In 2006, the NJ DEP denied the Lacey Township application for a necessary CAFRA permit to build a road on a 2-mile portion of the Central Jersey Railroad Right-of-Way.

The decision made by the NJ DEP to deny this application was made because Lacey Township could not meet all of the NJ State Environmental Regulatory Standards necessary to receive an approval.

The most important points made by the NJ DEP in their denial document to the township are points that Lacey Township cannot overcome in any future CAFRA applications made to the NJ DEP for this proposed road. 

*  "The former railroad right-of-way has been serving as public open space since its abandonment in 1973 and was further enhanced by the removal of tracks and railroad ties." 

This corridor is regularly used by citizens of all ages for running, walking, bicycling and other recreational uses.  Middle school and high school level sports teams use the right of way for practice runs.  Joggers use this corridor to safely exercise without the perils of car and truck traffic.  Children of all ages use the right of way traveling on their bicycles safely to their destinations.  Groups of children walk together socially along this safe pedestrian path.  Pet owners walk and exercise their pets regularly on the right of way.  Families use the right of way to enjoy nature in a safe and respectable manner.  Adjacent homeowners utilize the trail to access their neighbors’ yards and to walk to commercial shopping centers.

*  "The construction of the Project would result in a permanent loss of a unique and irreplaceable area."

This corridor is unique to Ocean County.  There is no other opportunity to create a main bike/pedestrian artery in the entire county.  The Ocean County Freeholders Ocean County Natural Lands Trust have recognized the importance of creating the Barnegat Branch Bike Trail and they have started engineering the project  in Barnegat in January 2007.  Our commitment to keeping the integrity of this entire 14.5 mile corridor as a public bike trail is our priority.

*  "the Division does not find that the project promotes the public health, safety, and welfare as it places a new road in close proximity to existing homes along the alignment; would not offer a car free pedestrian transportation link...and does not promote public welfare."

The abandoned Central Jersey Railroad Right-of-Way is an opportunity like no other for the county to create a car-free and safe main artery that connects neighborhood to neighborhood, churches, schools, parks, employment centers, and commercial shopping centers via bicycle and pedestrian access. Lacey Township’s plan for a roadway would put several new 4-way intersections along the route creating dangerous pedestrian situations. The main artery, the Barnegat Branch Bike Trail, would allow the townships that the trail traverses the opportunity to build offshoot trails throughout their communities.

* "Development of the project as proposed would effectively block the County of Ocean's ability to convert the ROW to a passive/active car free recreational use and would also result in loss of the values and functions the abandoned rail line has started to provide, such as a vegetative buffer and wildlife habitat."

LaceyTownship plans to build a 2-mile roadway as an alternate to Route 9 traffic. It will also aid access to large proposed commercial shopping centers for tractor trailer deliveries.  Thousands of mature trees and natural buffer must be destroyed to build this road. This plan destroys the integrity of the county trail plans and threatens the safety of citizens who will use the trail to traverse the community.