The law provides a streamlined process of gaining approval for permits requested by developers in parts of New Jersey designated as "smart growth" areas.
By: Linda Seida
STOCKTON The Borough Council agrees the state’s fast-track legislation should be repealed.
Members of the council passed a resolution Jan. 31 that officially condemns the law.
Councilman Andrew Giannattasio cast the only vote against the resolution.
In casting the lone dissenting vote, he said he was not opposed to the resolution per se, but he wanted more time to "understand the verbiage of the resolution."
Although the legislation would have little effect on Stockton, Mayor Gregg Rackin said the borough still should make its voice heard on the issue. He said he believes in letting legislators "know where we stand."
By doing so, Mayor Rackin said, the town and other municipalities that passed similar resolutions would "empower" legislators, who then could return to the Legislature and relay with confidence their constituents’ position on the issue.
Republican Sen. Leonard Lance and Democratic Sen. Shirley Turner are co-sponsors of a bill that would repeal the fast-track law.
The fast-track legislation was signed into law by former Gov. James McGreevey in June. The law provides a streamlined process of gaining approval for permits requested by developers in parts of New Jersey designated as "smart growth" regions. Those areas cover about 40 percent of the state.
Opponents of the legislation say it squashes input from the public. Environmental groups have said the law’s 45-day window for permit approval does not provide enough time to effectively review developers’ permit requests.
In Stockton, little space exists that is not developed or preserved. Officials there agree the legislation or its repeal would have little direct impact on the borough.
"We’re a small town," Mayor Rackin said. "Where I would have concerns is the towns that surround us and our area."
The borough was asked by other municipalities to pass the resolution as a show of support, according to Mayor Rackin.
The other municipalities were "asking us to join with them in saying, ‘We don’t think this is a good law,’" Mayor Rackin said.
Other municipalities that have passed similar resolutions include West Amwell Township, Lebanon, Bloomsbury and Milford.