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Smart Housing Zones
People who live and work in New Jersey need a greater choice of homes they can afford, especially near jobs and transportation alternatives. To address these needs, the Smart Housing for Economic Prosperity task force convened by New Jersey Future crafted the Smart Housing Zones program that would reward municipalities that adopt higher-density zoning for housing that is well-located, walkable, energy-efficient and includes a mix of opportunities for low-, moderate-, middle- and upper-income households.
Greenhouse Gas
Since 1970, vehicle miles traveled in New Jersey has increased at a rate four times faster than the state’s population, thanks in large part to the sprawling, auto-dependent development that has prevailed in recent decades. This increase has helped make transportation the largest, and fastest-growing, contributor to the state’s overall carbon footprint. Whether California’s approach to dealing with this problem in SB 375 is adaptable to New Jersey remains to be seen. What is certain, however is that New Jersey, like California, will need to acknowledge and address the effect the state’s land-use patterns have on emissions if we are to have any chance of reaching our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. Smart Growth
Smart growth is growth that addresses the connections between land development and environmental protection, social equity, public health, and economic vitality. Smart growth can be achieved by reforming existing laws and regulations that do not meet the needs of the way we live today. The State Plan
New Jersey's State Development and Redevelopment Plan has drawn national attention for its potential to guide New Jersey's growth in a way that leads to smart growth - growth that protects New Jersey's open lands and natural resources, strengthens our communities, makes it easier to get around, and increases our housing choices. Property Taxes
New Jersey's system of taxation contains incentives that impede good planning and smart growth. We need a fair tax system that does not drive development onto open lands, or away from communities that need it. Stronger Neighborhoods
Safe and healthy places are necessary for a prosperous future. All communities should have the resources they need to become attractive places for families and individuals of all types and income levels to live, work, and play. Open Space and Farmland
As New Jersey continues to grow, our remaining open lands disappear to development Planning tools and preservation can work together to permanently protect our most important open lands - prime farmland, critical wildlife habitats, water recharge areas, urban parks, recreational lands. Transportation
New Jersey's transportation infrastructure is extensive and its effectiveness is being impacted by sprawling development and poorly planned growth. New Jerseyans should spend less time getting to where they are going and more time actually being there.
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