The State Plan: Public Notice

January 16, 2024

in Notice,

Official Notice of Intention to Approve a Preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan

January 16, 2024

As you may be aware, the State Planning Commission (the Commission) has been engaging with stakeholders to update the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (the State Plan). As part of the update process, the Commission is currently drafting a Preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan (Preliminary Plan) pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:30-2.1 through 2.3.

We anticipate that the Preliminary Plan will be published on or about April 8, 2024. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:30 1.7(a)(2) and (a)(3), this letter will serve as written notice to you.

The counties, municipalities, State agencies, and the general public all play integral roles in this process. The Commission is required to ensure the highest level of consistency of land use plans from all levels of government. To achieve this goal, N.J.A.C. 15:30-3.1(c) requires that the Commission conduct a joint public informational meeting with each county planning board in each county during the period beginning 45 days after the release of the Preliminary Plan and ending no later than 90 days after release. These public informational meetings begin the process of cross-acceptance, which is the process of negotiating State Plan elements across different levels of government. The Commission’s rules envision the counties as the negotiating entities representing their interests and those of their municipalities.

Please note that the Office of Planning Advocacy (as administrative support to the Commission), has been working with the County Planners Association regarding details and specific deliverables and timelines to complete the State Plan update. Our primary point of contact for each county will be the county planning director and/or staff. We will continue to work closely with the county planning staff to provide whatever support we can. We anticipate a smooth and successful process with your help, and we strongly encourage you to participate in this process. The Office of Planning Advocacy is available to provide information regarding this process at either informal meetings or through formal presentations.

Your county planning staff should be able to provide details of the process, but please do not hesitate to reach out to Donna Rendeiro at stateplan.comments@sos.nj.gov with any questions or concerns as we move forward with scheduling. We are always available to answer questions and to visit you and your staff as needed.

We thank you very much for your anticipated participation in this process.

Sincerely,