Dear Editor:
As important priority that Assembly Speaker Albio Sires stressed in his inaugural speech on January 8, 2002 is the preservation of open space in the Garden State. This public policy goal is a major step in the revitalization of urban areas.
PSE&G believes that redeveloping older communities is good business, and the preservation of New Jersey’s open space will help to create an economic stimulus in the state’s urban areas.
An economic cooperative, that includes local government, regulators, residents and investors, will reach this goal by continuing the momentum to resolve the issue of brownfields. These are abandoned, idled or under-used and contaminated industrial or commercial sites to be addressed and cleaned up.
Directing development away from pristine open spaces, forces the dialogue and planning to focus on accepting the challenges of the restoration process and creatively returning brownfields to productive use. The sites are then more socially and economically viable, encourage investment to increase tax ratables and provide opportunities for job growth.
Additionally, redeveloping brownfield sites allows for the reuse of existing infrastructure (sewer, water, telephone, electric, gas), which lowers the cost to the developer and to the general public.
PSE&G’s area development team promotes growth in New Jersey’s cities, including brownfield redevelopment. PS&G can help officials to navigate and utilize the programs and incentives designed to encourage businesses to locate and expand in urban locations. For further information, contact Richard Franklin at 973-430-6056.
Richard Dwyer
PSE&G