BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > S273

NJ S273

NJ S273
"Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act"; concerns preservation of Palisades Cliffs and creates Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council.

summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill, "Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act," would provide for the preservation of the Palisades cliffs and create the Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council. The council created by the bill would constitute a political subdivision of the State exercising public and essential governmental functions, would have 10 voting members appointed by the governing bodies of the municipalities within the Palisades cliffs area, and would be conferred with powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with preserving and protecting the Palisades cliffs. Additionally, the bill creates the Palisades Planning Region that would consist of that land within the municipalities which extends up to 2000 feet east of the Palisades cliff crest at each location along the Palisades cliffs. The bill provides that unless approved by the council, no development may be constructed in the Palisades Planning Region unless the maximum height of the proposed development, including any mechanical structures to be constructed atop the building or structure, is at or below the height whereby the sightline looking east from the crest directly to the west of the proposed development would include at least the eastern half of the Hudson River above the proposed building or structure. Where there is no discernable crest immediately to the west of the proposed development, except as otherwise specified in this bill, the height of the beginning of the sightline looking east would be the elevation of the surface of the portion of Palisades Avenue directly west of the proposed building or structure. Under the bill, on or before March 31 in each year, the council is required to make an annual report of its activities for the preceding calendar year to the governing body and the chief executive officer of the municipalities and Bergen and Hudson counties. Each such report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operations during the preceding year.

AI Summary

This bill, the "Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act," establishes the Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council, a public entity composed of 10 voting members appointed by local governments within the Palisades cliffs area, to protect the scenic and natural beauty of the Palisades cliffs. The bill also defines the "Palisades Planning Region" as land extending 2000 feet east of the cliff crest, and prohibits development within this region unless its maximum height, including any rooftop structures, allows for a clear view of at least the eastern half of the Hudson River from the cliff crest, or a specified alternative sightline if no clear crest exists. The Council is empowered to adopt bylaws, sue and be sued, hire staff, apply for grants, enter into agreements, and provide guidance to municipalities on development regulations, while also being required to submit annual reports on its activities and financial status to local governing bodies and county executives. The bill also outlines criteria for approving developments that might exceed height limits, considers impacts on traffic and neighboring municipalities, and allows the Council to seek injunctive relief for violations and for decisions to be appealed in court.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/09/2024)
(3 Companion Bills)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...