Eleven South Jersey legislators are criticizing the state Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed overhaul of land use rules, warning it will increase building costs, delay permits and make shore towns unaffordable for homeowners, renters, and vacationers.
In a letter sent Thursday to DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, the legislators said the New Jersey Protection Against Climate Threats (NJ PACT) regulations disregard the economic repercussions to shore communities, which the 11 lawmakers represent.
“Our review indicates the department’s approach could inadvertently undermine the economic vitality of our local communities, particularly by driving up costs, delaying community improvements and further perpetuating New Jersey’s reputation as one of the most unaffordable states in the nation,” the letter stated.
The DEP’s economic analysis focuses only on costs associated with storms, flooding and emergency responses to these events, the legislators said. The analysis ignores the “costs related to diminished land values/tax ratables, infrastructure funding, building code requirements, renovation costs and accessibility considerations.”
For example, the proposal fails to consider that modifications to the Blue Acres program, which purchases flood-prone properties from willing sellers to return the land to its natural state and reduce flood risks, will cause an increase in property taxes. This is because Blue Acres properties are not subject to property taxes, which increases the property tax burden on the rest of the community’s residents.
“These regulations discourage middle-class and working families from owning homes or vacationing at our magnificent Jersey shore,” the letter said. “The cascading effect from the prohibitively high cost of development, and the consequent reduction in building activity will have a profoundly negative effect on our shore economies.”
The lawmakers urged the DEP to adjust its proposed land use rules so that they are responsive to the concerns of all stakeholders, including shore residents and their elected representatives.
The letter was signed by 11 Republican Assembly members whose districts collectively include Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, and Ocean counties:
- Assemblyman Antwan McClennan (R-1)
- Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-1)
- Assemblyman Don Guardian (R-2)
- Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-2)
- Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (R-9)
- Assemblyman Bryan Rumpf (R-9)
- Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-10)
- Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin (R-10)
- Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-13)
- Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13)
- Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-30)
