Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024
(a) For
a development project, a local government unit shall submit an application
containing all of the following:
1. A
completed Green Acres application form. The application form shall identify the
local government unit, give the project type, indicate the municipality(ies)
and county(ies) in which the proposed project site is located, provide a brief
description of the project, specify the estimated cost of the development and
the estimated funding request amount, identify the local government unit's
contact person for the project, and include the certification of the person
authorized by the enabling resolution required under (a)2 below to submit the
application;
2. A certified copy of
the enabling resolution, drafted in accordance with an example obtained from
Green Acres and approved by the governing body of the local government unit,
authorizing the submission of a Green Acres application and the execution of
the project agreement and declaration described in
N.J.A.C.
7:36-14.1 and identifying the person
authorized to act in these matters on behalf of the local government
unit;
3. A detailed estimate of the
cost to develop the proposed project that indicates units and quantities of
materials to be utilized and that is prepared by a New Jersey licensed
landscape architect, architect, or engineer;
4. The Recreation and Open Space Inventory
(ROSI) submissions that are prepared by the local government unit in accordance
with N.J.A.C. 7:36-12.5 and that are
complete and accurate as of the date of the application;
5. A narrative description of how and the
extent to which the project meets the award criteria under
N.J.A.C.
7:36-13.1;
6. An environmental assessment that describes
the proposed development project, the existing environmental features of the
proposed project site, and the anticipated direct and indirect environmental
impacts of the project on the project site and its surrounding area; identifies
and compares the environmental impacts of developing alternative sites; and
describes measures that will be taken to mitigate any adverse environmental
impacts of the project. If the project impacts an undisturbed portion of the
project site, the results of the Natural Heritage Data Request required at
N.J.A.C.
7:36-12.2(d) must be
attached and discussed in the environmental assessment;
7. A local tax map that indicates the lot(s)
and block(s) to be developed;
8. A
conceptual site plan, drawn to scale, that indicates the proposed development;
existing topography, facilities, improvements, and natural features of the
proposed project site; and any areas of proposed tree clearing;
9. A conceptual floor plan that indicates the
proposed use of all structures to be developed;
10. A copy of a lease or use agreement for a
project located on property not owned in fee simple by the local government
unit that meets the requirements of
N.J.A.C.
7:36-10.1(f), or a letter
from the property owner stating their intent to enter into a lease or use
agreement with the local government unit should the project be
approved;
11. Information on the
State's interest or claim in any riparian area in the proposed project site, as
required by
N.J.A.C.
7:36-12.2(c);
12. A street map that clearly indicates the
location of the proposed development;
13. An estimate of annual operating expenses
required to maintain the proposed project site, including wages, salaries,
equipment, and materials;
14. Proof
of publication of the notice of public hearing and copy of the minutes of the
hearing held under
N.J.A.C.
7:36-12.2(b);
15. Digital images and prints that clearly
show the existing conditions at the proposed project site;
16. If applicable, letters in support of the
project from the general public; civic groups and agencies; municipal and
county planning boards, park commissions, recreation departments, or
environmental commissions; user groups; or other organizations;
17. If the project is located in the
Meadowlands District, the Pinelands, or the Highlands, a letter from the New
Jersey Meadowlands Commission, Pinelands Commission, or the Highlands Council,
as applicable, stating that a pre-application conference was held with the
local government unit, with the applicable Commission's or Council's comments
on the proposed project attached; and
18. A list of all permits that may be
required for the proposed development project.
(b) Green Acres shall send a letter to the
local government unit acknowledging receipt of the application; providing the
identification number assigned to the application; and requesting any
corrections or clarifications to, or submission of any items missing from, the
application, if applicable.
(c) All
materials submitted as required under (a) above shall become the property of
the Department.
(d) Green Acres
staff shall conduct one or more site inspections to verify the statements in
the application. A project site inspection also may include an examination of
the maintenance of other parkland held by the local government unit and an
evaluation of the areas to be served by the development project.