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Metedeconk Watershed Report Now Available Please take the time to read this important document, which was compiled by a national panel of experts! Click on the link below. |
Helpful Links
METEDECONK WATERSHED REPORT ASBURY PARK PRESS/JACKSON PR NJ ENVIRONMENTAL FEDERATION SAVE BARNEGAT BAY PINELANDS PRESERVATION ALLIAN NJ DEP CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO WETLANDS
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S.P.A.R.E. - Save, Preserve and Respect Our Environment - is comprised of local volunteers concerned about the environmental impacts of the proposed Jackson Towne Centre/Jackson Commons. Our primary goal is to stop the Towne Centre/Jackson Commons from being built and to get these lands purchased for conservation. Although our strong preference is that the Towne Centre/Jackson Commons project not go forward, if these lands must be developed we feel strongly that it should be at a much lower intensity.
Jackson Township is already over-developed. We need to slow rampant growth throughout Jackson Township for the sake of both people and nature. SPARE also aims to enlighten citizens about the State Plan and New Urbanism, which focuses on increased density and mixed zoning. Although the Jackson Towne Centre project encompasses these positive attributes, it grossly fails to direct growth where it already exists and to protect sensitive environmental lands.
Interested in learning more about SPARE or becoming a volunteer? Please email us at SpareJackson@aol.com. Thank you!
Towne Centre (aka Jackson Commons) is a colossal project, a development that would bring 2.9 million square feet of commercial space and 38 buildings (including a five-story hotel and million square-foot warehouse) on approximately 1200 acres in a still-rural section of the township.
The land sits between the Toms River and Metedeconk River, both of which flow into the Barnegat Bay. Wetlands exist on much of the property. This sensitive area also contains habitat for threatened and endangered species such as the Southern Gray Treefrog, the Pine Barrens Treefrog and the Blue Spotted Salamander. In addition to their beauty, these amphibious creatures play a crucial role in the reduction of pests and provide essential food for larger mammals and birds.
By joining SPARE, you can help educate the public about the importance of wetlands, the negative impact development brings to water supplies and the need for the region to work cohesively in order to protect our ecosystems. Collectively, we can voice our concerns to township and state officials, letting them know we care about the future of Jackson Township and that we do not support this project or believe it is designed for the betterment of our community.
We encourage you to start attending public meetings (MUA, township committee and planning board) or "Meet the Mayor" to familiarize yourself with our town fathers and their policy implementation. Our most effective weapon to overdevelopment is citizen participation - even if it is just another body in the audience. Letters to the editor as well as state and local officials are also very important to "raise the bar" of accountability for elected or appointed public servants.
About Our Members
SPARE is solely a volunteer organization and exists without any public or private funding. Our dedicated group of volunteers give of their own time to distribute petitions, assist with signage and increase our outreach efforts. In existence since October 2002, SPARE is proud to boast over 150 members... and the number is steadily rising. Our "executive committee" and co-founders are Lori Neuman, Denise Garner and Jill Manion. The group came together out of a mutual concern about the possible environmental impacts of the proposed Towne Centre and their dedication to the future of Jackson Township. SPARE welcomes any professional services such as legal, marketing, printing, or any professional skills that you would like to donate. Also, if you are able to help us make and distribute signs, get petitions signed, stuff/seal envelopes, etc., please do not hesitate to contact us at SpareJackson@aol.com. Thank you!
