Published January 25, 2023
Fredon’s Master Plan is up for re-examination in 2023, which is always an exciting time for people like me who enjoy planning, looking at maps and charts, and reading professional opinions on the future of municipalities.
Thankfully, in 2007, when the last Master Plan was created, Fredon leaders seem to have given us a strong foundation in concentrated commercial and industrial use in the Township.
The Plan has been reviewed and updated through resolutions from what I can tell, but even 15 years ago, it specified that “Commercial and industrial land uses do not have a substantial presence in Fredon, emphasizing its rural character.”
The Plan also says that “collectively, these land uses only comprise 1.1 percent of the Township’s total land area. For the most part, both commercial and industrial uses in Fredon are concentrated along the Route 94 corridor, between Routes 610 (Stillwater Road) and 618 (Willows Road / Fredon-Springdale Road).”
I see this approach as very positive because it allows Fredon to still benefit from tax revenue while preserving its rural charm through large amounts of open space and farmland.
Warehouse Trend Statewide
As online shopping and modern expectations for overnight delivery become a way of life for us all, major corporations in need of warehouses continually look to find geographic areas that grant access to large parcels of land, quicker routes, and more shoppers.
In order to limit the trend of warehouse sprawl, New Jersey is now asking municipalities to really think through whether or not their citizens would benefit from warehouses coming to their areas and how they would manage a situation if a neighboring town accepted a proposal for one too.
While I don’t have public opinion data or economic and environmental impact statements to make a determination on what is best for Fredon at this moment in time, I do agree with the State in its recommendation for towns to be proactive in gathering public and advisory input and addressing the maximum allowable size and specifications of new warehouses before applications are even brought to Land Use (Planning and Zoning) Boards. I think that part of the reason a group of residents in Sparta is so upset about a truck terminal coming to their Township is because of what they see as inadvertent loop holes and confusion in the zoning process. I believe that being ahead of trends such as warehouse sprawl is key in Township Planning and in keeping residents satisfied.
Ways to Stay Involved
As I mentioned, Fredon’s current Master Plan is up for re-examination in 2023 and the Land Use Board will have opportunities at that time to provide public comment.
In order to provide informed and valuable input, I suggest looking through the Code of Fredon Township and Fredon‘s Master Plan.
Then, depending on any ideas that come to mind, you should begin to communicate with the Land Use Board if you have questions or you would like to see:
Changes in zoning
Creative uses for public land (trails, parks, fields)
Any other ideas or needs that address land use.
Also, the Land Use Board sometimes has openings, so you can fill out an application to show your interest in joining them. They meet monthly and deserve appreciation for their commitment to maintaining Fredon‘s rural charm, sharing their special expertise, and volunteering their time. So, if you do reach out in any way at all, please make sure to include your thanks to them too!
Plans are meant to be proactive and collaborative, so please consider taking some time to help make sure our Master Plan is prepared for Fredon’s modern needs and wants in 2023 and beyond.
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