Planning Board proposes to reduce Downtown to 4 stories

​Diligent members of our Planning Board have proposed rezoning the Bloomfield Ave business district from 6 stories to 4.  If approved by the Council, this will protect our downtown from more extensive development and density.  In addition, other new ordinances are expected to be proposed by the Board and if approved will better regulate the exteriors of new buildings to better fit the character of the existing downtown area. 

This proposal will be aggressively opposed by influential developers and downtown property owners  since it limits the potential value of property for development.  Consequently its very important that residents tell Council reps that we want this reduction in zoning heights approved.  Dedicated planning board members volunteer many hours each month to serve the town and they need the support and validation of residents to move forward with major changes.

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In the recent years 2013-2015, this reduction of heights would not have been possible since many planning board members supported extensive development.   At that time,  the master plan which is the town guide for land use policy, was proposing to allow 10-12 stories on Bloomfield Ave.   This was stopped by people who took time to make an effort.

This direction was changed through the hard work of diligent planning board members supported by  persistent push back from residents and by residents asking Council members to support these efforts.  This rezoning will end over sized development such as Valley & Bloom and the new hotel coming to our downtown.  We want development to enhance our neighborhoods, not simply add density.

Residents need to contact their representatives and/ or speak out at Council meetings during public comment or planning board meetings if this topic comes for additional review. Council members need to know we want our downtown approved for 4 story zoning.  See page 9 here for the proposed downtown rezoning map.  Look at other rezoning throughout town in this proposal.  Address concerns with your Council rep or during public comment at Council.

Mayor Robert Jackson: rjackson@montclairnjusa.org
1st Ward Cllr. Hurlock: whurlock@montclairnjusa.org
2nd Ward Cllr. Schlager: robinschlager@montclairnjusa.org
3rd Ward Cllr. Spiller: sspiller@montclairnjusa.org 
4th Ward Cllr. Baskerville: rbaskerville@montclairnjusa.org
At-Large Robert J. Russo: rrusso@montclairnjusa.org
At-Large Rich McMahon: rmcmahon@montclairnjusa.org
Ms.Schlager is also Deputy Mayor