On April 12, 2007, Teaneck’s Planning Board approved a 147-page Master Plan following extensive public discussion and dialogue. The most broadly debated and revised portion of this document was the Goals and Objectives element That same set of Goals and Objectives has been included in the several Master Plan Re-examinations completed in 2011, 2014, and 2017.
The State’s Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) lists the Goals and Objectives portion of municipal Master Plans as one of the two “required” MP elements. Currently, the Town’s Planning Board is reviewing a draft of what will – when revised – likely become the Town’s new Master Plan. That document will emerge from the Planning Board’s current “deliberative” status in the next month – and is expected to again engage residents in a careful review.
Teaneck Voices believes it is useful for all current residents to be aware of what those 2007 Goals and Objectives were in order better to evaluate what will become the Town’s Goals and Objectives in the decade that lies ahead. What follows are those 2007 Master Plan Goals and Objectives.
Goals:
1. Advance the purposes of the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) as contained in 40:55 D-2;
2. Preserve the character of existing low-density residential neighborhoods forming the predominant character of the Township;
3. Provide zoning protection for existing multifamily housing and encourage its expansion only in areas where it would not have detrimental effects on single-family residential neighborhoods;
4. Provide a balanced land use pattern and appropriate development controls;
5. Guide appropriate development and growth in a coordinated and managed approach;
6. Strengthen the vitality of existing commercial districts;
7. Preserve, protect, and enhance parks and open space while protecting environmentally sensitive, natural, and unique physical features at the same time;
8. Maintain the historic resources and natural beauty of our Township; and
9. Embrace, reflect, and bring together the diverse sub-communities within the Township.
Objectives:
1. Ensure practical and appropriate development controls to preserve and protect open space, conserve the natural landscape, and protect the sensitive ecological areas of the Township;
2. Protect neighborhood characteristics including the enforcement of buffer areas between non-residential and residential land uses, between different residential types, and along sensitive ecological areas of the Township;
3. Encourage the revitalization of vacant buildings and encourage the rehabilitation and restoration of brownfields and other contaminated buildings and land;
4. Maintain and upgrade the existing system of parks, recreation, and open space to provide for Township residents of all ages, abilities, and disabilities consistent with current and projected community needs for recreation and open space;
5. Preserve the high level of public services and encourage the creation of new facilities where necessary, to accommodate population changes, economic growth, and the changing needs of residents;
6. Provide mechanisms to encourage the needed upgrade of the existing utility infrastructure including public water, stormwater management, and wastewater treatment;
7. Provide for the Township’s fair share of affordable housing as may be required by law as set forth in the Housing Plan Element;
8. Preserve and enhance the low-density residential character of established neighborhoods, maintain a reasonable balance of housing choices, and provide for in-fill development, adaptive reuse, and affordable senior housing.
9. Promote historic preservation efforts that will maintain the Township’s unique historic resources as designated;
10. Promote building and site improvements that have reasonable limitations on size, bulk, and site disturbance in relationship to the existing fabric of the community;
11. Encourage the development of a circulation system that accounts for roadways, mass transit, pedestrian/bicycle routes, greenway corridors, and existing freight and goods movement facilities;
12. Coordinate land uses with transportation facilities, including but not limited to bus stops and parking for resident commuters to facilitate access and encourage alternatives to driving;
13. Promote a diversified economic base;
14. Focus economic development efforts on existing commercial, industrial, and office districts and provide support and reinforcement to the four Business Districts to improve their viability;
15. Encourage the sharing of services with neighboring municipalities to lower Township operating and maintenance costs while maintaining or increasing their effectiveness; and
16. Support and promote public participation and awareness on Township Boards and commissions and awareness of all Township issues and initiatives.
Township of Teaneck Master Plan
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