TRENTON – The Senate today approved a bill, S-1831, sponsored by Senator Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic, to create the Hackensack Meadowlands Transportation Planning District.
“It is heartening to see the Meadowlands Region taking control of its own destiny,” said Senator Sarlo. “This legislation represents a tremendous effort by those in the business community to recognize our long-term transportation needs.”
The purpose of the measure is to set a process of making commitments for long-term transportation needs in the 14 muncipalities making up the Meadowlands District, Senator Sarlo said. It passed 31-7 and now goes to the Assembly.
“We are making the commitment to take responsibility for our future growth by enlisting the participation of new developers in meeting our transportation needs,” Senator Sarlo said.
A Meadowlands Transportation District Planning Board would put together a 20-year development proposal, with priorities set every five years, and with fees to be assessed on future developments based on factors that would include vehicle trips generated, square footage of structures, number of employees and total parking spaces. The planning board would be staffed by the Meadowlands Commission.
The planned Xanadu development would be exempt because it is being built on land owned by the Sports and Exposition Authority which is not under the control of the Meadowlands Commission.
The member municipalities of the transportation planning district would include, from Bergen County, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, Ridgefield, Rutherford, South Hackensack and Teterboro. Hudson County members would be Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen and Secaucus.
“This legislation reflects vital input from the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Hackensack Meadowlands Commission and many other key stakeholders in the future of our region,” Senator Sarlo said.
“Those of us who have hopes for the future growth of our region know full well that transportation is the key to ensuring the quality of life we want for our families and our businesses,” he added.
“This legislation provides us with a balanced, but flexible way to move forward to the future by ensuring that developers pay their fair share,” Senator Sarlo said.