2008 Mountain Lakes Master Plan Committee
Members Present
Gail Boertzel, Board of Education
Andy Bulfer, Historic Preservation Committee
Louise Davis, Deputy Mayor and Planning Board
Celia Flynn, Recreation Commission
Joan Nix, Planning Board, ML Highlands Committee
Barbara Palmer, Planning Board
Roberta Spray, member at large
Meeting notes, January 10, 2008
Additional Assignments
Cathy – Lakes Management and incorporate information from Woodlands Committee in Conservation section
Barbara – Mission Statement (will post on website)
Review of Task
We will be writing addendum to Master Plan that addressed major planning issues and proposals since last addendum that was written in 2002.. Our re-examination report will become part of the Master Plan. The format used by the Califon Re-examination report addressed topics and issues from prior report that had significantly increased or decreased. Joan will email the Califon report to everyone.
Discussion of Introduction
Legal Basis and Contents of the Master Plan
Point 1: Add attainment of Historic Preservation status.
Point 4: Committee did not agree as to whether this point, pertaining to redevelopment of declining non-residential areas, should still be included/
Discussion of Chapter I
Environmental Factors (p.1-2): Add information to be obtained from Environmental/Natural Resource inventory that is in progress. Add information as to the current status of borough’s woodlands. Add that an arborist checks the trees every five years. Add additional information obtained from Shade Tree Commission. Committee felt this section should reflect that lakes were created artificially and community was designed around lakes.
Land Use and Infrastructure (p.2): March 1997 amendment addresses Fox Hill development. Add information regarding improvements to facilities and infrastructure obtained from borough manager. Add that additional sidewalks are part of two year plan.
Population Characteristics (p2-3): Andy will look to see what current information is available since the next census will not be done until 2010.
Discussion of Chapter II
Add “standards” to title
Overall Underlying Assumptions
Specific Major Goals and Their Underlying Assumptions
Retain the traditional character of Mountain Lakes
Community Character (p1) In several places the same description is basically repeated. Add information to reflect that park land has been put into conservation easements except for one parcel by the Midvale market area. This led to discussion whether Appendix A was complete. Joan will update lot and block numbers.
Housing (p.1): Committee questioned whether it is still a major goal to create smaller dwelling units. This has not occurred. Senior citizens have moved elsewhere. Affordable housing was a goal that was not achieved because the real estate market did not support the result. Should mention not desirable to tear down or demolish Hapgood homes. Committee felt that this paragraph needs to be rewritten.
Protect and enhance the Borough’s environmental resources (p.1)
Add section on topography to reflect that it is desirable to retain topography in its natural form.
Aquifers (p.2): This section needs to be rewritten.
Park Land (p.2): Add sane information set forth above regarding conservation easements. Add that some lots are used by residents, but ordinance declaring lots to be park land should be enforced.
Provide for the appropriate development of the Borough
Community Facilities/Infrastructure (p.2): Should reflect rebuilding of dams.
Provide for safe and convenient pedestrian and vehicular circulation and access (p.2): These sections should remain and reflect that both pedestrian and vehicular traffic and circulation continue to be problematic.
Maintain the Borough’s traditional commitment to education and recreation
Education (p.2): This section does not reflect the interim period of time when the Board of Education did not accept tuition students (except for Lake Drive) from other communities.
Recreation (p.2): The committee questioned emphasis on changing recreational needs based on an aging population. Add information regarding shared recreation activities with Boonton and Boonton Township.
Discussion of Chapter III
The committee will devote its entire meeting on February 7, 2008 to the topic of Land Use. How the committee will address this chapter will be greatly impacted by whether the Borough decides to opt in to the Highlands Plan. Certain changes are dictated by statute. Will have to be determined whether this chapter will be rewritten or incorporate recommended changes.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Borough Hall.