BERKELEY – The Township Council onboarded with a state environmental plan that could lead to some funding down the road.
They voted to participate in the State Development/Redevelopment Plan Cross Acceptance Process. They also authorized to apply for funds to help plan for climate change. Planning, in this use, is defined by the rules of what is allowed to be built in different parts of town.
Township Engineer James Oris said the state has announced a new initiative to ensure that towns’ planning matches the state’s Sustainable Jersey program. This would allow the town to apply for grants and win state money for the town to develop master plan recommendations to make the town more resilient. In essence, it shows that the town will be a willing participant in amending the master plan to be cognizant of the changes in the climate and sea level, and would encourage the mayor and council to take part in it and have more say in what can be built.
Resident Bill McGrath, who is on the Waterways Advisory Committee, a group of volunteers that looks out for the rivers and lagoons in town, warned that these grants are very competitive. In applying, the officials should note all the work that the town already did for environmental purposes. For example, the township is home to the new solar field and electric vehicle charging stations.
According to the website of the Department of State, Office of Planning Advocacy, this process will lead to consistent planning in as many municipalities as possible. The goals are:
- Promote economic growth that benefits all residents
- Provide an adequate supply of housing for residents of all ages and incomes in communities of their choosing that meet their needs and offer ready access to the full range of supportive goods and services
- Economic opportunity through nation-leading infrastructure
- Revitalize and recenter the state’s underutilized developed areas
- Effectively address the adverse impacts of global climate change
- Protect, maintain, and restore the state’s natural and water resources and ecosystems
- Protect the environment; prevent and clean up pollution
- Protect, enhance, and improve access to areas with exceptional archeological, historic, cultural, scenic, open space, and recreational value
- Implement equitable planning practices to promote thriving communities
- Foster sound and integrated planning and implementation at all levels statewide
