinson, Policy Director of NJ Future, defined Smart Growth as a system that creates more livable places and more open spaces.

In his presentation and in his answers to audience questions, Mr. Zellner underscored some of the forces that have driven sprawl and past development in New Jersey. He noted that investments in and by the State over the last 10 years have “marched out over Route 78 and Route 80.” He also warned that we’re “discarding infrastructure” and “throwing out towns.”

During the course of the evening, the speakers highlighted a number of tools and strategies for achieving Smart Growth:

• The new Smart Growth Gateway (www.smartgrowthgateway.org), a web site with a wealth of resources and information. The site features a primer about smart growth, solutions for a host of community problems, data and computer tools, case studies and ordinances, and potential funding sources.

• NJ Future’s Proposed Development Scorecard (www.njfuture.org/articles/development_card.pdf) helps identify the advantages and disadvantage of a proposed development. The reviewer applies the following criteria: is the project close to existing development and infrastructure; does it increase the range of housing options; does it protect open space, farmland and critical environmental areas; does it create a vibrant mix of land uses; does it enhance transportation choices; is it walkable; and does it respect community character?

• NJ Future’s Municipal Review Scorecard (www.njfuture.org/articles/municipal_card.pdf) helps the user recognize strengths and weaknesses in municipal planning and decision making. Officials apply the same criteria as above but use different measures.

• Cooperation and coordination among state, county and local government agencies.

• Creation of town centers.

• Participation in the endorsement process for the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (“the State Plan”).

Some legislative changes and solutions were also discussed:

• Property tax reform – The Meadowlands was cited as a possible model.
• Modification of the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) to allow review of off-site impacts.
• An updated County Planning Act.
• Transfer of development rights (TDR) programs.
• Impact fees.
• Statutory coordination of state, county and local land preservation efforts.

Closing out the program, Assistant Planning Director Bonnie Goldschlag spoke of ways in which Monmouth County is assisting communities in addressing Smart Growth. The county has received Smart Growth grants from the State to produce regional plans, one for the Western Monmouth region (which is nearing completion) and a new grant that focuses on the Coastal and Bayshore regions. In addition, the county serves as a conduit for information, making GIS and other data available to municipalities as well as the State. Monmouth County is also a leader in watershed planning, coordinating efforts in WMA 12.

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