Re-examination of Master Plan Nearing Completion

Borough Planner Ed Snieckus reviewed previously discussed changes to the borough Master Plan Thursday during the Westwood Planning Board meeting. He plans to have a draft of the final document completed at the end of October and have a public hearing set for November.

Snieckus said there are still a few issues the board needs to discuss before he finalizes the draft, such as the finalized wording for outdoor dining and the use of Dutch style doors. The board plans to have a final discussion session Oct. 13.

The final draft should be available for board members to discuss during the Oct. 27 meeting. Snieckus recommended having the public hearing Nov. 17 instead of Nov. 3 to give him a little extra time to make any changes board members request.

Because the state has changed the rules regarding Master Plan reexaminations, the Planning Board is not required to complete its revisions by the end of the year. Municipalities now have to conduct a reexamination every 10 years instead of every six. Westwood completed its last reexamination in 2005.

But Planning Board members said they want to finish the process by the end of December for a number of reasons. Councilwoman Cynthia Waneck said some current members may not be on the board next year. Chairman James Hodges pointed out that many of the changes are meant to encourage businesses to come into Westwood, which would help fill some of the vacancies that currently exist.

The next Westwood Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 13.