Stacey Becker

The meeting commenced with the reading of the Open Public Meeting Act, which detailed notice requirements, including the future transition to online-only public notices effective March 1, 2026. Key actions included the nomination and election of Bob Hoffman as the 2026 CADB Chair and John Perehinys as Vice-Chair. Sub-Committees were designated for Preservation Site Review and Right to Farm. The Board approved the 2026 meeting schedule. Administrative business included an update on farm closings, noting the 500th farm closure in Hunterdon County in 2025, and discussion regarding writing a letter concerning water allocation approvals affecting farm viability. Active applications reviewed included Malavasi Farm, which required a motion for final approval to proceed to commissioners for survey and closing, and two SADC Direct Easement Local Notices (Siano and Delcampe) which required board comments/support. A resolution (2026-02) concerning Bowlby Hill Farm was approved.

The Hunterdon County Growth Management Plan serves as a strategic roadmap for long-term sustainable development, aiming to balance growth with the conservation of the county's environmental assets over the coming decades. Key focus areas include promoting efficient land use patterns while preserving rural and agricultural character, providing diverse housing alternatives, encouraging economic development in existing commercial corridors, and protecting environmental, cultural, and historical resources. The plan also emphasizes enhancing community resiliency, advancing sustainability initiatives, improving circulation, and supporting the agricultural industry and public access to green spaces.

This document outlines a program plan focused on increasing overall recycling rates for businesses, schools, and households in Hunterdon County through education. The plan proposes six key investment areas: revising the county website, establishing a consistent message, implementing a "Call to Action" mailing, developing business resource materials, creating hauler's mailing inserts, and launching a school education program. The intended outcome is to achieve significant annual cost savings for residents and businesses by redirecting waste to recycling, with a target of over half a million dollars annually by increasing recycling by just 10%.

The Hunterdon County Planning Board meeting included discussions on the budget for the upcoming year, walk-throughs of county buildings for capital and security improvements, and updates on the Bike Plan in collaboration with NJTPA. Staff also worked with High Bridge on a Vibrant Communities application and with Flemington on a Complete Streets proposal. Updates were provided on farmland preservation, open space initiatives, cultural and heritage projects, and GIS activities. The board also discussed Highlands Conformance, the Historic Preservation Plan, transportation matters, and the State Plan update. Additionally, there were committee reports, development reviews, and a county engineer's update on construction projects.

The Hunterdon County Highlands Master Plan Element outlines the framework for the County's compliance with the Highlands Regional Master Plan and defines activities for future implementation. The plan focuses on fostering collaboration with the Highlands Council, guiding strategic investment decisions, preserving sensitive natural resources, expanding housing and job opportunities, and aligning county planning documents with the Regional Master Plan. Key areas of focus include natural resources, water resources, agricultural resources, historic and cultural resources, transportation, community character, landowner equity, and sustainable economic development, aiming to promote responsible growth while protecting environmental features and enhancing the quality of life.