The board held an executive session to discuss the early stages of preparing the fourth round of the housing element and fair share plan, a crucial document that needs to be adopted by June 30, 2025. The session was deemed necessary to ensure a confidential discussion about potential strategies and requirements, influenced by state mandates. The plans will eventually be shared with the public through a dedicated hearing and available on the borough’s website, along with hard copies at Borough Hall.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the complexities involved in the fee schedule for development applications. A proposal was made to streamline the process by referencing a specific section of the borough code instead of including the entire fee schedule in application packages. Concerns were raised about the difficulty applicants face when calculating fees, especially for larger projects that involve multiple stakeholders like attorneys and engineers. Suggestions included providing a URL link to the updated fee schedule on the borough’s website or handing out a printed version directly to applicants. The aim is to simplify the process for both residential and commercial applicants, minimizing confusion and errors in fee calculation. Board members acknowledged the importance of making the application process more user-friendly, especially for those without professional representation.

The board also reviewed a resolution concerning a zoning article, specifically denying a car storage facility’s operation as a permitted use on South Avenue. Amendments were made to the resolution to clarify the reasons behind the decision and ensure accurate documentation.