In poll data released last week, New Jersey voters showed concern over the loss of open space and the state of cities, and interest in pedestrian friendly, transit-accessible communities. Commissioned by New Jersey Future, a "smart-growth" research group, and conducted by the firm Beldon, Russonello & Stewart, the poll surveyed 1,021 adult residents during the first two weeks of May. The study found:


• 57% of participants want the state to spend more on public transportation than on building new roads.

• 49% strongly agree that New Jersey should have more communities where people can walk from their homes to stores and offices. 23% somewhat agreed with that statement.

• 95% said revitalizing cities is an important issue, while 64% would favor or somewhat favor a $1 billion bond to rehabilitate the state's large and small cities.

• 84% agreed or strongly agreed that New Jersey is quickly running out of open space and that what remains should be protected.

• 78% said controlling sprawl was either very important or somewhat important to them personally.

These results are strongly aligned with previous polls conducted by private firms, colleges, and newspapers across the state. For example, a June 1998 Star Ledger/Eagleton poll revealed that 72% of NJ residents thought that preserving open space is very important; 21% think it somewhat important. Also, an August 1998 Quinnipiac College Poll, found that 46% of New Jersey residents believe the most important transportation-related issue facing the state is road and bridge repair, 27% say that improving bus and train service is the most important, while only 23% say building and widening highways is top priority.