Gloucester County Working Waterfronts Technical Report

This technical report addresses the challenges facing Gloucester County's working waterfronts, which are increasingly pressured by residential development, regulatory constraints, and climate change. The report outlines the objectives of an internship project conducted by the National Working Waterfront Network, focusing on planning and policy. It details the methodology employed, including semi-structured interviews and an attitudinal survey, to gather community perspectives on the waterfront's future. The findings reveal themes such as the need for expanded definitions of working waterfronts, misunderstandings regarding use conflicts, and the disjointed governance affecting stakeholder collaboration. Recommendations include establishing a zoning overlay that prioritizes historical uses while allowing flexibility for new activities, integrating sea-level rise data into planning, and enhancing public access to waterfront areas. The report emphasizes the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes to ensure the sustainability and resilience of Gloucester County's waterfront.