BYRAM TOWNSHIP HOLDS PUBLIC MEETINGS

ABOUT A NEW MASTER PLAN!!

 

Agenda for 5/11/2004 Public Meeting

Byram Municipal Building

10 Mansfield Drive, Byram

7:30 - 10:00 PM

 

* Determine Future Land Use in Byram

* Downzoning:  Reducing Residential Density

* Forest Preservation in Byram's Environs

* Transportation and Circulation

* Sewer Service Areas and Utilities

* Future Commercial Development

 

 

Our last meeting was on 3/9 - this document tells about what we're trying to accomplish with all of your input!

 

Smart Growth is a phrase that now frequents newspaper headlines, especially here in the Highlands Region of the State.  But, what does smart growth mean for the future of our Township?

 

On March 9, Byram’s residents will have an opportunity provide input on how much and where the town’s future growth will occur.  Through a $20,000 grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, Byram Township is reviewing and revising its Master Plan..  This plan will evaluate environmental constraints, infrastructure needs and revise zoning standards to enhance environmental protection and economic growth. 

 

Last year, Byram finalized two critical documents that began to outline the town’s vision for the future.  The Smart Growth and Lakefront Development Plans recommend that any future development should occur near existing neighborhoods and in a new Village Center.  The new Village Center, proposed at the intersection of Route 206 and Lackawanna Drive, is a mixed use district that will accommodate new residential development, an expanded commercial district, and recreation facilities to better serve Township residents.  By focusing new development in the Village Center, the rural landscape will remain largely intact.  In these outlying areas, limited development will primarily take the form of hamlet-scaled lake communities or other compact neighborhoods.

 

This Master Plan will implement the goals of the Smart Growth and Lake Front Development Plans through revisions to the current zoning and development ordinances. The Smart Growth Plan was the result of a consensus-based process which included surveys and interviews with the Township Council, municipal boards, the business community, lake associations, and landowners.  A similar process will be carried out with the Master Plan Revisions.  It is crucial that the town’s residents and business community participate in this process.

 

Join your neighbors and Township officials in a public meeting to review the draft Master Plan recommendations on Tuesday, March 9 in the Municipal Building.  The meeting, which will take place from 7:30 – 10, will include a presentation from the Township’s Planner followed by public discussion.  Refreshments will be served.  If you have any further questions, please call Margaret McGarrity at the Municipal Building at 973-347-2500, ext. 108.

 

FUTURE MEETINGS:  The March 9 and May 11 meetings are the second and third  public sessions about the Master Plan revision; at least one more public meeting will be held in the spring or early summer.  Please go to www.byramtwp.org for notices about exact meeting times.  These notices will also appear in Township newsletters and articles in local newspapers.