JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ -A bill in the New Jersey legislature seeks to reduce required parking spot minimums on new high-density and residential construction projects if they are built close to existing mass transit hubs.
The bill, which seeks to allow for higher-density housing in the state’s urban areas, is being opposed by public officials in New Jersey’s third-largest rural town, Jackson Township.
Officials warn that Jackson Township would allow developers to build more homes and apartments as the community is littered with rarely used bus stops along most county highways.
“We’re in a time in Jackson when residents want to slow down the rate of development and maintain the rural fabric of our community,” said Jackson Councilman Mordechai Burnstein. “This law would allow developers to circumvent the current rules and build bigger projects with less public parking requirements.”
Burnstein said he urged his fellow councilmembers to oppose the bill. The council will vote on a resolution in opposition of this legislation. He also calls on local state officials, including former Councilman Alex Sauickie, who now serves as a state legislator, to oppose the bill as it progresses in Trenton.
“People move to Jackson because of its open spaces and rural community feel,” Burnstein added. “This bill would change the rules for builders in our town and is not good for our residents.”
According to the state website, the bill and its Assembly counterpart A4984, would reduce statewide parking requirements around transit nodes, including bus stops, ferry terminals, and train and light rail stations. Depending on the proximity to the transit node, parking minimums would be reduced by 20%, 30%, or 50%
In Jackson, major developments on most county highways would be affected by the legislation.