In this issue:

• Program from Public Service Electric & Gas

• NJ Scenic & Historic Highways Act

• Cool New Products and Services

• Famous Quote

• Four Simple Eco-Home Fixes

• Green Tip of the Month

• Ask The Wright

Resolved, NJ Must Support Law-Abiding Businesses

We sent the this letter (read the letter) to the New Jersey Chapter of the ACLU.  If we and all of you who follow the law jump through hoops, shouldn't the State enforce those laws for everyone?  Should the guy with a magnetic sign on his truck who we see on the road every day be permitted to complete with us?  If you agree, share your concerns and the effects of unequal enforcement to DCA, your legislators, and Mr. Christie's office.

The NJ Scenic & Historic Highways Program

As many of you know, we are actively involved with the Somerset County Business Partnership and its Sustainable Somerset Committee.  During a recent meeting, we discussed the "Scenic Vistas Act." 

Title 27., Subtitle 2., Chapter 5K.(New), Scenic and Historic Highways, §§1-5 – C.27:5K-1 to 27:5K-5, P.L. 2009, CHAPTER 245, approved January 16, 2010, Assembly, No. 3930 (1st Reprint)

AN ACT establishing the “New Jersey Scenic and Historic Highways Program,” and supplementing Title 27 of the Revised Statutes.

The program was established under The NJ Department of Transportation to encourage the State and counties and municipalities throughout the State to preserve the unique and intrinsic qualities of roadways deemed to have scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, or archaeological value.

The department and public entities with jurisdiction over a roadway which has been included in the program are encouraged to not make any physical changes to the roadway, or its surrounding area, that would degrade any of its scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, or archaeological qualities. The preservation and promotion of a roadway that has been designated for inclusion in the program shall include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

1. Making safety improvements to the roadway to the extent that such improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the roadway due to its inclusion in the program;

2. Constructing rest areas, turnouts, highway shoulder improvements, passing lanes, overlooks, interpretive facilities, and other facilities for use by pedestrians and bicyclists along the roadway;

3. Making improvements that will enhance access to recreational areas in the vicinity of the roadway;

4. Protecting scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, and archaeological resources in areas near the roadway; and

5. Developing and promoting tourist information to the public, including interpretive information about the program and the specific roadways that have been designated for inclusion in the program.

These roadways are designated for inclusion in the Program:

1. Quaker Road Scenic and Historic Highway

2. Closter Dock Road Scenic and Historic Highway

3. Huyler’s Landing Road Scenic and Historic Highway

4. Kinderkamack 1Road1 22 Scenic and Historic Highway

5. Franklin Avenue Scenic and Historic Highway

6. Dunkerhook Road Scenic and Historic Highway

7. Piermont & Rockleigh Roads Scenic and Historic Hwy

8. Grand Avenue Scenic and Historic Highway

The NJ Department of Transportation or any other public entity with jurisdiction over a roadway which has been designated for inclusion in the program may erect signs along the roadway indicating that it has been granted such a designation.

More information is available at the following link:

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/AL09/245_.PDF

Thanks to Christopher Stevenson, of Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. for researching the Act's current status.

Welcome to The Artisans Group

A customer is not just the person who hires us for their project.  Instead, a "customer" is everyone who is involved in the project: our client, each of our building partners, suppliers craftspeople, and even, the building inspector.  This philosophy allows all stakeholders to support each other optimally, which makes for successful projects.  

Let us help you to upgrade your working and living spaces to be their best

We specialize in historic restoration, structural work, and repairing insect and water damage. In addition, we love constructive reuse, "green" projects, custom carpentry, and other special, unique solutions. We serve home and business owners throughout Central New Jersey.  Call now so that we can help get your project on the right track and make most unforeseen delays foreseen.

Q - All I hear from my garbage disposer is a low hum so I believe it's jammed but there is nothing in it that I can find. What can I use to unjam it? - Mia Gabrielle

A - Your disposal most likely came with an allen wrench (tool shaped like a letter "S").  It may be attached to the bottom or side of the unit, and some plumbers tape them to the cabinet door or other obvious place. To begin, PLEASE be sure that the switch is off, and ideally, unplug the unit!  If not, the 1/4 or greater horsepower motor will break your wrists when it is unjammed. Now insert the tool into the hole on the bottom of the disposal unit and gently twist it either way. When you're able to move that bottom plate, you have dislodged the item(s) that had jammed it. 

You can e-mail The Wright by sending your questions to wbaruch@ArtisansGroup.biz. Please be sure to include your name and phone number in case additional information is required to answer your question.