The township planner presented a comprehensive draft master plan, developed over the past year, addressing five out of thirteen required elements: land use, circulation, economic development, sustainability, and open space. The last comprehensive plan for Little Falls was created in 2002, with subsequent reexaminations in 2008, 2013, and 2021. This new draft aims to align the township’s future development with current community needs and state mandates.

Public input was a componet of the master plan development. An online survey garnered responses from 420 participants, highlighting community concerns such as resiliency, traffic congestion, the condition of parks, and downtown revitalization. The township’s demographics were analyzed, revealing an aging population and a gradual increase in numbers, with a forecasted population of approximately 16,600 by 2050. The racial composition showed a predominance of white residents, while income levels were higher than both county and state averages.

The planner outlined major goals and objectives derived from public feedback and previous planning documents. These goals focused on maintaining established neighborhoods, promoting transit-oriented development, and ensuring that zoning regulations align with the township’s overall objectives. It was emphasized that these goals were developed in collaboration with the master plan subcommittee and informed by community workshops.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing zoning boundary amendments to better reflect existing land uses and enhance the municipality’s economic health. The planner acknowledged the limited diversity of commercial uses downtown, prompting a call for a broader blend of businesses. There was also a focus on eliminating split zoning and ensuring zoning boundaries align more closely with property lines, as well as potentially rezoning certain residential properties currently categorized within commercial zones to better match their actual characteristics.

Survey data revealed that 83% of respondents preferred single-family housing, while 43% wanted more senior housing options, and 57% showed interest in townhouses. The analysis also uncovered discrepancies in property classification, with some properties labeled as commercial actually being institutional. To address these issues, recommendations were made to revise the zoning code to accommodate modern commercial uses and promote medical uses, particularly along major commercial corridors such as Route 46 and Main Street.

Climate change vulnerability assessment, a requirement set forth by a 2021 state legislation, was another focal point. This assessment aims to ensure that land use plans incorporate strategies for mitigating climate risks. Key recommendations included collaboration with neighboring municipalities to stabilize riverbeds and upgrading water distribution systems to prevent flood damage to critical facilities like the Township’s recreation center.

Transportation and circulation were also discussed, with the council emphasizing the importance of integrating land use planning with transportation needs. Recommendations included implementing infrastructure improvements on Main Street to enhance pedestrian safety and collaborating with county and state partners on transportation measures. Adapting parking management strategies for the downtown area to accommodate existing and projected growth, particularly concerning electric vehicle infrastructure, was also highlighted.

Economic development discussions centered on enhancing the downtown area as the township’s economic and civic heart. The council recognized the need to attract high-quality businesses that reflect positively on the township’s image. Recommendations included developing a creative placemaking strategy to highlight the area’s unique character and monitoring macroeconomic trends to ensure local businesses’ vitality. The competition posed by e-commerce retailers was noted, prompting a desire for a diverse range of amenities, including restaurants and community gathering spaces.

Sustainability was a key theme, with recommendations to promote energy efficiency, adopt smart growth principles, and enhance stormwater management systems to combat increased flooding and rainfall. The council also discussed potential improvements to municipal facilities and infrastructure to support a transition to renewable energy sources.

The meeting also included several proclamations introduced by the mayor. September 2024 was declared National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each proclamation highlighted the importance of awareness and support for these causes, emphasizing community engagement and the need for increased research and resources.

Public comments during the meeting reflected residents’ concerns about new residential developments, particularly the lack of yard space and parking for townhouses, and traffic issues. Some residents expressed frustration over the density of new housing and the perceived inadequacy of the master plan’s traffic analysis. There were also discussions about the potential introduction of duplexes in certain areas to encourage property maintenance and compliance with new flood prevention regulations.