Somerset County Wins Multiple Awards For Planning And Preservation

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

11/03/2022 4:00 PM

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County’s Planning Board was presented recently with three awards for its sustained contributions to planning and historic preservation by the Preservation New Jersey and New Jersey Planning Officials organizations. These awards recognize the County’s ongoing commitment to identify and preserve open space and farmland, as well as celebrate its unique history and historical sites.

“We all know the great work our Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development does for Somerset County, and we see the results consistently in new acquisitions and partnerships,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano. “It is particularly wonderful to see outside organizations applauding their success and recognizing Somerset County for its leadership in open space and historic preservation.”

The recently adopted Preservation Plan won the Preservation Documents Award from Preservation New Jersey and the 2022 Achievement in Planning Award from the NJ Planning Officials for the Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy & Economic Development, led by Walter Lane. The plan is believed to be the first in the nation to combine open space, farmland, and historic preservation into one document.

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.

Thomas R. D’Amico, Somerset County’s Supervising Planner/Historic Sites Coordinator, was honored with the Sarah P. Fiske Legacy & Leadership Award from Preservation New Jersey. This award is a lifetime achievement award saluting individuals that have made important and sustained contributions to the understanding and promotion of historic preservation and history in New Jersey. For example, under Mr. D’Amico’s leadership the County has invested approximately 21 million dollars to preserve more than 54 historic sites through the Historic Preservation Grant program

Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a statewide member-supported non-profit historic preservation organization. The organization promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education.

The New Jersey Planning Officials is a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. It provides educational services, support and information to municipal planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment and elected officials. NJPO depends upon the annual membership of more than 740 municipal and county planning boards and local zoning boards, governing bodies and about 400 professionals and individuals. Total membership exceeds 9,000.

The Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development helps government officials, business leaders, and citizens create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live by positively influencing the process of growth and change in the county. The Office also helps build an optimum living and working environment for residents and employers, by protecting the natural environment and preserving the county’s rich history, farmland and natural beauty while supporting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.