DEPARTMENT OF REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Atlantic County Planning Updates

Atlantic County Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plan-

Last revised in October of 2000, the Atlantic County Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plans are currently in the process of being revised and updated. In an effort aimed at gaining first hand knowledge of the issues concerning Atlantic County property owners and municipal officials, the County, along with the Center for Regional and Business Research at the Atlantic Cape Community College proposed to survey a random sample of the County’s population.  Collectively a random sample of 8,000 property owners received the “residential” survey and the County’s 23 municipal mayors and administrators received a “public official” survey. To this date, we have received over 1,300 property owner responses and 15 municipal responses. The response rate is 17.2%, which is outstanding for a mail survey. Responses are currently being tallied with the results to be incorporated into the updated County Master Plan and Open Space and Recreation Plans. Both plans are expected to be adopted by the end 2006.

State Municipal Stormwater Program-

The state’s Municipal Stormwater Program is well underway in Atlantic County. The program encompasses all of the State’s 566 municipalities, 21 counties, and various State Agencies and statewide public complexes. The goal of this program is to ensure that all stormwater runoff from the state’s roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces will remain as clean as possible before being discharged into the State’s water bodies. The program’s focus is on non-point source pollution such as excessive fertilization, vehicular fluid leaks, and common litter.