RED BANK, NJ: TAPinto Red Bank has been offering a series of “Back of the House” articles profiling the men and women who make Red Bank “work.” Our purpose is to have the borough residents gain a personal sense of the people and the support personnel, many who are unpaid volunteers, perform behind the scenes to keep the town looking beautiful and safe, 24/7. Hence, “Back of the House.”
We spoke with Nancy Blackwood, Chair of the Red Bank Environmental Commission and asked her a few questions.
TAPinto: Tell us the purpose of the Environmental Commission
Blackwood: The Red Bank Environmental Commission (RBEC) advises the mayor, council and borough municipal department heads on environmental issues that may affect the natural resources and inhabitants of the community, including but not limited to solid waste management and recycling, energy conservation, renewable energy, storm water management, preservation and use of parks and open spaces, clean water, water resources, and protection of flora, fauna, soil and landscape throughout the borough. Additionally, the commission reviews and comments on the development applications for the Red Bank’s Planning and Zoning Boards.
The RBEC is committed to sustainability in the community and continues to develop and implement programs that will conserve energy, preserve natural resources and property, improve the health and well-being of residents and employees. In 2009, the commission created a Green Team and in 2017 created a Creative Team to assist with our sustainable efforts. We continue to collaborate with the borough departments, boards, commissions and committees for a more sustainable future for all of our residents
TAPinto: How many members are there, and what State and Federal agencies do you work with?
Blackwood: The RBEC has 7 members and 2 alternates. The EC is fortunate to have members who work or have worked in fields relative to the environment and those who consciously raise awareness about our environmental impact. The RBEC does not work with any state or federal agencies but does reference state and federal agencies when researching information. The RBEC is a member of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) and utilizes their resources and training for our members
TAPinto: When providing comments to Red Bank’s Planning and Zoning Boards, what do you look for in the applications and what feedback/suggestions do you offer?
Blackwood: The EC created a Green Development Checklist (GDP) to encourage sustainable design in development projects. It is now part of the package of materials sent to developers. In addition to reviewing the GDP, the EC reviews the site plan for impacts on existing environmental resources; the projects use of nonstructural techniques to manage stormwater, adherence to the Complete Streets policy, air, light, noise pollution and landscaping
TAPinto: Red Bank is experiencing significant growth. What’s the Commission’s primary concern today when it comes to the borough?
Blackwood: Stormwater pollution is a very high priority as well as making the streets walk and cycle friendly for all users of the roads. The EC always considers changes based on the impact of our MVPs (most vulnerable populations). That is very important to the EC. Growth is going to happen and the EC would like to see energy efficient development with more public accessible green spaces
TAPinto: What’s the best part about your job?
Blackwood: When the EC sees the successful implementation of our projects! The ban on single use plastics and polystyrene foam was one of the towns’ successes; it reduces the amount of plastics getting into the stormwater. Meeting to discuss new ideas is a lot of fun as well
TAPinto: Most Challenging?
Blackwood: Unpaid labor, Lol!!
The Link LonkMay 12, 2021 at 01:00PM
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/red-bank/sections/green/articles/red-bank-s-nancy-blackwood-keeping-an-eye-on-the-borough-s-environment
Red Bank's Nancy Blackwood Keeping an Eye on the Borough's Environment - TAPinto.net
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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