Jump Start Fast Track
By: Carlos Rodrigues, NJAPA Chapter President

The New Jersey Legislature passed the “Fast Track” bill last year. The bill lived up to its nickname – it was rushed through the Legislature in a sprint, with no time for comments or public debate. I don’t support the lack of public process for this or any other bill, despite the fact that so many pieces of legislation (good and bad) seem to go through the legislature the same way.

Yet despite its flaws, the fast track bill’s goal is admirable – to streamline New Jersey’s extremely burdensome land use regulatory environment. We depend on the real estate development industry to create the physical settings where we work, live and enjoy our free time. Yet it is one of the most highly regulated industries in the State.

The fast track bill requires state agencies to become more accountable and timelier regarding applications for state agency permits, which can now drag on indefinitely, while state regulators leisurely consult the tea leaves and throw the I-Ching. Fast track forces regulators to reach a “yes” or “no” verdict before our grandchildren reach college age.

Significantly, fast track in no way changes the local development review process. And, it goes almost without saying, it does not affect Federal oversight. After all, how could state legislation do that?

But the fast track bill has come under fierce attack by a wide assortment of individuals and organizations. I hope these groups have taken the time to read and understand this bill, because I feel it has been misrepresented and demonized in often emotional terms.

While the Fast Track bill is not perfect, and could benefit from judicious revisions, I strongly support the impetus behind it and look forward to seeing it implemented. So far, two Administrations have gloriously waffled, and the fast track looks more like a slow boat to China.

As always, I welcome your thoughts. Please contact me at pres@njapa.org.

The President’s Corner reflects the opinion of the President and not necessarily that of the Executive Committee or the membership.