New Jersey officials on Jan. 8 approved a Meadowlands master plan that is designed to complete the transformation of a swampland across the Hudson River from New York City from a large-scale toxic dumping ground into a vibrant mixed-use development and nature preserve. The Meadowlands Commission plan, scheduled to take effect Feb. 17, temporarily stops development in 14 towns within Hudson and Essex counties. But the plan clears the way for development of a golf course and resort, 2,000 residential units, nearly 3,000 hotel rooms and $3 billion worth of transportation projects. A proposed light-rail loop would connect the newly opened Secaucus Junction to the Continental Airlines Arena, part of a $1.3-billion entertainment development. A key component to the plan is wetlands preservation. The agency wants to preserve 8,400 acres of wetlands in the district.