Many thanks to Sustainable Jersey for their recently announced approval of a $2,000 capacity-building grant to support our outreach and sustainability efforts.   This award is part of $380,000 in grants that have just been awarded through the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants program which is funded in part by Walmart.  The grants will be given to recipients at the Annual Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon on November 19, 2013 at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City.

This is an important and exciting time for Ewing Township and its Green Team.    The Township is in the process of redeveloping the former GM site on Parkway Avenue which will lead to the creation of a town center where none currently exists.   It is a source of excitement and hope, for a vastly improved landscape, a place for living and working, community interaction and economic development.  The project is an intersection of housing, retail, community space and transportation, which in itself is a plus for sustainability of the township in the coming decades.

At the same time, we feel that we are just beginning to hit our stride as a champion for Ewing’s sustainability.   In the next 12-18 months, the Ewing Green Team intends to increase outreach to the community, hone the skills, credentials and commitment of our  members, and most importantly, create a Community Sustainability Plan with internal and external stakeholders, including Township officials, community groups, and members of the public.

The coming months will see extensive board training, stakeholder analysis and strategic planning.   Our blueprint for the future will also include expanded educational and outreach efforts via our website and social and print media.  We also plan to explore ways to create small group discussion around film, books or speakers.  The grant will provide the technology and equipment (projector, easel, flipcharts and much more) to help these events function optimally.  Thank you, Sustainable Jersey, for your support for our vision for a more sustainable Ewing Township.