Bethlehem Twp:

Cellco-Verizon Cell Tower Application – An application for a 165-ft cell phone tower on Asbury West Portal Road is currently pending before the Planning Board. A key issue is that the proposed communication tower is not a “permitted use” for this site under current zoning ordinances, and thus this application will require a D-variance for approval. To learn more and to have your voice heard, attend the upcoming Bethlehem Twp Planning Board Meetings. (See our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates). Note: Please check back in a few days to view a PDF of the cell tower application.

Quarry Reclamation Project - A developer has proposed using the old Pattenburg Quarry as a reclamation site, filling the quarry with “clean fill” from other projects. As with any development, there are questions of public concern and community impact, for example: Who will inspect the fill and to ensure it is “clean”? If there is any adverse impact, what bond or insurance will be in place to protect the taxpayers? What would the developer plan to do with that land once it was filled in? If you live near that site and have concerns about this, again… please attend the upcoming Bethlehem Twp Planning Board Meetings.

Franklin Twp:

Heritage Farm (Previous site of the “Truck Depot” application) – This is still an area of concern for the Skylands region. At least two attempts to preserve this beautiful farmland/watershed area have fallen through. The Truck Depot application process exposed some vulnerabilities in the zoning ordinance that could be exploited by developers in ways never intended by Franklin Twp citizens. As such, we continue to monitor development in or around the Heritage Farm and neighboring lots.

Union Twp:

Anti-Idling – Congratulations to Union Twp officials who are stepping out smartly to enforce NJDEP’s anti-idling legislation. Read more about their efforts here.

Regionwide:

Land Use Board/Zoning Board/Planning Board/Open Space Committees – We urge you to become involved in your local community by volunteering to serve on Boards and Committees. SPA continues to partner with other public bodies and grass roots organizations to remain vigilant against rampant and inappropriate development. If you do volunteer on any public Board or Committee, please advise us of any public information that impacts the greater Skylands regions. Together, we can preserve the beauty, tranquility and bio-diversity of our region for future generations.

Highlands Act – Protection of critical watersheds benefits everyone, both now and in the future. That’s why SPA strongly supports the laudable environmental goals of the Highlands Act. However, the Highlands Act is not without controversy and some politicians have expressed their desire repeal all or portions of the Highland Act. Currently, Governor Christie is attempting to appoint new members to the Highlands Council who may be opponents of the Act itself and who support Governor Christies reported opposition to the Act. Our sister organization, the NJ Highlands Coalition, is a well established and recognized group with core expertise on the Highlands Act. We encourage you to visit their website at: www.highlandscoaltion.org to learn more about these developments what you can do help ensure reasoned decisions regarding the implementation of the Act.

We will continue to monitor events in neighboring communities and bring them to your attention. Likewise, please e-mail us your thoughts, ideas and concerns! “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi