Township Moving on Sustainable Jersey

The township has authorized the Environmental Commission chairman to begin the process that could lead to Sustainable Jersey certification.

With the adoption of a resolution this week, Chairman Brian Bigler is empowered to act as the township's "agent" for the green grant program and initiate registration on behalf of Wyckoff.

Many municipalities around the region and state are pursuing the certification, which could lead to monetary grants for environmental initiatives. The grants are largely funded by private business, with the program administered through the New Jersey Sustainable State Institute at Rutgers University.

Bigler will lead efforts to amass 100 points to achieve the designation. Municipalities are assigned points for taking specific actions, with leeway on which programs to pursue. Several steps are required, such as the formation of a "Green Team," an appointed body composed of officials, staff and members of boards such as Parks & Recreation, Shade Tree, Environmental Commission, etc.

The program was initially proposed in the fall, and the Environmental Commission subsequently studied the issue, concluding that the township did not have the necessary resources to devote to the process.

However, the program has since received greater support among the governing body members in comparison to its initial reception when proposed by Committeeman Brian Scanlan, and Bigler had agreed to lead the charge on behalf of Wyckoff.

Additionally, new Environmental Commission member Harriet Shugarman, an economist with a long history of environmental advocacy, is expected to help the appointed board achieve certification.

—Nicholas Loffredo