"Protecting Our Past, Embracing Our Future"

In February, through a competitive process, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs selected Fanwood and five other communities throughout the state to participate in a statewide Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) demonstration project, and awarded the Borough a planning grant that will cover all associated costs.

TDR is an innovative, "smart growth" planning approach that redirects growth from areas with important natural or community resources ("sending districts") to places where growth and development are more appropriate ("receiving districts").

Soon, Fanwood will begin the process of exploring TDR as a potential means of preserving our Historic Preservation District while at the same time revitalizing our downtown.

TDR poses several possible benefits for our community. It has the potential of generating funds to help homeowners in our historic district - a possible "sending district"-maintain or restore their homes should they choose to participate. It also gives property owners in our downtown - a possible "receiving district" - the opportunity to increase the development potential of their properties by purchasing TDR credits. Finally, the DCA grant would cover all costs associated with developing a rehabilitation plan for the "receiving district" we ultimately identify. This plan will establish limits on the types and amount of growth we will allow and, more importantly, it will be based on our community's vision for the future of Fanwood.