New Jersey Lawmaker Pushes to Keep Warehouses Away from Historic Landmarks

New Jersey is home to about 200 officially recognized historic sites, from centuries-old neighborhoods to well-known landmarks like Lucy the Elephant in Margate and the Statue of Liberty, and now a new bill aims to prevent warehouses from being built too close to these locations.
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy of Burlington County introduced legislation that would ban warehouse construction within 1,000 feet of historic districts, properties, structures, and objects.
The legislation would apply to sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, or those designated as historic by the State Historic Preservation Officer.
The goal is to protect these sites from increased traffic, noise, and pollution caused by large-scale distribution centers.
Murphy believes these centers can harm neighborhoods by causing congestion and preventing residents from enjoying their environment.
She points out that the issue is not the warehouses themselves but their location near places that define New Jersey’s history and identity, which is why stricter regulations are necessary.
Over the years, the rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in warehouse construction across the state, as companies want quick access to major highways and ports, particularly the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest shipping hub on the East Coast.
The need for fast deliveries has driven demand for more storage and distribution centers, but this expansion has raised concerns about its impact on local communities.
Many residents and environmental advocates cite air pollution, traffic congestion, and lower property values as major issues.
Lawn signs opposing warehouse construction have appeared in several towns, including Robbinsville, where residents have resisted plans for new distribution centers and pushed for stronger regulations.
Despite these concerns, warehouse development remains a key part of New Jersey’s economy. Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, argues that these facilities are essential for jobs and commerce.
He notes that the state’s logistics industry relies on warehouses to keep up with consumer demand for next-day and even same-day deliveries, and according to him, the warehouse sector provides thousands of jobs, both in construction and operations.
The debate comes down to balancing economic growth with preserving history.
Some towns in New Jersey have enacted limits on where warehouses can be built, but Murphy’s bill would establish a statewide regulation, guaranteeing that historic sites across the state receive consistent protection.
Supporters believe this step is necessary to prevent the gradual loss of historically significant areas, while opponents argue that restricting warehouse development could slow job creation and economic progress.
Thus, it is a complex issue for lawmakers to consider.
The bill is currently being considered in the state legislature. If passed, it would set a new precedent for how New Jersey manages industrial development near its historic landmarks.
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