Local Planning

Downtown Millville during their monthly Third Friday event. Source: NJSLOM

In New Jersey, the power to plan and zone for development is largely in the hands of the state’s 566 municipalities.

The Municipal Land Use Law (NJSA 40:55D-1) grants towns the power to enact a master plan to set land-use priorities and direction, as well as adopt a zoning ordinance to dictate where and in what form development should take, all with the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and welfare of citizens. The local zoning administrator, as well as the volunteer planning and zoning board members, have the responsibility to interpret and enforce the community’s master plan and zoning ordinance. Because development impacts do not stop at municipal borders, it is important to provide communities with the necessary guidance, tools, laws and regulations to make sound land-use decisions that reflect the broader planning context.

Future Facts

New Jersey Future Sends Letter to Governor Urging Him To Sign Stormwater Utility Legislation

February 27, 2019 by Elaine Clisham

New Jersey Future Executive Director Pete Kasabach has sent a letter to Governor Murphy urging him to sign the Clean Stormwater and Flood Reduction Act, which would permit local government entities to establish stormwater management utilities.

New Jersey Future Submits Comments on Proposed Stormwater Rule Amendments

February 4, 2019 by Louise Wilson

New Jersey Future submitted comments on proposed changes to the NJDEP’s stormwater management rules, praising the emphasis on green infrastructure and offering recommendations for making the rule clearer and more effective.

Group of Mayors, Organizations Sends Letter Urging Gov. Murphy To Renew Focus on State Plan

February 1, 2019 by Elaine Clisham

A group of 18 mayors and organizations concerned with how New Jersey grows and develops has sent a letter to Gov. Murphy urging him to renew focus on the State Plan.

New Jersey Future Statement on Passage of the Clean Stormwater, Flood Reduction Act

January 31, 2019 by New Jersey Future staff

New Jersey Future applauds the Legislature’s Jan. 31, 2019, passage of the Clean Stormwater, Flood Reduction Act, and encourages the governor to sign it.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Announces $250,000 in Funding for Redeveloping Stranded Assets

January 29, 2019 by Emily Eckart

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is now taking applications for its 21st Century Redevelopment Program, which targets the challenge of redeveloping abandoned or underutilized suburban office parks and shopping malls.

Articles and Stories

Sept. 15 Community Meeting Will Focus Reopening of Downtown Trenton’s Assunpink Creek

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Trenton are preparing to present their plans to restore the Assunpink Creek at a Sept. 15 meeting.

New Jersey’s Urban Water Systems: A Challenge, and an Opportunity for Collaboration, Engagement, Innovation, Vision

How can New Jersey turn this urban water infrastructure crisis into an opportunity for long-term prosperity. August 2014.

Experts Agree on Action Agenda To Address State’s Water Infrastructure Problems

This report and related case studies summarize the state of urban water infrastructure in New Jersey and how it affects residents and businesses. May 2014.

Redeveloping the Norm: Identifying and Overcoming Developer Obstacles to Redevelopment in New Jersey

This report identifies strategies to lower both cost and risk in redevelopment projects, as redevelopment increasingly becomes the norm for accommodating growth in New Jersey. January 2016.