A key aspect of the meeting was the update on the master plan’s progress, particularly the completed community survey that will inform the next steps. Michael Sullivan, a consultant engaged in the master plan process, elaborated on the project’s direction, stressing the importance of the survey results, which will shape questions for an upcoming open house event. The survey provides a high-level summary and a analysis, crucial for setting the agenda for public discussions.

To facilitate the planning process, Sullivan highlighted the creation of various committees, including a project advisory committee along with technical committees for different plan elements. These committees are expected to meet and coordinate effectively, aligning with the municipal calendar to prevent conflicts with other events. Sullivan emphasized, “We want to coordinate the schedule so that when we ultimately target a planning board meeting for the hearing and the adoption that we’re syncing up with that because there’s notice requirements that come back from that.”

Although there was a query regarding the status of the zoning map, Sullivan confirmed that it had not yet been completed, saying, “Whatever we had last August is what’s in there.” This highlights the need for clarity on which items should be addressed in the current re-examination and master plan amendment process.

A discussion ensued about the importance of transparency and public input in the planning process. Concerns were raised about previous planning efforts lacking sufficient public engagement. The board expressed a commitment to improve this. One member suggested holding a dedicated planning board meeting to review the survey results, which could draw more public interest. The consensus was to wait until the first impact meeting, where a more detailed project plan could be developed, before presenting the survey results to the public.

Logistics for an upcoming open house were also discussed, with a focus on finding an optimal time and location to encourage maximum attendance. The community center was proposed as a potential venue. The open house aims to present base information and pose specific questions to the public, based on prior survey responses, allowing those who did not participate in the survey to express their opinions. Volunteers will be sought to assist with the event.

The finalization timeline for the master plan was deliberated, with estimates suggesting that the first draft could take eight to ten months, possibly extending into early 2027. The importance of the initial draft was emphasized, as it will encapsulate the entire project scope, while subsequent drafts will focus on refinements.

Additionally, the board discussed a procedural change regarding the publication of legal notices. As of March 1, 2026, new legislation mandates public entities to publish legal notices on their websites, rather than in newspapers. This change, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, will require the board to adjust its procedures accordingly.