NJDEP Holds Public Hearings on Inland Flood Protection Rules
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has revived stalled plans to update decades-old flood maps — used by developers in siting and design decisions — that don’t specifically take into consideration how climate change has worsened flooding.
The Department will hold two public meetings this week about flood threats from rivers and streams and a new “inland flood protection rule” that would define the state’s most at-risk areas and set standards developers and municipalities must follow to ensure new construction and redevelopment can withstand current and future rainfall, runoff, and flooding.
According to the Department, the sessions are intended to “educate stakeholders on updated rainfall data, necessary changes in elevation and flood hazard standards to protect public safety.”
Stakeholders and members of the public interested in attending the virtual meetings can register here.
Senate confirms Fasciale & Wainer Apter to State Supreme Court
On Monday, the state Senate on Monday confirmed Rachel Wainer Apter and Doug Fasciale to the state Supreme Court, filling two of the three open seats on the seven-member court.
Wainer Apter, 42, director of the state Division on Civil Rights and a Democrat whom Gov. Phil Murphy first nominated in March 2021, was approved, 23-14, after several Republicans criticized her “activist” background and sparce legal experience in New Jersey. The vote was largely along party lines, with one Republican, Senator Bob Singer of Ocean County, voting in favor.
Fasciale, 61, a Republican and Superior Court judge Murphy nominated just last month, easily cleared the upper house, 37-0. Fasciale is already on the court in an interim capacity, having been named by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner to fill one of the three vacancies beginning Sept. 1.
The two new justices will be eligible for tenure in seven years, after which they can serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Brissac Promoted to Legislative Associate
Former Middlesex County Democratic Organization Operative and aide to Chairman Kevin McCabe, Yasmin Brissac, has been promoted to Legislative Assistant at River Crossing Strategy Group.
Yasmin joined RCSG in 2020 after working for the Middlesex County Democratic Organization (MCDO) and Chairman Kevin P. McCabe for several years. Yasmin served as a key figure coordinating events such as fundraisers and political events. She has considerable experience working with local and statewide political organizations and campaigns.
“Yasmin is a very talented young woman. She has a wide network and has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and is a rising star in democratic circles. It’s exciting for us to be able to recognize her talent with this promotion and give her a new role and responsibilities. Yasmin’s value to the firm and to our clients will only grow as she gains more experience,” said RCSG Managing Partner Eric Shuffler.
Click here to view press release.
New Legislator Profile: Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-21)
Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in November 2021 and represents District 21, which includes parts of Morris, Somerset & Union Counties. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Rosemont College in PA. She worked at Morgan Stanley as vice president in the municipal bond department and later as director of business development at Worth, Ltd. She is now a real estate professional.
Matsikoudis served on the New Providence Borough Council from 2109-22.
Assemblywoman Matsikoudis serves on the Assembly Community Development & Affairs, Education, Aging & Senior Services Committees and on the Joint Committee on Public Schools.
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