The Morris County freeholders have concerns with the proposed Highlands legislation, saying yesterday it needs to be overhauled to deal with a myriad of issues of concern to northwest New Jersey residents.

They are especially worried about its potential effects on owners of single-family homes and relatively small parcels, and farmers, many of whom have their life savings invested in their properties. The freeholders, during their meeting in Morristown, directed county departments and agencies to assess the proposed preservation rules, with a goal of compiling a response to the state.

Freeholder John Inglesino contended Gov. James E. McGreevey's Democratic administration had not paid attention to the findings of a bipartisan Highlands Task Force in drawing up legislation.

"It's a good concept but a bad bill," said Inglesino. "The more you learn about it, the more draconian it becomes. I'm concerned this bill may be overkill."

Freeholder Director Jack Schrier, who was a task force member, agreed the legislation needs to be amended but cautioned colleagues on the all-Republican board not to be too negative in their response, urging them to offer solutions to what they perceive to be the bill's shortcomings.

"Are we going to take advantage of an opportunity to preserve the Highlands now or let it pass by?" asked Schrier. "Republicans have long gotten a bad rap when it comes to the environment. Let's make this bill better...shape it to something we can be proud of."

"But the Democrats are in charge in Trenton," retorted Freeholder Douglas Cabana.

Last month, McGreevey announced plans to preserve critical parcels in the 800,000-acre Highlands region that covers some 90 towns in seven North Jersey counties - Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren.

Legislation introduced last month would virtually ban development on important watershed lands and establish a regional council with veto power over major development in the core area of the Highlands.

Freeholder Margaret Nordstrom yesterday pointed out some key concerns including lack of a funding mechanism, questions about farming rights and property values, and compensation to towns that have to set huge tracts of watershed lands off limits to development. Freeholder Frank Druetzler also suggested that single-family lots should be exempt from proposed regulations.

A major concern is a provision that would regulate new development on properties with more than 3 percent impervious cover, or developed area. The freeholders stressed most homes in the county already cover much more than 3 percent of the land on which they are situated - in fact, may average 10 percent to 20 percent - and contend that people looking to expand homes or add driveways, decks or pools would be forced to go to the new Highlands Council for waivers.

Also, the freeholders want the legislation to clearly specify the rights of farmers, to ensure farmers will not be snared in bureaucratic red tape when trying to use their lands for legitimate agricultural purposes.

In addition to the county's planned response, Nordstrom said the five-county coalition, including Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset counties, is working up a set of potential amendments.

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Lawrence Ragonese works in the Morris County bureau. He can be reached at lragonese@starledger.com or (973) 539-7910 Copyright 2004 The Star-Ledger.