2.  STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPLES, ASSUMPTIONS AND POLICIES UNDERLYING THE MASTER PLAN

Adopted by the Mountain Lakes Planning Board, September 23, 2010

ASSUMPTIONS

The basic assumption underlying the goals and objectives of the Master Plan is that the Borough of Mountain Lakes is a small, fully developed community with an established, unique character based upon its pattern of development as a planned residential community and the high proportion of Craftsman influenced homes.  Potential for further development in the Borough is confined largely to redevelopment and two undeveloped tracts.

The lakes and the open space provided by Borough-owned land contribute significantly to the uniqueness of the Borough.  The primarily residential character of the community is characterized by well-kept homes of medium to large size in a wooded setting with a population that puts great emphasis on high quality education and active recreation.  Although Mountain Lakes is a fully developed community, effort must be made to address the constitutional obligation to provide its "fair share" of affordable housing to the extent feasible.  Some changes will need to be made in the Borough policies and plans because of changing needs and circumstances which will be discussed in detail in this plan.

SPECIFIC MAJOR GOALS AND THEIR UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS

The following objectives constitute the basis for this Master Plan:

Retain the traditional character of Mountain Lakes.

Community Character- Mountain Lakes is a largely developed community with a character primarily based upon well-kept single family homes.  Individual lot sizes are relatively small with neighborhoods integrated with large areas of Borough-owned wooded open space.  This pattern of community-based clustered development in a natural setting is fundamental to the character of the Borough and should be protected and promoted.

Housing- The dominant character of single family homes should be maintained.

Historic Preservation- Mountain Lakes has a unique historic heritage significant in the history of planning in the United States.  A planned community from its beginning, it was deliberately designed to create a park-like atmosphere emphasizing the preservation and enhancement of natural features.  In addition, the Borough is recognized as having one of the largest concentrations of Craftsman influenced homes in the country.  These historically significant features should be protected.

Protect and enhance the Borough's environmental resources.

Lakes- The lakes are the most prominent natural features in the Borough.  They were the central design element around which the community was planned and they fundamentally influence the character and quality of life of the community, contributing natural beauty and very important recreational opportunities.  The natural process of eutrophication represents a great concern.  The quality of the surface water and the surrounding areas should be closely monitored and maintained.

Aquifers- The groundwater resources which are the source of the Borough's potable water supply need to be carefully monitored and protected from pollution and other negative impacts that may come as a result of uncontrolled development.  Intergovernmental cooperation will be crucial since recharge areas are largely located outside of the Borough.

Parkland- A high proportion of Mountain Lakes is preserved as parkland in scattered large and small parks and green areas located throughout the Borough.  This pattern of development is an alternative to the more standard suburban pattern of privately owned open space reflected in large lot single family development.  Emphasis should be placed on extending, protecting and connecting the publicly owned parkland areas.  The health of the woodlands should be monitored and protected.

Provide for the appropriate development of the Borough.

Commercial/Retail Development- Commercial retail and service development in the Borough is largely confined to the Route 46 corridor with a small pocket in the Midvale Market area.  Any redevelopment should put emphasis on visual attractiveness, pedestrian accessibility, and mixed use opportunities.

Community Facilities/Infrastructure- The Borough should continue its planned maintenance of facilities and infrastructure.  Coordination of work and/or cooperation with other governmental entities for cost efficiency should be emphasized.

Provide for safe and convenient pedestrian and vehicular circulation and access.

Pedestrian Circulation and Access- Mountain Lakes has a pedestrian tradition based upon a pattern of formal and informal paths, narrow streets, lack of fences and relatively compact neighborhoods.  This tradition should be promoted and extended by fostering these patterns and providing additional pedestrian links where possible and appropriate.

Vehicular Circulation and Access- Although many areas of Mountain Lakes are accessible by foot, the residents are increasingly dependent on the automobile.  While the overall automobile traffic levels have stabilized, certain changes in the use of the automobile have led to incidences of congestion, for example at school drop-off and pick-up times.  Alternatives to the automobile which emphasize pedestrian access within the Borough and mass transit links to outside the Borough and the discouragement of through-traffic should be supported.

Maintain the Borough's traditional commitment to education and recreation.

Education- Mountain Lakes has long had a special commitment to the quality of its public schools.  That commitment should be continued.

Recreation- Active recreation has been a focus of community life in the Borough.  That focus and tradition should be maintained and encouraged.