Sustainable Growth Plan Introduced By Chester Planning Board

CHESTER, NJ — Given that Chester Township is almost completely built out, development in Chester is not a topic that is frequently discussed; however, the planning board is currently looking into sustainable economic growth.

Tonight, the Chester Planning Board will hear an update on the sustainable economic improvement plan being developed by Burgis Associates, Inc., a professional planning, design and landscape architectural firm.

The plan, according to Burgis Associates, is intended to provide a realistic framework to help guide physical improvements within the township's existing business zones and throughout the business community.

Chester is frequently described in the draft plan as a predominantly rural community with single-family homes, large swaths of preserved open space and over 3000 acres of farmland.

Keeping that in mind, Burgis Associates offered a number of recommendations for the township to help improve the business district within Chester.

According to the report, the township experienced a fairly consistent population boom between 1950 and 2000, but growth has slowed in recent years. The township had an estimated population of 7,713 people in 2020, representing a 1.59 percent decrease since 2010.

As the township's population has remained stable, its demographics have shifted to become older.

This is especially visible in the population aged 65 and up, which increased from slightly less than ten percent in 2000 to an estimated 16.03 percent in 2020. An estimated 1,240 residents were over the age of 65 as of 2020, representing an increase of approximately 86.74 percent since 2000.

According to a land use summary, commercial and retail properties account for slightly more than half of the total number of lots located either entirely or partially within the township's nonresidential zoning districts.

These uses also account for 39.98 percent of the total land area of all properties located within or partially within the township's commercial zoning districts. In comparison, residential properties and farmland account for 45.99 percent of the total land area of all properties located in the township's commercial zoning districts.

The Highlands Preservation Area encompasses a sizable portion of the township. One of the overarching goals of the preservation area is to protect, restore and enhance the quality and quantity of surface and ground waters throughout the Highlands Region.

As a result, the Highlands Act restricts development in the preservation area primarily to areas that have already been disturbed, the report said.

One of the recommendations given to the township, as a way to enhance the economic development in Chester, was to permit outdoor business and outdoor dining within the B District section of town.

"Outdoor sales and outdoor dining offer several potential advantages to business owners. Both can serve to create more visually interesting areas which may attract customers. Outdoor activities can also provide a unique experience and thus help contribute to a community’s greater sense of place," Burgis Associates said.

It was also suggested that drive-through restaurants be excluded from any future development plans and updates.

The architectural firm also proposed that, in order to increase the viability of the B District and reflect the township's aging population, urgent care centers and outpatient surgical facilities be designated as permitted uses in that district.

"Ultimately, the goal of this plan is to maximize the utilization of the township’s existing business zoning, by eliminating unnecessary restrictions and identifying opportunities for improvements and redevelopment, while still respecting the rural residential character of Chester Township," the report said.

The planning board expects to go over the issue further at tonight's meeting, which will also include the introduction of two ordinances dealing with amending sections of the land use code. To read the full agenda, click here.