The Montclair Environmental Commission will begin a comprehensive review of municipal and residential streetscape policies this month, with the aim of codifying decisions that will help ensure the thriving and active nature of township neighborhoods. The review will examine policies on township sidewalks, tree plantings, curbs, street lighting, parking lots, recycling containers, park furniture and other areas. It will look at Montclair’s current ordinances and purchasing decisions to help ensure best practices not only from an environmental and functional perspective, but also for the aesthetics of the Township’s built environment as seen from its streets.
“Montclair’s beauty and charm are two of our major defining characteristics,” said Third Ward Councilor Sean Spiller, who is Council liaison to the Environmental Commission. “This not only helps make us a regional destination for visitors and shoppers, but also enhances residential property values by generating a greater demand, with new homeowners looking to move here. Preserving the township's aesthetic appeal and quality of life is an important consideration for this review,” said Spiller.
Environmental Commission member Martin Schwartz will coordinate the streetscape policy review. Schwartz is also the Commission’s representative on the Township Planning Board.
The Commission will hold several hearings during the review process. The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at the Montclair Municipal Building, second floor conference room at 7:30 p.m. Residents, design professionals, landscape contractors, business owners, real estate brokers and homeowners are welcome to participate. Smaller sub-groups will then be formed to work through recommendations for the different areas under consideration.
Resulting recommendations will be presented to the Township Planning Board for follow-up. Suggested ordinances or new policy recommendations will be sent to Council for approval or directed to the Township Manager for implementation.
Residents who are unable to attend hearings may send information and feedback to the Commission’s streetscape sub-committee to: info@mtcenv.org (Subject heading: Streetscapes).
