On the other hand, a number of members of the New Jersey Keep it Green Campaign, a coalition of 115 organizations supporting the rene wal of GSPT, who were present at the committee hearing, applaud the proposal. Many of the coalition's non-profit members receive state aid for open space preservation.
"Without this funding, many of the historic places that give our communities character are at risk of being lost forever, said John Hatch, Preservation New Jersey president. "We need to create more opportunities for community revitalization and renewal as well as provide jobs for our citizens by saving these historic treasures."
"We applaud the legislators' support for sustaining the Trust,'' said Tom Wells, lobbyist for the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey. "Our efforts to preserve New Jersey's natural lands depend it. Without the Garden State Preservation Trust, our ability to preserve land for the benefit of our state will slow to a trickle, precisely at the time when real estate prices are in our favor."
"A replenished Garden State Preservation Trust would invest significantly in urban parks, farmland and historic preservation projects that will keep our children active, our food more locally-grown, and our rich heritage alive," said Anthony Cucchi, director of the Trust for Public Land. "It will also enable us to continue investing in natural areas that maintain our clean water, clean air, and the healthy environment for our families."
Apparently the Legislative committees didn't share those concerns, or didn't take the time to discuss them this time around. Assembly Democrats said they held a public hearing in April, but the amendment to $600 million was just introduced last week. Do you think voters will get sticker shock when they walk into the ballot box and see the $600 million question?
