APA New Jersey is saddened to share the loss of John (Jay) Lynch, PP, who succumbed to ALS on December 29. Jay was a pillar in New Jersey’s professional planning community and esteemed for his expertise in affordable housing and land use policy.
After graduating from Rutgers University in 1960, Jay began his career with the New Jersey Bureau of State Planning. He then co-founded the firm Queale & Lynch with Bill Queale in 1971. Long before working from home became commonplace, Bill and Jay were working independently out of their respective home offices, getting together occasionally to swap thoughts and ideas on various projects. Jay retired from the firm in 1999 but came out of retirement to become the first in-house Township Planner for Toms River Township in 2005, which he served through the end of 2016, just prior to his 80th birthday. During his tenure as Township Planner, Jay navigated through a master plan in 2006, recovery from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and a complex Housing Element and Fair Share Plan that resulted in a Settlement Agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center, Inc. involving one of the largest affordable housing obligations in the state.
Jay’s career was marked by a profound commitment to shaping communities. His expertise, quick wit and passion for land use and planning left an indelible mark on the towns and cities he served and the colleagues that were fortunate to collaborate with him. He was a mentor to many young planners and a trusted advisor to local governments.
As we remember Jay, we honor his life’s work and the positive impact he had on so many. May his memory continue to inspire us all.