NJ Senate passes bill exempting Stevens from local zoning oversight

The Senate passed this bill despite vocal opposition from mayors across the state and strenuous objections from the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJAPA). In a June 27 letter, the NJAPA writes, “We understand that the bill would affect 14 institutions with campuses in 16 municipalities—a textbook example of special interest legislation” and “local planning and zoning boards are the only public safeguards that can protect existing neighborhoods from poorly planned institutional encroachments.”

The proposed legislation now moves on to the New Jersey State Assembly as bill A-2586. A-2586 has been referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee but no public hearing has yet been scheduled. If approved by this Committee, the Assembly will take a vote. Final approval will be up to Governor Christie.

If this bill becomes legislation, other nonprofit institutions could similarly seek exemptions from the state’s Municipal Land Use Law and local zoning controls. Past proposals by Stevens Institute of Technology have been hotly debated. The Fund for a Better Waterfront has challenged Stevens proposals for a massive parking garage along Sinatra Drive directly across from Sinatra Park. After years of controversy and litigation, Stevens modified the garage plans so that the parking, reduced in size, would be enclosed behind academic facilities. A-2586/S-1534 would effectively end the debate, public input and municipal authority. Stevens would be able to do as they pleased, no matter how extreme or offensive the development plan.