Central to the meeting was the board’s deliberation on the borough’s affordable housing obligations. The mandate to accommodate 92 new units between 2025 and 2035 was a focal point of discussion. This requirement comes in addition to previous obligations and is based on 2020 census data. A concern was whether the borough would need to rezone areas to meet these obligations, especially given the potential necessity for increased density to accommodate the units. The board discussed the importance of identifying suitable areas for development, emphasizing the need to designate overlays that could allow for 25% of the total housing requirement.

The conversation touched on the concept of “builder’s remedy,” a legal mechanism that could impose vertical construction requirements if the borough fails to meet its housing obligations. The board emphasized the importance of crafting a realistic plan to withstand scrutiny and prevent potential lawsuits. Strategies such as bringing existing non-conforming units up to code were considered as a way to gain credit towards meeting the housing obligations.

In addition to addressing housing issues, the board tackled the impending master plan reexamination, set for completion in August 2026. Members expressed a strong need to engage with the community and ensure that residents are informed about the master plan’s significance. The reexamination involves reviewing various elements, including community facilities, circulation, open space, recreation, historic preservation, and land use. The board recognized the need for a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment, reflecting recent legislative changes since the last reexamination in 2016.

To facilitate community engagement, the board discussed strategies such as surveys and open houses. A previous survey had garnered responses from approximately 900 residents, but there was concern that this did not adequately represent the community’s diverse perspectives. Members proposed enhancing engagement through door-to-door outreach and leveraging social media to reach a broader audience. There was also a proposal to create a dedicated webpage to communicate the master plan process and updates, modeled after a successful example from another municipality.

Another topic was the board’s discussion of the zoning board’s role in granting variances for housing-related issues. The frequency of variances granted raised concerns that it might be time to reconsider the master plan, as governing by variance could complicate planning efforts. The zoning board’s annual report, which was behind schedule, was anticipated to provide valuable insights into the variances granted, aiding the planning board’s decision-making processes.

The scheduling of future meetings was also addressed, with dates set for 2025. The board emphasized the importance of aligning these dates with community events to ensure maximum attendance. The final meeting before the June 30, 2025, deadline for adopting the fair share element was highlighted as critical, given its implications for the borough’s housing strategy.

The need for timely communication and updates was reiterated, with members expressing concern about the potential consequences of inaction or delayed responses in a rapidly changing regulatory environment. The board recognized that engaging the community effectively and ensuring transparency in the planning process were essential in addressing the challenges ahead.