Looking for something to read by the fireplace this weekend?
You might want to curl up with Morristown Moving Forward. It’s the 142-page revision of the town’s zoning master plan, released Friday.
“Our goal is to create and preserve complete neighborhoods and communities where people want to live, where the needs of business and commerce are met, and where both can thrive,” states the document, which incorporates suggestions gathered online and at public hearings in January and April.
“Our vision is to become the most welcoming, beautiful, healthy, resilient, and sustainable place to live, work, and play in New Jersey,” it says.
Underwritten by a $100,000 grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, with additional support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the town, the master plan is an advisory document that must be updated every 10 years, by state law.
It’s meant to guide town planners as they adopt legally binding redevelopment plans for specific neighborhoods and districts, said Phil Abramson from Jonathan Rose Companies, the town’s planning consultants.
“It helps inform the intent and flavor of future regulations… It focuses on the appearance, aesthetics and character of Morristown in a very deliberate way,” Phil said. “An unprecedented level of civic engagement” sets this plan apart from prior ones, which only “tinkered at the edges,” Phil asserted.
Mayor Tim Dougherty said the master plan “faces head-on the challenge of managing growth and preserving Morristown’s quality of life and character. We have also put forth many exciting ideas hinged on the concept of ‘shared space’ – whether traditional green space or active urban gathering places – that are lively and accessible,” the Mayor said in a statement.
A subcommittee of the town planning board will kick the tires for three hours on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, starting at 9 am. The public is welcome to listen. Public comments are invited at subsequent planning board hearings on Jan. 23 and Feb. 27, 2014.
After final amendments, the planning board and town council then must vote to approve the document.
From Morristown Moving Forward:
Morristown is unquestionably a desirable place to live, work, and play. But as it is located at the crossroads of the region, so it is also at the crossroads of change. The demands on Morristown as a regional center are increasing. In recent years, the Town has been challenged as it works to balance development and preservation goals, as well as the impact of redevelopment and growth, with roadway circulation and walkability.
The purpose of this document, created with input from hundreds of members of the community, is to provide solutions to some of the complex concerns that development and growth create in a modern era, while preserving and strengthening the quality of life and historic character that define Morristown. The focus of this plan will be to ensure that policies and solutions are socially equitable, economically sound, and environmentally responsible.
