Apology to Planning Director

Plaintalker's suspicions about a $2,500 item for the Environmental Commission were unfounded.

Planning Director Bill Nierstedt explained Tuesday that the budget request for 2012 was aimed at launching the commission, which was established in 2001. No members have been appointed since then, but the funds would go toward educating potential members, paying dues to join the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and providing matches for grants. At the April 26 City Council budget deliberations session, Nierstedt will explain the request as part of his presentation. The meeting is 7 p.m. in City Hall Library.

The idea of getting the Environmental Commission going came up in talks with Eric Jackson, the city's new director of Public Works & Urban Development, Nierstedt said. It will hinge on whether the governing body approves the expenditure for this year. If not, the Planning Division will make the request next year, he said.

A full description of the membership, duties and powers of the commission is online at the city web site. Click here and search in the upper right-hand corner for Environmental Commission. One member must serve on the Planning Board and the commission has advisory review powers similar  to those of the Historic Preservation Commission.

Spotting the item in a budget document, Plaintalker did not understand why a commission with no members needed funding, but now the intention is clear. Sorry for thinking it was a dubious item, like some others in the city's recent history. If it comes into being, the commission certainly will play a valuable role in the city's future development.

--Bernice