New Jersey Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance refers to regulations governing the closure or termination of public streets, highways, or public rights-of-way within the state of New Jersey. This code ensures that the closing of any public way is carried out in a legal and organized manner, taking into consideration the impact on residents, motorists, and the overall community. The Closing of Ways Code guides local municipalities and government bodies in New Jersey when they decide to permanently or temporarily close a public way or modify its usage. The code ensures that the closure process is fair, transparent, and compliant with state laws. It specifically outlines the procedures, requirements, and responsibilities associated with closing or altering the use of public ways. Some key aspects covered by the New Jersey Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance include: 1. Application Process: The code outlines the specific procedure for submitting an application to close or modify a public way. It may require the applicant to provide detailed plans, justifications, and relevant documents for their proposed closure. 2. Public Hearing: The code typically mandates that a public hearing be held to allow community members and stakeholders to express their opinions, concerns, or support regarding the proposed closure. This promotes transparency and helps decision-makers to gauge public sentiment. 3. Notification and Outreach: The code may require the municipality or government body to notify affected property owners, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders about the proposed closure. Appropriate outreach measures, such as public notices, official websites, or public meetings, may be mandated. 4. Impact Assessment: The code may specify that an impact assessment study must be conducted to evaluate the consequences of the proposed closure. This study may include traffic analysis, environmental impact assessment, and consideration of alternative access routes to mitigate negative effects on the community. 5. Compensation: If a public way closure affects private property owners' access or property value, the code may address compensation mechanisms, ensuring that affected parties are fairly compensated for any loss incurred. It is worth noting that specific municipalities within New Jersey may have their own localized ordinances related to closing of ways, which complement and expand upon the state-level regulations. These localized ordinances may vary in their details and requirements, but they all serve the purpose of ensuring responsible decision-making and management of public ways at the local level. Overall, the New Jersey Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance exists to uphold fairness, transparency, and community participation when it comes to determining and implementing the closure or alteration of public streets or highways within the state.