The borough’s master plan, important for directing Fair Haven’s future in terms of mobility, land use, and open space conservation, is set to undergo a review. The council underscored the significance of this endeavor, as it will directly influence zoning laws and town planning. This revision marks a critical step in modernizing Fair Haven’s approach to urban development, and volunteers are being sought to participate in the committee responsible for this task. The process is expected to span several meetings over the next year, with a consultant poised to guide the committee through planning and strategy development. To capture the community’s vision for the borough’s future, a comprehensive survey is planned to gather input on development and land use strategies.

In tandem with updating the master plan, the council is concentrating on retaining the borough’s Sustainable Jersey certification. The borough currently holds 365 points towards certification, although only 90 have been officially approved. With the upcoming application deadline looming, the council is striving to meet the previous certification level of 350 points. Acknowledging the challenges of accumulating points, the council highlighted the difficulty in extracting necessary documentation and the heavy reliance on volunteers. An appeal was made for more volunteers to bolster the town’s sustainability efforts and to ensure that the borough does not lose its certification due to procedural oversights or lack of manpower.

The council meeting also addressed the ongoing issue of managing invasive species such as bamboo and Japanese knotweed, which pose a threat to local ecosystems. The environmental commission is tasked with prioritizing the management of these species, with an emphasis on public education to prevent their spread. The council discussed the importance of community involvement in these efforts. This stance is seen as crucial for preserving Fair Haven’s natural environment for future generations.

Additionally, the council explored alternative environmental practices, such as the use of gravel for landscaping due to its permeable nature, and the potential benefits of living shorelines and soft stabilization methods. The council considered inviting representatives from organizations like the American Society of Landscape Architects to provide insights on implementing these practices effectively in the area.

Community engagement remained a central theme throughout the meeting, with the council expressing a desire to foster collaboration among residents, local schools, and community groups. Plans were discussed to keep residents informed about project timelines and activities through emails and community meetings, with visual communications like signs proposed to enhance community awareness of environmental issues such as water quality.