TOMS RIVER — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has launched a new website to inform residents about the state Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ REAL) regulations, which officials warn could have sweeping economic and social impacts.
“These proposed rules will significantly impact homeowners, businesses, and municipalities throughout Ocean County, many of which are still recovering from the long-term effects of Superstorm Sandy,” said Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi. “We are concerned that NJ REAL will have a significant economic impact on the economy of Ocean County and impede the growth in economic activity that the County is experiencing and will experience over the next twenty-five years.”
Commissioners said the new rules would expand flood zone designations, tighten permitting thresholds, and impose new construction and elevation requirements that could cost working families, retirees, and small businesses tens of thousands of dollars. Officials also warned that entire neighborhoods could face declines in property values, higher insurance premiums, and reduced insurability.
“NJ REAL presents a complete overreach in scope, a lack of equity in implementation, and an absence of appropriate federal consultation or consideration for our coastal communities,” said Commissioner Robert S. Arace. He and others criticized the rulemaking process for lacking transparency, stakeholder engagement, and cost-benefit analysis.
Commissioner Virginia E. Haines noted that the regulations would affect inland towns as well as coastal areas. “As a County whose population inflates to over one million people during the summer months, we need to be conscious of not just our year-round residents but our seasonal visitors as well,” she said. Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione added that the rules could damage the county’s tourism-driven economy and drive up costs for renters, homeowners, and small businesses alike.
Residents can review details of the proposed regulations and use an interactive mapping tool to see how their properties may be affected at co.ocean.nj.us/frmStopNJREAL.aspx.
