The state, too, has a stake in conserving open and productive land and in making efficient public infrastructure investments. Traditional town designs following familiar, centuries-old patterns, can accommodate higher densities without sacrificing privacy, safety or comfort by providing a variety of housing types. Some of New Jersey's most prestigious towns, such as Princeton and South Orange, combine small lots with townhomes, apartments and duplexes very successfully. Local economies need the tax base that growth management would destroy. The tax base of local communities is terribly weakened by today's sprawl.
Unmanaged development is difficult and expensive to provide with public services.
Implementing a good local growth management program increases predictability for the community and developers alike, and helps preserve the quality of life that makes a region attractive to business and industry. Urban areas will benefit from growth management, but rural areas will suffer. In addition, traditional local rural industries such as farming, forestry, tourism and recreation endangered by sprawl will be protected. Suffering urban areas can also find relief through redevelopment, and through the revitalization that naturally occurs as people rediscover towns and cities. New Jersey can no longer afford sprawl.