Assemblyman Guy Gregg

GREGG PRAISES APPROVAL OF SUSSEX COUNTY REGIONAL GROWTH PLAN BY STATE PLANNING BOARD

SHOWS SUSSEX COUNTY MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONFebruary 21, 2007
Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422

Assemblyman Guy Gregg today praised the decision by the New Jersey State Planning Commission to approve the Sussex County Regional Growth Plan -- a proposal that Gregg said demonstrates the county is moving forward in the right direction even as proponents of the Highlands plan are struggling to finalize that proposal.

"The county and local officials in Sussex County put an extraordinary amount of time and effort into this proposal and I am glad the commission decided to move forward," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "This is an excellent example of how local officials working closely with local residents are better able to manage development issues than bureaucrats in Trenton."

Gregg said that Sussex officials had created a plan that will preserve the rural character of the county while effectively managing development pressure. Under this proposal future development would be concentrated in designated areas in order to reduce sprawl and protect surrounding areas.

"Today was a victory because we were able to convince commission members to move ahead now with this plan rather than waiting for a final proposal from the Highlands Council," Gregg said. "This plan protects the natural resources and beauty of our region while allowing for controlled and beneficial economic development. This is exactly the type of balance that can best be achieved through a cooperative, thoughtful process -- as opposed to a process driven by mandates from Trenton."

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