Preserving state’s landscape: a daunting challenge

New Jersey voters have never been reluctant to spend public funds for the protection and preservation of open space. Over the past half-century, we have been asked 11 times to approve statewide bond issues for open space, farmland and historic preservation. And all 11 times we’ve done so – to the tune of a total of $4 billion.

On Nov. 6 we did it again, approving public question No. 3, which authorizes the state to issue $200 million in bonds to keep our open space, farmland and historic preservation programs afloat. But this was not a business-as-usual election, and approval of this public question was by no means a foregone conclusion. Unlike past years, when open space bond issues routinely passed by 2-1 margins or better, this one squeaked by with only about 53 percent of the vote.

The message here was pretty clear. Yes, preserving open space is still popular in New Jersey, but there’s a limit to the price we’re willing to pay for it. As the state plunges deeper and deeper into debt (already $2.6 billion, or 8 percent of our annual operating budget, is devoted to debt payments), government has a heightened responsibility to use taxpayer dollars as wisely and efficiently as possible.

Purchases with the state’s Green Acres and farmland preservation funds are a sound investment in New Jersey’s future, but those programs can and should be fine-tuned to accomplish even more. Here are four steps the state can take to ensure that we get the biggest bang for our bucks.

Use precious funds wisely. Carefully consider state contributions for local purchase of properties whose price has skyrocketed because developers have already gained local construction approvals. This happens when communities fail to plan proactively for open space and farmland preservation. We must encourage local governments to target parcels strategically for preservation and zone them accordingly.

Step up the requirements for the state’s premier open space and farmland preservation grant programs. Require municipalities to adopt not only an open space funding mechanism and plan, but also an inventory of natural resources, an agriculture retention/farmland preservation plan (if relevant) and basic ordinances to protect water resources. Tailor these requirements for urban areas. Get needy communities (those that rank low on per capita income but high on natural resources) on board with technical assistance and matching grants.

Reward those communities that exemplify sound planning for sustainable development and preservation. Dedicate $2 million of state land acquisition funds annually for one-time bonus grants to the top five communities in the state that adopt innovative land-use plans, programs and ordinances for well located, compact, mixed-use development and redevelopment and permanent protection of natural resources. Use an objective ranking system to protect against political influence. This program will not only fund strategic land purchase, but also encourage communities across New Jersey to improve plans and ordinances.

Foster regional cooperation on preservation projects that cross political boundaries. Create a special funding pool for regional preservation that multi-municipal and multi-county partnerships can apply for.

New Jerseyans should be proud of our record of preserving and protecting open space in this most densely populated state in the country. As resources become scarcer, we can maintain this record only if we’re willing to take some bold steps now, securing a legacy of which the next generation can be equally proud.

Chris Sturm Senior Director of Policy

New Jersey Future

Trenton