Meeting Minutes

This is the first year we are putting in a strong effort in connection with Community Planning Month in order to raise the status of planning as well as recognizing the efforts of local planning officials and volunteers. Sheena will be sending letters to each municipality concerning passing a proclamation declaring October as Community Planning Month.

The website will launch next week and Sheena went over all the latest updates and features that have been included.  The user friendly site will include separate committee pages, event calendar with map link, conference and other updates as new posts, picture gallery from all events, “hot bills” for timely updates of relevant legislation, job postings, our bookstore etc.

Chris thanked Linda for her help with the Food Systems webinar. Chris has been in contact with the PDO of the NY Metro chapter in connection with AICP course. Chris will be covering the duties of PDO of Exam Prep until we find a replacement for Kelly. Chris advised that he participated in a conference call in connection with the ASLA conference. APANJ will have a booth at the conference and CM credits are being sought. He advised that Shane is working on a walking tour of Vineland which should be scheduled for some time in August.

Ray advised that he is still looking into the idea of doing a joint high speed rail conference with the NY chapter. Possibly in Manhattan in September. Chris proposed a session at the conference for the topic and Ray advised that it was a possibility but the topic deserves more than a 90 minute session. Chuck shared that he is happy people are talking about this and would love to hear the assessment of a new tunnel and high speed rail and its impact on the region.

Vito and Stu explained the status of the Housing Committee’s work in connection with the amicus brief. An outline with key points that we want to hit is being worked on and the brief is due by June 15th. Any comments can be sent to Stuart Meck. The focus will be the State Planning Act and Fair Housing Act and basing it on regional planning.

Conference Logo – Two versions were emailed to ExComm members and Sheena explained their creation. There were some who felt the colors should be changed. A poll was taken and the circular version won out. Sheena will work on its coloring.

Discussion of Shaping NJ partnership agreement. Shaping NJ promotes healthy lifestyle choices in connection with nutrition and physical activity and focuses on environmental and policy change around obesity and chronic disease prevention. There is no cost for partnering. Motion by Eric to enter into partnership agreement, Second by Leah, All in favor.