THE OCEAN COUNTY Board of Commissioners recently launched an information website for Ocean County residents regarding the proposed state Department of Environmental Protection's Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ REAL) regulations.

"These proposed rules will significantly impact homeowners, businesses, and municipalities throughout Ocean County, many of which are still recovering from the long-term effects of Superstorm Sandy," said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi. "We are concerned that NJ REAL will have a significant economic impact on the economy of Ocean County and impede the growth in economic activity that the County is experiencing and will experience over the next twenty five years."

The rule's increased construction and elevation mandates expanded flood zone designations, and stricter permitting thresholds will place unbearable financial burdens on working families, retirees, and small businesses. Homeowners may be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to remain compliant, and entire neighborhoods could see reductions in property value and insurability.

The County's website includes information on the State's proposal, on how it will impact our residents, and includes an interactive mapping tool to locate specific addresses that will be affected by the change.?

"NJ REAL presents a complete overreach in scope, a lack of equity in implementation, and an absence of appropriate federal consultation or consideration for our coastal communities," Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said.

The rulemaking process to date has lacked sufficient transparency, stakeholder engagement, and cost-benefit analysis. Municipal and county leaders, as well as regional planning authorities, have not been adequately consulted or supported in preparing for the far-reaching consequences of these changes.?

NJ REAL isn't limited to the Shore; it will affect communities statewide. Inland towns, riverfront areas, and suburban neighborhoods are being added to new "flood risk" zones, driving up insurance premiums and lowering property values. Schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services will face stricter building standards, raising costs that taxpayers ultimately cover.?

"As a County whose population inflates to over one million people during the summer months, we need to be conscious of not just our year-round residents but our seasonal visitors as well," said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines. "NJ REAL will have an effect on a significant portion of New Jersey's population, and we need better explanation as to how this will impact all of our towns."

The impact won't stop with homeowners. Renters could see higher housing costs, and businesses facing new expenses are likely to pass them on to consumers. In short, NJ REAL means higher costs for everyone in New Jersey.

"Ocean County's local economies lean heavily on our tourism industry," said Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione. "The damage these rules could do to our small businesses and residents will have a lasting impact. We need climate resilience solutions that are smart, equitable, and achievable, not ones that force people out of their homes or erode the economic foundation of our towns."

Residents can visit https://co.ocean.nj.us/frmStopNJREAL.aspx to learn more about NJ REAL and use an interactive map to see how their home or business could be affected by the changes.