See Monmouth’s evolving layout at Planning Open House
Why is everything in Monmouth County where it is? Where will populations and development be concentrated in the future? What will it mean for the way you live? Find answers, and develop your viewpoints, May 10 during the County Master Plan Open House in Freehold Township.
The event, organized by the county's Board of Freeholders and Planning Board, runs from 6 until 8 PM at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building, 400 Kozloski Road.
They won't take your comments directly at the Open House, but they will take them formally through May 31, via email to the Monmouth County Division of Planning. The planning office can be reached at 732-431-7460.
The Planning Board develops and adopts plans that determine the layout of county roads, open space, farmland preservation, and scenic byways, as well as regional mapping for the coast, panhandle and western sectors.
Freeholder Serena DiMaso, the governing body's Planning Board representative, suggests that learning about the planning process increases understanding of how the plan is shaped, and offers a chance to contribute opinions that can enhance it.
"Stakeholders who familiarize themselves with the goals, principles and objectives of the plan and spur discussion on how to improve the drafted document benefit many areas throughout Monmouth County," DiMaso said in prepared comments.
"These suggestions help us work more effectively with local and state government on recommending how to offer substantive solutions through constructive feedback," she added.
The County Master Plan provides elements identified in the Municipal Land Use Law that support development of local master plans.
According to Freeholder Lillian Burry, the governing body's Planning Liaison, the finished plan will focus on "redevelopment, revitalization and rediscovery" of each community.
"It is important to remember that the master planning process also recognizes that each municipality has its own individual character and identity," Burry said. "Comprehensive planning relies on the use of emerging technologies as well as traditional methods of input from citizens and stakeholders."
The County plan coincides with federal, state and local strategies to maximize efficient use of public resources, according to Planning Board Chairman Paul Kiernan Jr.
The overall value, he said, is in "retaining and attracting businesses which creates the demand for well-paying jobs and an expanding the tax base," and supporting sustainable use of public lands, while conserving national resources.
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