New Jersey....the Garden State or the Development State?

New Jersey is becoming a leading producer of homes and warehouses and is losing its official nickname, “the Garden State” nearly 70 years after the state legislature passed a bill to add the slogan to NJ license plates in 1954. As of today, April 1, 2023 the new state nickname will be “the Development State.” Residents will be eligible to upgrade their current license plate(s) beginning this month.

Did we get you? The name change is just an April Fools’ joke. Sadly, the situation is not. New Jersey remains the most densely populated state in the nation, and Monmouth County is the most populated county in the state. While we love our residents, the steady growth of new housing developments and the influx of warehouses are two pressures putting our remaining green space at risk. Just seven percent of land in Monmouth County remains undeveloped. MCF is working to preserve these 20,000 acres before they are lost forever. Your support helps us continue the tireless battle to #KeepMonmouthGreen.