LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Speak out on plan guiding future of towns

February 6, 2007

Editor:
Salem County residents who support planning for the economically and environmentally sustainable future of their communities should urge their county and municipal officials to support proposed changes to the State Plan Policy Map. Changes recently proposed by the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth will help to better protect some of the important resources that make western Salem County unique, including Mannington Meadows, Supawna Meadows, Pedricktown Marsh and the Game Branch watershed. The changes will also help to direct future growth to areas that can best support it with minimal adverse impacts such as water pollution, traffic congestion and costly infrastructure.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation encourages residents of Pennsville, Carneys Point and Oldmans Townships to get accurate information about the State Planning Map revisions for their communities. There are those who believe that planning for maximum growth will help bring prosperity to western Salem County. We, on the other hand, maintain that it’s not realistic to think that sacrificing much of this area to moderate and high-density growth will benefit these towns.

The previous growth plan for western Salem County was too extensive. The State has now recognized this and has taken steps to help communities to focus future development in the appropriate locations and at appropriate densities. Taking into account land-use patterns, water resources, wildlife habitat and a host of other data, the State identified areas where intensive development is not the right fit. However, the proposed changes will still leave room for towns like Carneys Point to grow.

I attended the January 17 meeting in Carneys Point. Fortunately, there are local officials who believe that the majority of their constituents want to maintain the rural character and natural assets of their communities. The outcome of the open space fund referendum in Carneys Point during this past election supports this. Nevertheless, now is a crucial time to show your support. [Salem County officials] will hold a meeting to discuss this issue tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Ware Building in Mannington. If you care about the future of this area, please plan to attend and make your voice heard.

FRANCIS RAPA,
Delaware Bay Watershed Project Manager,
New Jersey Conservation Foundation,
Woodstown

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