Currently, Kenyon Planning is working on the following projects: 

1. Consultant - Open Space Program, Township of Franklin, New Jersey 
In this role, Kenyon Planning is overseeing land preservation and management for the Township. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Preparing meeting materials and presenting information to all appropriate municipal Committees

  • Updating existing Planning documents related to open space, farmland and trails

  • Identifying priority parcels for farmland and open space preservation

  • GIS mapping and analysis

  • Preparing applications and mapping for potential preservation projects

  • Assisting with the preparation of applications for historic preservation and stewardship of preserved historic sites

  • Inspecting preserved properties for conformance with the Deeds of Easement

  • Overseeing post-preservation matters (Diversions, grasslands management, trail wayfinding, allowances for non-agricultural uses on preserved farms, etc.)

  • Review of Ordinances and recommendations for amendments (where necessary and feasible)

  • Managing the Township's Deer Management Program

  • Mentoring Interns through the Rutgers University's Internship program

2. Consultant - Sustainability, Township of Franklin, New Jersey
In this role, Kenyon Planning assists the Township of Franklin in incorporating sustainability and resiliency into all of its municipal planning, programming, and policies. These principles are being achieved through the following tasks:

  • Facilitating all meetings of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission and Green Team

  • Reviewing all site plans before the Franklin Township Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment for environmental constraints, and concerns related to natural resources protection

  • Grant writing for planning documents and site-specific projects (Kenyon Planning has successfully obtained over $75,000.00 in grant funding for sustainability and energy projects, as well as numerous hours of technical assistance)

  • Preparation of the Annual Report of the Environmental Commission

  • Conceptualizing and implementing green infrastructure and energy conservation measures at municipal facilities, parks, and open spaces

  • Review of pending legislation and regulations related to environmental health, natural resources protection, and land use

  • Review of Ordinances and recommendations for amendments (where necessary and feasible)

  • Study of the impacts of land use and zoning as it relates to public health and environmental justice

3. Franklin Township’s Local Health Assessment and Action Plan
Kenyon Planning worked on this comprehensive study that investigates how much of an impact land uses and zoning have on community health. Through intensive data analysis, focus groups, and a community survey, the LHAAP identifies disparities in health equity at the Ward level (voting district), and provides impactful recommendations for projects, policies, and programs that can move Franklin Township towards health equity.

In September 2024, the Franklin Township Local Health Assessment and Action Plan proudly received an Achievement in Planning Award from the New Jersey Planning Officials.

To review the LHAAP in its entirety, please visit: https://www.franklintwpnj.org/our-township/what-s-new/for-the-well-of-it

4. Annual Evaluation of Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farms
Kenyon Planning was hired to work with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to collect data and complete the first of several legislatively-required annual reports on the status of the Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farms (P.L. 2023, c.9) program. To prepare this Report, which was submitted to the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Legislature’s Joint Budget Oversight Committee, and the State Agriculture Development Committee, Tara Kenyon interviewed all farmers who applied for Special Occasion Event permits and/or actually held SOEs in this inaugural year, as well as municipalities and County Agriculture Development Boards. The Report evaluates the program not only based on actual events held and the financial impact, but also in terms of why SOEs were not held in specific areas of the State and how these obstacles can be addressed.

To view the Annual Evaluation of Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farm: Calendar Year 2023, please click here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:387b0127-4448-46f8-a54d-47d6806cad8e

5. Franklin Township’s Community Energy Plan
As part of the Sustainability Consulting services provided for Franklin Township, Kenyon Planning produced the Franklin Township Community Energy Plan, using a grant provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. This Plan examines energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the municipality currently, and provides recommendations for the increased use of clean energy, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and community engagement.

To view the Franklin Township Community Energy Plan, please click here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:ee10302c-2f2b-46c1-af8e-bf7fdf1f5ded

6. Update of the Montgomery Township Municipal Farmland Preservation Plan
In this role, Kenyon Planning is updating the Montgomery Township Municipal Farmland Preservation Plan in conformance with the regulations established by the State Agriculture Development Committee. This updated Plan will identify Targeted Farms, update the inventory of preserved farms, discuss current municipal and state policy, and address the recently adopted Somerset County Preservation Plan.

7. Randolph Township’s Environmental Guidebook
As part of a larger Project Team, Kenyon Planning was the primary author of the Randolph Township Environmental Guidebook. This document identifies projects that advance sustainable practices and natural resources conservation, highlight the good work that Randolph Township has already completed, and provides guidance on important regulations and funding sources for municipalities. The Guidebook was prepared with the oversight of the Environment and Landmarks Committee.

To view the Randolph Township Environmental Guidebook, please visit: https://www.randolphnj.org/511/3748/Randolph-Environmental-Guidebook-RTEG

8. Planner - Local Landowners 
In these roles, Kenyon Planning provides all or some of the following services (dependent on specific projects): 

  • Ordinance review in relation to an identified concept plan

  • Preparation of Property Reports detailing existing conditions (built environment, environmental constraints, etc.) in comparison to the desired use of the property

  • Preparation of Right-to-Farm requests to County Agriculture Development Boards, including review of allowances under the New Jersey Right-to-Farm Act, best agricultural management practices, providing expert testimony, offering recommendations based on past precedent and more

  • Preparation of applications to Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Adjustment for site plans, subdivisions and variances

9. Planning Consultant - Local Attorneys
Kenyon Planning is actively assisting local attorneys, specifically related to land use planning and Right-to-Farm matters. Tasks being worked on include preparing site analysis, reviewing New Jersey Highlands legislation and regulations, addressing wetlands issues, and more. 

Past Projects

Preparation of an update to the Montgomery Township Natural Resource Inventory (recipient of 2020 Excellence in Planning Award - Somerset County’s Annual Land Development Awards - 2020 AND Environmental Achievement Award - ANJEC’s 47th Annual Environmental Congress - October 2020)

To view the Update to the Montgomery Township Natural Resource Inventory, please visit: https://www.montgomerynj.gov/media/3541

Assistance with drafting of chapters for Destination 2040 - Middlesex County’s Updated Master Plan (worked with Rutgers University and Middlesex County Planning Division)

Preparation of a Targeted Farmland Inventory - Branchburg Township, New Jersey
Through an extensive GIS analysis, Kenyon Planning identified parcels for farmland preservation that should be prioritized based on soil and tillability characteristics, proximity to farm assessed properties, size, topography, environmental constraints, and more.

Consulting and provision of expert testimony for Right-to-Farm matters before the County Agriculture Development Board
Kenyon Planning has represented numerous agricultural landowners seeking Right-to-Farm protection. In addition to site inspections, research, preparation of property specific reports and applications, Tara Kenyon has provided hours of expert testimony regarding allowances permitted under the New Jersey Right-to-Farm Act.

Agricultural Mediation