Dear Mr. Brower:

The State League of Municipalities has always been deeply committed to the State's Green Acres efforts. This is reflected in the League's support for the approval of Green Acres bond issues over the past four decades, as well as by the Program's popularly with the state's local governments.

My purpose in writing to you is to indicate the League's endorsement of the comments concerning the proposed rulemaking submitted to you by the Monmouth County Park System, Winslow Township and East Windsor Township (the Comments). The principal problems as described identified in the Comments pertain to proposed changes in purpose or use provisions; additional hearing and notice requirements; retroactive application of the new rules; public hearings prior to acquisition applications; advance notification and audit system; and diversion of parkland.

The League believes that the proposed changes as outlined in the Comments will unnecessarily infringe on local prerogatives and flexibility to manage open space. In addition, the hearing and notice requirements will increase costs to local government without any public benefit.

For these reasons, the League requests that the proposed regulations be revised to reflect the concerns set forth in the Comments. (Green Acres Monmouth County, Green Acres Winslow, Green Acres East Windsor)