May 26, 2010

CITY OF RAHWAY TO APPROVE “GREEN” MASTER PLAN CHAPTER

Public Invited to Planning Board Meeting

The City of Rahway will be one step further towards its goal of being a more environmentally sustainable community when it votes to adopt a new "green" element for its Master Plan. Adoption will be considered at the June 29 Rahway Planning Board meeting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Developed by Rahway’s Environmental Commission with public input, this new chapter in Rahway’s Master Plan, entitled Green Building and Sustainability Master Plan Element, will provide the blueprint for future sustainable growth in the City.

As is the case with any changes or additions to the Master Plan, the Green Building and Sustainability Master Plan Element must be officially approved by the Planning Board. Planning Board meetings are open to the public and public input is welcomed. A presentation will be made and there will be time for discussion and questions. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM and will be held at Rahway City Hall Council Chambers.

In addition to Environmental Commission volunteers, experienced environmental consultants and planners were hired to help develop and write the new Master Plan chapter. Valuable public input was contributed at Environmental Commission Meetings and at a special combined public Environmental Commission and Planning Board meeting held January 20, 2010.

Rahway has already been promoting “green” building practices in its redevelopment projects. Meanwhile, the City recently conducted an energy audit of all of its city buildings. At the same time the City continues to integrate open and green space along the Rahway River into its redevelopment plans.

Mayor Kennedy, a strong supporter of sustainable development stated,

“A Green Building and Sustainability Master Plan Element in the Master Plan will help guide Rahway towards becoming a more sustainable and ultimately, a more livable city.”

The project to create the Green Building and Sustainability Master Plan Element is being partially funded by a special grant from ANJEC - the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions.