It makes recommendations for land use that local government, citizen organizations, county and statewide government agencies can implement as part of a long-term plan for that region. Mr. Sasala said it was a pleasure to be in Ocean County. The Department of Community Affairs will look at how they are consistent with the State Plan. He reported that over the course of the summer, Commissioner Kenny unveiled the new Rehabilitation Building Code which should provide tremendous flexibility in terms of rehabilitating existing buildings. Mr. Horzepa reported that the Governor signed the Acquaculture Development Act.
Ocean County has a loan fund for acquaculture and fisheries development.
A major acquacultural facility is located in Ocean County and the Agriculture Department is looking forward to working with them to develop opportunities for fish farmers, etc. Mr. Nagy said the Ocean County Board of Freeholders had been very instrumental in Barnegat Bay Estuary Program saying the shellfish industry is very important in Ocean County. A draft of the Department's annual report has been distributed to their assistant commissioners and they will encourage them to look at consistency with the existing State Plan and the Preliminary Plan. Deputy Attorney General Mr. Reynolds spoke about a recent court decision in Pohatcong Township in which the State Development and Redevelopment Plan was discussed by the court and given some consideration in reaching the decision. The issue was whether Pohatcong Township was in compliance with its obligations under the Mt. Laurel doctrine and the Fair Housing Act.