By Seth Augenstein
January 19, 2010

TRENTON — The first bill in the state Senate’s new session targets the Council on Affordable Housing.

The state Senate’s Economic Growth Committee will soon hear testimony on the bill dismantling COAH’s controversial structure and function — instead placing affordable housing obligations in the hands of the State Planning Commission.

Municipalities could also have more responsibilities to integrate low- and moderate-income housing into their communities. Read the rest of this entry »

By Seth Augenstein
October 22, 2009

ANDOVER TWP. — Redevelopment of a blighted lot at the Limecrest Quarry could pave the way for huge tax ratables — and for round-the-clock industrial operations at the corner of three towns.

The land use board spent hours analyzing a concrete paver manufacturing plant Tuesday night, and after several hours voted, 5-1, to treat the application as a “light industrial,” permitted usage. The decision could significantly smooth out the progress of the proposal in the two future December meetings.

The self-contained plant would produce no dust and no pollution, presents no fire and explosive hazards, and would generate only modest amounts of noise well within legal guidelines, according to testimony Tuesday night. Read the rest of this entry »

By Seth Augenstein
January 19, 2010

Statewide water planning changes will push ahead, after outgoing Gov. Jon Corzine pocket-vetoed a bill that would have delayed some far-reaching new requirements for another two years.

Corzine, on his last night in office, opted against signing the bill putting off the deadline for water quality management plans until 2011.

The bill was partly a product of local minds. State Sen. Steven Oroho, R- Morris, Sussex and Hunterdon, is its primary sponsor, and Sussex County Planner Eric Snyder also provided favorable testimony to the state legislature at end of 2009.

Oroho was frustrated that the bill, which drew support “from both sides of the aisle,” was killed with a pocket veto. Read the rest of this entry »

By Jennifer Jean Miller
November 12, 2009

Andover Township – Tension between various members of the township committee, and between the committee and the public, is growing so that regardless of the topic, conflict is a constant. The business of running the township, however, moved along at this week’s meeting despite the lack of harmony.

Andover’s Economic Development Advisory Committee is working on new strategies to encourage commerce. Chairperson Rick Melfi said the group is looking for various opportunities to participate in growing the town’s business development. Read the rest of this entry »