RAHWAY, NJ – The City of Rahway looks to become a more environmentally sustainable community and seeks public input to help reach that goal.

Spearheaded by Rahway’s Environmental Commission, the City seeks to develop a "green" element for its Master Plan. Entitled "Green Building and Sustainability Plan Element," this new chapter in the Master Plan would provide the blueprint for future sustainable growth in the City.

In order to obtain public input the Rahway Environmental Commission and Rahway Planning Board will be hosting a combined public meeting on January 20, 2010. The meeting which begins at 6:30 PM will be held at Rahway Public Library’s second floor meeting room. All members of the public are invited.

The Environmental Commission, whose meetings are open to the public, has recently worked on developing goals and objectives for the new Master Plan element. In addition to looking at what has worked well in other communities the Commission is putting emphasis on what would complement the City’s redevelopment efforts.

As a "Transit Village," Rahway has been very involved in planning high density, mixed-use development within walking distance of the train station. Recently, the Environmental Commission, Mayor James Kennedy and the City Council have been promoting "green" building practices in these projects. In addition, Rahway is currently conducting an energy audit of all of its public buildings.

At the same time, the City has been actively integrating its open and green space, particularly along the Rahway River into its redevelopment plans. By creating riverfront parks and pathways in the vicinity of its redeveloped neighborhoods it seeks to create a more sustainable and livable city.

Mayor Kennedy, a strong supporter of sustainable development stated,

"All of the City’s redevelopment initiatives could benefit greatly with the formal support of a "Green Building and Sustainability Plan Element" in the Master Plan to guide it."

In addition to Environmental Commission volunteers, experienced environmental consultants and planners are helping to develop the new Master Plan chapter. After considering public comment a preliminary draft element will be completed and presented to Rahway’s Planning Board for final approval. The Planning Board meeting will also be open to the public.

The project is being partially funded by a special grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions.