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Monday, October 19, 2009

A vote for open space

New Jersey voters should approve a $400 million bond referendum on Nov. 3 to help preserve open space in the densely populated state.

Without a desperately needed infusion of cash, land conservation projects already in progress, as well as new projects to save farmland and historic areas, could be in jeopardy.
 

The Garden State Preservation Trust has nearly exhausted all of its funding from previous bond measures that allowed New Jersey to protect thousands of acres from development and preserve pristine water supplies.
 

By authorizing the state to borrow money to buy property, voters can help save what is widely regarded as one of the most successful and largest land preservation programs in the country.
 

Since 1985, the state has preserved 1.2 millions acres of open space, including 430,928 acres in state parks, 11 state forests, three recreation sites, 42 natural areas, six marinas, and more than 50 historic sites and 324,366 acres in 120 wildlife management areas, plus 176,435 acres of farmland.
 

Despite those efforts, studies predict New Jersey within 25 years could become the first state to reach the “build out” stage. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, howwever, says there’s still about 2 million acres that can be saved.
 

Critics say the state should not take on any more debt, given its current fiscal predicament. They want a dedicated funding source for land acquisition. That would be ideal, but it may not be feasible until the economy improves and state revenues pick up.
 

For now, another bond issue provides the best solution — and it’s one that New Jerseyans have agreed with in the past. Since 1961, voters have approved 12 consecutive statewide land preservation measures.
 

With real estate prices at record lows, the timing is perfect for New Jersey to purchase and preserve more open space for the next generation. The trust stretches taxpayer money by matching the funds provided by the 21 counties and municipalities with local open-space initiatives.
 

If approved, the $400 million bond referendum would cost each household an average of $10 a year. That’s not too high a price to preserve open space. New Jerseyans should vote YES.
 
Posted by Inquirer editorial board @ 2:15 AM  Permalink | Post a comment
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