MESSAGE FROM MAYOR FREDA

For more than twenty years, Highlands municipalities like ours have faithfully carried the responsibility of protecting one of New Jersey’s most vital natural resources — the drinking water that serves nearly 70% of the entire state.
We have done our part.
The Highlands region represents only about 15% of New Jersey’s land mass, yet it exports approximately 840 million gallons of clean drinking water every single day. Our forests, reservoirs, and preserved lands sustain major population centers, businesses, and communities across New Jersey. We are proud to serve as stewards of this critical resource.
But stewardship must come with fairness.
As a result of the 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, municipalities like Kinnelon face significant restrictions on growth and development. With over 12,000 acres or 97% of Kinnelon land is in preservation, we have limited opportunities to expand our tax base, generate new ratables, and offset rising fixed municipal and school costs. Meanwhile, financial pressures continue to fall on our local taxpayers.
Enough is enough.
The original legislation authorized a "water user fee" to be paid by the millions of New Jersey residents who benefit directly from Highland's water. That funding was intended to provide property tax stabilization and relief to municipalities like ours that shoulder the burden of the preservation. More than two decades later, that provision has never been implemented.
As your Mayor, I will be joining a committee made up of fellow Highlands municipalities to ensure that Kinnelon’s voice is heard clearly in Trenton. In all seriousness, I understand the importance of safeguarding our water and environment. Our goal is simple though, to be "justly compensated" for our long-standing commitment to supplying clean drinking water to the State of New Jersey.
We are not seeking special treatment. We are seeking equity. If our residents are expected to permanently preserve land for the benefit of the entire state, then the state must share in the financial responsibility that comes with that commitment.
I will continue to advocate strongly on your behalf and keep you informed as we work toward meaningful solutions and the fair treatment Highlands communities deserve.

Sincerely,
Jim Freda
Mayor, Borough of Kinnelon