Ocean County has introduced a dedicated website to inform residents about the potential economic consequences of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ REAL) regulations. The platform also enables the public to submit formal comments opposing the rule. n nOfficials warn that the new regulations could impose heavy financial strain on homeowners, small enterprises, and local governments—many of which are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi emphasized that the changes may hinder ongoing and future economic growth across the county over the next quarter century. n nThe proposed rules include stricter construction standards, higher elevation requirements, expanded flood hazard zones, and more rigorous permitting processes. These measures could force residents to spend tens of thousands of dollars to comply, while simultaneously reducing property values and making insurance harder to obtain in affected neighborhoods. n nThe website features detailed information about the state’s proposal, its projected local impact, and an interactive map allowing users to check whether a specific address falls within a newly designated risk area. n nCommissioner Robert S. Arace criticized the initiative as overly broad, inequitably implemented, and developed without sufficient federal coordination or consideration for coastal communities. He also pointed to a lack of transparency and inadequate engagement with municipal leaders and regional planners during the rulemaking process. n nAlthough framed as a coastal resilience measure, NJ REAL would extend to inland towns, riverfront areas, and suburban zones, potentially increasing insurance costs and construction expenses for schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services—all ultimately borne by taxpayers. n nCommissioner Virginia E. Haines noted that the county’s population swells to over one million during summer months, underscoring the need to assess impacts on both permanent and seasonal residents. She called for clearer explanations on how the regulations would affect communities across the state. n nBeyond property owners, renters may face higher housing prices, and businesses could pass new compliance costs onto consumers. In essence, the financial burden would be widespread. n nCommissioner Jennifier Bacchione highlighted the region’s reliance on tourism, warning that the rules could undermine small businesses and weaken the economic base of local towns. She advocated for climate adaptation strategies that are practical, fair, and economically sustainable rather than measures that risk displacing residents or destabilizing communities. n— news from New Jersey Business & Industry Association
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Ocean County Launches Info Website Warning of Economic Impacts from DEP’s Proposed Land Use Rules
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has launched an information website for Ocean County residents regarding the proposed state Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ REAL) regulations. n nThe website also includes an opportunity to submit a formal comment to the DEP opposing the rule. n n“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 of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi. n n“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 25 years.” n nThe rule’s increased construction and elevation mandates expanded flood zone designations, and stricter permitting thresholds will place unbearable financial burdens on working families, retirees, and small businesses. Homeowners may be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to remain compliant, and entire neighborhoods could see reductions in property value and insurability. n nThe county’s website includes information on the State’s proposal, on how it will impact our residents, and includes an interactive mapping tool to locate specific addresses that will be affected by the change. n n“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,” Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said. n nThe rulemaking process to date has lacked sufficient transparency, stakeholder engagement, and cost-benefit analysis. Municipal and county leaders, as well as regional planning authorities, have not been adequately consulted or supported in preparing for the far-reaching consequences of these changes. n nNJ REAL isn’t limited to the Shore; it will affect communities statewide. Inland towns, riverfront areas, and suburban neighborhoods are being added to new “flood risk” zones, driving up insurance premiums and lowering property values. Schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services will face stricter building standards, raising costs that taxpayers ultimately cover. n n“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,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines. “NJ REAL will have an effect on a significant portion of New Jersey’s population, and we need better explanation as to how this will impact all of our towns.” n nThe impact won’t stop with homeowners. Renters could see higher housing costs, and businesses facing new expenses are likely to pass them on to consumers. In short, NJ REAL means higher costs for everyone in New Jersey. n n“Ocean County’s local economies lean heavily on our tourism industry,” said Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione. “The damage these rules could do to our small businesses and residents will have a lasting impact. We need climate resilience solutions that are smart, equitable, and achievable, not ones that force people out of their homes or erode the economic foundation of our towns.”