Share this
Twitter
Myspace
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Tags
State's environmentalists against legislation
Legislation that would extend the life of building permits for commercial and residential development projects stalled by the economic downturn was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-4347) would extend the permits to Dec. 31, 2012, rather than July 1, 2010, as was provided under another recent law.
"Businesses are still struggling to survive the economic slowdown and shouldn't be forced to use limited vital resources to apply for new permits," said Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden), a sponsor of the measure. "Businesses will continue to simply up-and-leave and take jobs with them without this relief."
Greenwald said many permits are scheduled to expire due to the inability of the banking, real estate and construction industries to obtain financing in the economic downturn. The lapse of the permit approvals could cause a decline in the value of real estate involved in the projects and require a reclassifications of loans.The measure is opposed by the Sierra Club of New Jersey, which argues it will hinder the implementation of the state's clean air and water laws and the green building law. The organization also argues the bill undermines good planning and environmental protection and jeopardizes federal stimulus aid.
"This bill has been on the builder's wish list for the last couple of years and is part of the ongoing assault on environmental protections that has been happening in the state Legislature,'' said Jeff Tittel, Sierra Club director. "Of the 14 so-called builder's bills, eight have become law and two more will be up for a vote early in 2010.''
A-4347 is expected to receive an Assembly floor vote on Thursday.
"Without this relief, it could cost business severely for re-permitting," Greenwald said. "Extending this help and allowing already approved projects to go ahead once the economy turns around will send a strong message to businesses that we want them to stay in New Jersey."
The measure also is sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Malone (R-Burlington).
It was released 4-0 by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
