New Land Use Board Holds Its First Meeting In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — For the first time tonight, Washington Township will be hosting a Land Use Board meeting.

Washington Township established the board to improve efficiency and replace the planning and zoning boards. Mayor Matthew Murello has previously indicated that this combination will minimize the number of boards and hired professionals in town while simplifying the process for individuals and companies.

According to officials, there aren't many properties in Long Valley that can be developed in compliance with the town's master plan.

This has reduced the Planning Board's requirement, causing them to review applications at less than half of their scheduled meetings in recent years, although the Zoning Board has met regularly.

The idea was raised at the Township Committee work session meeting on April 12 and has since been discussed at subsequent meetings; however, the town has stated that the idea to consolidate the Planning and Zoning Boards was discussed before the COVID-19 lockdowns but never got past discussions.

Washington Township voters officially had the final word since the matter came down to a referendum due to the township's population of more than 15,000 people.

The referendum question asked voters whether the town should amend the code to allow the planning board to exercise all of the powers and duties of a board of adjustment, in addition to the planning board's duties.

The Joint Land Use Board would be in charge of creating and amending the township's master plan, as well as approving conditional use petitions as needed. The board includes nine sitting members and four alternates, according to the proposed ordinance modification.

At the reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Murello announced that the new board comprises members of the previous Planning and Zoning Boards and is now a single board that will review and act on all land use applications in town.

The Land Use Board will host its reorganization meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m., during which they will elect a chairperson and first and second vice chairpersons, appoint a board clerk, designate meeting dates for the coming year, and select professionals for the year 2024.

Here are the board members, according to the posted agenda:

• Class I – Mayor Murello term expires 12/31/2024
• Class II – Kathleen McGroarty term expires 12/31/2024
• Class III – Rich Wall term expires 12/31/2024
• Class IV – Morris Bauer term expires 12/31/2027
• Class IV – Joris Banning term expires 12/31/2026
• Class IV – Anthony Spina term expires 12/31/2027
• Class IV – Eric Travena term expires 12/31/2025
• Class IV – Timothy Mendez term expires 12/31/2026
• Class IV – Geoff Price term expires 12/31/2026
• Alternate 1 – Lou Mont term expires 12/31/2024
• Alternate 2 – Jen Gorini term expires 12/31/2026
• Alternate 3 – Randall McCarver term expires 12/31/2024
• Alternate 4 – Roger Fyfe term expires 12/31/2025

To view the full agenda, click here.