JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — During its meeting on Wednesday, May 20, the Jefferson Township Council unanimously supported a resolution backing New Jersey Assembly Bill A4860, legislation aimed at providing additional school aid to communities impacted by development restrictions under the Highlands Act.
Resolution #26-149 was approved during the Township Council meeting and states that Jefferson Township has been “severely and adversely affected” by the New Jersey Highlands Act, which restricts development throughout much of the municipality. According to the resolution, approximately 88 percent of Jefferson Township lies within the Highlands Preservation Area, limiting residential and commercial growth opportunities and reducing potential tax revenue.
Township officials also pointed to ongoing school funding challenges. The resolution notes that recent statewide school aid reductions resulted in a reported $2.9 million shortfall in the Jefferson Township School District budget, driven in part by decreases in student allotments and state aid.
Assembly Bill A4860 seeks to provide additional State school aid for qualifying districts located in “Development Restricted Areas,” including municipalities in the Highlands Preservation Area and the Pinelands Preservation Area.
The resolution further acknowledges the efforts of Aura Dunn and Marisa Sweeney, sponsors of the legislation.
Councilmembers Bob Birmingham, Dan Shultz, and Melissa Senatore voted in favor of the resolution. Councilmembers Barbie Garruto and Jon Kalish were absent from the meeting.
Under the approved resolution, Jefferson Township officials will forward copies to Governor Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Assembly leadership, and the bill’s sponsors to formally express the township’s support.
Township officials argue that while many New Jersey residents benefit from water protections provided by the Highlands Region, communities like Jefferson Township continue to shoulder the financial burden associated with strict development limitations.
