BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman published 29 November 2001

Click here Tell others about this page View archive

PLANNING BOARDS ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT 

For many residents, their first interaction with local government is not with the elected officials but often with the Planning Board. Upon moving to a town, new residents may want to add decks, additions, or garages to their home. Often those desires must be presented to the planning board, and depending upon the town that you reside in, the Planning Board may wield an unusual amount of power.

In Atlantic Highlands, and a few other smaller Monmouth County municipalities, our planning board is a combined zoning and planning board. Several years ago, our town merged the boards as a savings measure and the current planning board now rules on zoning matters in addition to planning issues. All of the members are volunteers appointed by the Mayor, and the Mayor also sits on the planning board by virtue of his office.

One of the planning boards main functions is to enhance the town's master plan and encourage responsible development. In Atlantic Highlands, the board has been active in the protection of our steep slopes, limiting multifamily subdivisions, and enforcing the building codes. Applicants seeking variances generally need to prove their case, and the board is tough but fair. Sometimes an applicant will take legal action against the board regarding their decisions, but more often than not, the courts have upheld planning board rulings.

The planning board is a very precise board. Unlike borough council meetings, there are few compromises to be had, and planning boards must follow very strict New Jersey land use laws and local ordinances. Even the hearings are done very formally with witnesses sworn in, and professionals cross-examined. The public may address an applicant or their representative, but only after the board has finished questioning the applicant. Very often, an applicant may not finish their case in a single night, and cases have been carried on for months at a time.

But that is as it should be, because the important decisions made by the board are long lasting. A change of use for a given lot and block follows the property, and not the owner. So, long after someone moves away, that decision stays with the property. 

There is much to be seen at these meetings, and often, the planning board decides major borough issues. We, in Atlantic Highlands, are fortunate that our planning board is very sympathetic to residents concerns while balancing the needs of commerce and civic uses in the Master Plan. The board has maintained the small town charm that makes Atlantic Highlands a desirable place to live.

Contact Jack Archibald - JCArch@msn.com  

http://www.ahherald.com/bodypolitic/ - Body Politic Archive

http://www.ahnj.com/ - Borough of Atlantic Highlands Website