Open-Space Czar Idea Criticized ; Bergen Director Would Oversee $16m in Funds

Summary

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Decisions about how to use $16 million of Bergen County open- space funds could soon fall largely in the hands of a single department head, prompting some critics to assert that open-space spending may become more about pork than parks.

The plan, under review by the county's Open Space Trust Fund Public Advisory Committee, would give Farouk Ahmad, the director of planning and economic development, the power to add or streamline applications for public open space, recreation and historic preservation dollars.

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Open-Space Czar Idea Criticized ; Bergen Director Would Oversee $16m in Funds

Ahmad, according to the plan, could decide which applications advance for consideration to the open-space committee. He also could add applications to the list after the committee completes its de...

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