Somerset County Preservation Plan Earns 2023 New Jersey Future Smart Award

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County Preservation Plan has been named a winner of the 2023 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards.

New Jersey Future (NJF) announced this year’s seven award-winning projects and leadership honorees as part of their 21st annual Smart Growth Awards on Thursday.

"First of its kind plan that combines open space, farmland, and historic preservation plans to provide funding and partnerships, and balance reuse opportunities with economic development to attract business and tourism to the county," wrote NJF of Somerset County's plan.

The plan contains sections focused on stewardship for all currently preserved properties, ensuring continued funding for future acquisitions, conducting issues and needs assessments to drive decision making, and the integration of climate change mitigation strategies, economic development, and tourism efforts into the preservation process, according to Somerset County.

New Jersey Future has honored smart planning and redevelopment in New Jersey through the Smart Growth Awards since 2002, totaling 142 projects.

An awards ceremony will be held on October 3, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.

To see the full list of the 2023 Smart Growth Award Winners click here.

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