MONROE – The Monroe Township Planning Board is planning to present draft elements of the township’s master plan for residents during an upcoming meeting.
A presentation on the draft elements is scheduled for a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. The meeting will also be available to view via the township YouTube page.
During the meeting, the board will provide comments and further hear public comments on the draft master plan.
However, no action is going to be taken to adopt any amendments at the meeting, according to Planning Board officials. Action will occur sometime in the fall when the board holds a public hearing on the master plan.
In December 2020, the Township Council hired H2M Associates in Parsippany for public outreach services for the master plan review.
Township officials at the time said the thorough review of Monroe’s master plan will give the township an opportunity to explore ways to control development, invest in traffic improvements and gain momentum toward the township’s goal of preserving 50% of open space in the township.
One of the reasons the township is taking on a new review of the master has been “Monroe’s growth and developments in recent years.”
“Residential development, both age-restricted and market rate housing, has expanded tremendously in the past 10 to 20 years due to the township’s location and availability of developable land. More recently, residential development has occurred as a result of the township’s affordable housing settlement,” according to the draft master plan.
The draft master plan also spotlights the development of warehousing and logistics centers.
“The trend has brought a more diversified tax base and challenges of growing traffic on major roadways,” according to the draft master plan.
“Monroe Township’s master plan is to create a balance to all of these varying needs while helping to maintain the high-quality of life that township residents expect.”
Monroe Township’s population has increased from 2010’s population of 39,132 to 48,594 in 2020. Monroe’s population is projected to be 50,332 come 2045, according to the draft master plan.
“The continued population growth will likely require the need for a range of development activities, including additional housing, infrastructure, and transportation improvements in order to meet the needs of all current and future residents over the next 20-plus years is essential,” according to the draft master plan.
The draft master plan covers the land use plan, circulation element, open space plan, infrastructure and utilities and recycling.
All relevant documents for the draft master plan are posted on the township website at www.monroetwp.com for residents and public review.
