NJ’s $2B Investment In Open Space Has Been ‘Profound,’ Advocates Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A decade ago, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum that uses business taxes to preserve open space and power environmental programs.

It’s been money well-spent, advocates in Essex County say.

Local officials recently joined with environmental advocates on Earth Day to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of landmark state legislation that provides dedicated open space funding.

In November 2014, voters in New Jersey gave their blessing to Public Question #2, which dedicates existing corporate business tax funds to open space and environmental initiatives. The measure saw strong support at the ballot box, garnering 64 percent

During the last decade, more than $2 billion has been invested to protect New Jersey's clean drinking water, open spaces, farmland and historic sites – in addition to improving water quality and cleaning up polluted sites, county officials say.

“Essex County is one of the most densely populated and densely developed areas in the country, so being able to continually revitalize and expand our open spaces has a profound impact on our residents’ health, quality of life and property values,” County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“It’s good to be here celebrating what we accomplished in the past, but also what we can achieve in the future,” Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill agreed.

County officials were joined by representatives from the Keep It Green Coalition, which is composed of more than 150 statewide, local and regional groups.

Other supporters included:

Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV – “On this Earth Day, we are reminded of just how essential our parks and green spaces are – not only for protecting our environment but for improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and bringing communities together, especially in our urban centers. The Keep It Green coalition is a shining example of what we can achieve when we unite around a common cause. Thanks to the tireless work of more than 165 partner organizations over the last 10 years, we've secured over $2 billion to preserve New Jersey’s natural treasures – from forests and farmland to historic sites and urban parks. These investments ensure that future generations will have access to clean air, safe outdoor spaces, and the beauty of nature right in their own neighborhoods.”

Martha Sapp, Director of the NJ Green Acres Program – “Parks and open spaces have such a profound impact on people’s lives, and they have to think of our parks as part of their own backyard. We have accomplished a great deal but there is still so much more we can do.”

Peter Dolan, Trail Program Manager with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference – “For over a century, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has been dedicated to caring for public lands in northern New Jersey, witnessing firsthand how the state's investment in parks and trails falls behind its neighboring state of New York. The Fix Our Parks initiative offers a timely opportunity to address this gap, focusing on much-needed repair and maintenance of the infrastructure that welcomes visitors to our State Parks and Forests. We also hope this effort helps New Jersey recognize the vital contributions of volunteers and nonprofit partners in caring for these beloved spaces and encourages a stronger commitment to supporting and empowering them, as is done so effectively in other states.”

Jacqueleen Bido, Chief Strategy Officer with Newark Science and Sustainability Inc. – “We all have a responsibility in the preservation of green spaces as we are the foundation for generational sustainability. Green spaces in urban environments have the ability to change how we see and engage with the world...thus it is our duty to preserve them.”

Jennifer Coffey, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions – “Preserving open spaces like we are doing today is especially important when the environment is being threatened and challenged.”

Don McLaughlin, Chair of the Brookdale Park Conservancy – “Parks are necessary resources for people and it’s amazing the many different ways people use the parks for their enjoyment. Parks are a wonderful investment for everyone.”

Former Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association President Doug Bell – “The collaboration between the Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association and the county has led to millions of dollars being invested to revitalize and enhance the quality of Ivy Hill Park. It has made the park a place for people to come together and unite.”

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