The Master Plan of Montclair (Draft of March 21, 2013 to be discussed, amended and approved within the next few months) The state of New Jersey requires each town to develop a Master Plan every few decades. The proposed 2013 Master Plan of Montclair allows for rezoning for high-rise development throughout Montclair villages, train station areas, and parking lots. This Plan does not represent what town residents asked for, why live here or Part of the plan development process involved “Visioning Workshops” where residents could voice their opinions on issues to be included in the Master Plan for Montclair’s future. During the process, according to the “Baselines Conditions” document, Montclair residents expressed their desire for the preservation of green spaces, solutions for inadequate parking, improving traffic, preserving historic districts, adding affordable housing, improving town services and encouraging new businesses. The current Master Plan draft would permit: 10 - story buildings on Bloomfield Avenue and Bay Street station areas 7 - story buildings in Upper Montclair village and station lots 6 - story buildings in Walnut Street station lots and area 5 - story buildings in Watchung Plaza station and area Mayor Jackson and the Planning Board continue to support the current draft Master Plan in the face of vigorous opposition by Montclair residents and several Council members. During the July 9th Planning Board meeting, Mayor Jackson claimed “there is a 90% consensus of the Plan, and with some tweaking, we can get it done.” (i.e., approved). The majority of public comment (at Planning Board meetings, letters to the Montclair Times and postings on social websites) questions and criticizes the proposed Master Plan. Council members and Mayor say they are “listening”, the public’s views, however, are not reflected in the current Plan. The Planning Board and Mayor Jackson are moving forward to finalize the current Plan within the next six months. By not challenging the Mayor, Council and Planning Board members are acting in opposition to the interests of Montclair residents, tax payers, and voters, who continue to voice opposition to the proposed Master Plan. We call for the Plan to be tabled until the Planning Board can investigate and incorporate controls to ensure future development is planned responsibly, taking into consideration the following concerns: • Traffic congestion, parking needs, rail road crossings • Building heights maintained at current levels in all Montclair villages and Bloomfield Avenue • Quality of life implications with architecture designed to enhance the environment • Preservation of parks and open space • Impact on town services such as water, sewer, police and fire services and equipment The Mayor and Planning Board Chairman have decided they will not entertain any more comments and opinions concerning Master Plan issues. We think this is unfair. If approved this Master Plan would forever change the character, landscape, lifestyle, and historic beauty of our town. Montclair residents can voice their opposition by communicating immediately via letters or email with their respective council members and the media – Montclair Times, Montclair Patch, Montclair Watercooler, and Baristanet. It is time to get involved. **Follow Save Montclair and Save Upper Montclair on Facebook for more information and comments. Read the draft of the Master Plan on montclairnjusa.org Department Services: Planning, Zoning, Building. Contact Mayor Jackson and the council at the following email addresses: Mayor Robert Jackson: [email protected] Deputy Mayor Robert J. Russo: [email protected] Councilor -At-Large Rich McMahon: [email protected] 1st Ward Councilor William Hurlock, Esq.: [email protected] 2nd Ward Councilor Robin Schlager: [email protected] 3rd Ward Councilor Sean Spiller: [email protected] 4th Ward Councilor Renee Baskerville, Md.: [email protected] Write letters to the Mayor and Council : c/o Municipal Building 205 Claremont Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:35:50 +0000
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