MONROE – The town updated its master plan with input from thousands of residents and local businesses who shared ideas, asked questions, made suggestions and engaged in thoughtful discussion.
Hundreds of residents attended three public workshops, and more than 1,600 respondents left more than tens of thousands of comments in public survey held last year. The feedback was important to shaping the community’s physical, social, environmental and economic future, city officials said.
The master plan, adopted Oct. 27 by the township’s Planning Board, sets out a vision for the township’s future in the areas of municipal land use zoning, open space acquisition, transportation improvements, utilities, infrastructure, economic development and plans for new parks and recreation opportunities.
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“Public input was a key step in working together with the community as a whole to develop a thoughtful and strategic master plan,” Mayor Steven Dalino said in a statement. “Each person brought unique ideas and experiences that were valuable to the outcome of this process. The final product is a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the township’s residents as we prepare for the future.”
In summary, the plan:
- Limits residential development and expands the purchase of open space, new parks, and the creation of more shops, restaurants, and other related service businesses in commercial areas where infrastructure is available. The plan envisages the creation of more pedestrian shopping areas in the township.
- Proposes expansion of existing parks and creation of new and additional recreational opportunities.
- Specifically, potential open space preservation sites have been identified, which would increase the amount of open space preserved by more than 370 acres.
- Develops strategies to improve traffic flow and safety through intersection improvements and low-cost safety improvements and traffic assessments on 15 miles of major roads and at least eight major intersections in the township.
- Calls for more cycling and walking paths, on and off-road, to better connect the township and give residents more leisure opportunities.
- Preserves and enhances the rural character of certain areas of the township with a focus on encouraging greater participation in farmland conservation.
The updated master plan is available at www.monroetwp.com under “Boards and Commissions” and then under the “Planning Board” tab.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Lauer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work, sign up or activate your digital account today.
