As has been the case during those meetings, the reviews are decidedly mixed on the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan, which is actually a revision of an earlier plan. At the heart of it is a goal of preserving a million acres of open space, including farmland and forested areas.

"This effort isn't just about economic development, and it isn't just about preserving open spaces," Joseph Maraziti, chairman of the commission told the audience at the unveiling of the plan Wednesday night. "This is ultimately a matter of maintaining and revitalizing our cities and towns and creating new, pedestrian-friendly communities."

Now the criticisms: local officials don't like it very much because they say it takes away too much of their decision-making while casting a shadow of big government. Developers also aren't crazy about it, asserting that it is too limiting, especially given the small size and population density of New Jersey. They also suggest it will slow economic growth, and that it doesn't really clarify where developers can or can't build.