|
New Jersey
has been a national leader in preserving open space,
historic sites and farmland over the past decade.
However, the fund that makes New Jersey that leader –
the Garden State Preservation Trust – is running out
of money and local government grants have been
completely exhausted. Already the most
densely populated state, New Jersey communities
continue to face intense development pressure, and
even the parks, natural areas and historic sites that
are protected have suffered due to a chronic lack of
funding.
On November 7, 2006, New Jersey voters wisely approved
ballot question #2, which creates an ongoing source of
funds for capital projects at State and local parks,
natural areas and historic sites. While this was an
important first step towards addressing the great
needs of these areas, we must continue to invest in
our communities by renewing and strengthening the
Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) in 2007.
As a Mayor, you can help by passing a resolution in
support of the renewal and strengthening of the GSPT
and urging the State Legislature and the Governor to
enact legislation now that will place a referendum on
the November 2007 ballot to replenish the Trust.
Additional information on how you can help and a
sample resolution are available at
www.OutdoorRecreationAlliance.org.
Your community would benefit directly from the renewal
and strengthening of the Garden State Preservation
Trust in 2007.
Since its creation in 1998, the Trust has enabled the
State, local governments and non-profits to acquire
over 432,000 acres of parks, open space and farmland.
While it has been a tremendous success, New Jersey
continues to lose open space at a rate of 50 acres a
day, causing property taxes to rise as municipalities
fund new schools, roads and public infrastructure to
support this development.
The acquisition of open space, on the other hand,
requires little in the way of services and does not
burden the municipal tax role. These areas quickly pay
for themselves, and then provide long-term savings
that can help stabilize local property taxes. At the
same time, they provide substantial environmental and
economic benefits to the communities where they are
located, often spurring revitalization of entire
areas. The GSPT must be replenished now to ensure that
the preservation of these areas, and the resulting
benefit to municipalities, continues uninterrupted.
In addition, the Garden State Preservation Trust
provides a vital match for the dedicated local open
space taxes collected annually by all 21 counties and
over 225 municipalities. In order for municipalities
and counties to continue receiving Green Acres and
State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) grants,
the Trust must be replenished this year.
Furthermore, the State has provided municipalities
with millions of dollars in Garden State Preservation
Trust grants to pay for the development of local
parks. In order to ensure high-quality, accessible
green spaces our citizens deserve, the renewal of the
GSPT must include a mechanism to fund operations,
maintenance, stewardship and capital projects at
locally-owned as well as State sites. This State
investment is critical to ensuring well-maintained
open spaces that our communities rely on for a high
quality of life, livable communities and sustainable
economies.
Furthermore, the renewal and strengthening of the
Garden State Preservation Trust in 2007 must ensure
funding equity for urban, suburban and rural
communities across the state. To date, GSPT has not
fully addressed all aspects of open space needs and
has failed to assist in addressing the major
impediment to increasing conservation and recreation
resources in urban areas – the inability of maintain
the additional resources – despite the critical
importance of these areas to ensuring healthy
communities.
Creating and maintaining urban parks, natural areas
and historic sites is a vital component of any urban
revitalization strategy. These areas create a high
quality of life that attracts taxpaying businesses and
residents and redirects growth back into urban areas.
They also support the growth of our State and local
economies by stabilizing property values; increasing
retail and tourism activity; and attracting new
industries and skilled workers to communities across
New Jersey.
Our open spaces also provide opportunities for hiking,
jogging and other physical activity, which increases
fitness and reduces obesity. These areas reduce air
and water pollution impacts on public health and
associated costs for health care and drinking water
treatment. In addition, they significantly improve
air and water quality and provide important habitat
for wildlife in urban, suburban and rural areas of our
state.
New Jersey
must renew and strengthen the Garden State
Preservation Trust now in order to ensure a high
quality of life in your community. To learn more about
this campaign and how you can help or to invite a
representative to speak at your local public meeting,
please contact Joanna Wolaver at
joanna.wolaver@njaububon.org or 609-392-1181. |
