DEP Rules to Ease Coastal Development

BRICK, N.J. (AP) -- The state Environmental Protection Department is proposing new rules that would make it easier for new or expanded development along the Jersey shore and the state's urban waterways.

The state says it's acting to streamline regulations and cut red tape while maintaining environmental protections.

But some environmentalists say the rules are a gift to developers and will place more New Jerseyans in harm's way during future storms, including major ones like Superstorm Sandy.

The state plans public hearings in Long Branch, Trenton and Tuckerton in late June and early July.

The rules would make it easier to build or expand marinas and add restaurants to them, and would make it easier to build one or two-family homes in coastal areas.

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