The council’s approval of major site plans, including the construction of warehouse buildings, was a topic at the meeting. These developments, which are to be constructed by Ram Development LLC in Jackson County, prompted discussions on the town’s growth and infrastructure. Residents took the opportunity to express their concerns about the town’s development trajectory and its impact on local systems during the public comment period.

Infrastructure concerns were at the forefront as residents discussed the need for expansions of the road system to manage the increased traffic from ongoing development. The safety of the town was also a issue, with particular emphasis on the strain that the growth of warehouses and larger schools may place on the fire department. Residents feared that additional personnel and equipment requirements could lead to higher tax rates.

The master plan subcommittee’s meeting also drew attention, highlighting the need for public input in shaping Jackson’s future development. The subcommittee, including Shimi Heller, Lisa Demarzo, Michelle Campbell, and Morty Burstein, along with the planner from CME Mela, stressed the importance of community feedback. The comprehensive master plan was presented, illustrating its role as a policy guide for the township and outlining both required elements, such as land use and housing elements, and optional elements like economic development and historic preservation.

During the public comments, a long-time resident raised issues about the fire department’s budget constraints and the lack of multiple access points to certain areas, potentially posing safety risks during emergencies. Concerns about preserving the town’s rural character and preventing overcrowding were also voiced, along with the need to maintain open spaces and address safety and traffic issues.

In response to community input, the council assured residents that their concerns would be considered during the master plan’s revision process. They highlighted the importance of public involvement and encouraged residents to provide feedback through the town’s website. Some residents expressed their willingness to volunteer for the master plan committee, offering their expertise and time.

Other discussions involved specific development projects, like the proposed conversion of a single-family home into an office building. Concerns were raised about the impact on the neighborhood’s character and safety, particularly for children. The council carried the application to a later date to address revisions and incorporate residents’ feedback on issues such as lighting, landscaping, and drainage.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed a proposed mixed-use building involving warehouse and office space, where changes were made to the site plan to include a 100-foot wooded buffer and a right of way requested by the township of Lakewood. A resident highlighted the steep and hilly nature of the land and the implications for road construction and building feasibility.

Environmental considerations were also brought up, with debates over the waiver from paving an overflow truck parking area and the adequacy of a septic system’s design for a proposed development. The council discussed the potential connection to the Municipal Utilities Authority and the use of K5 sand for the septic system.