Lack of Sidewalks a 'Hot Topic,' Could Require Change to Master Plan

The Montville Zoning Board appointed a chairman and vice chairman for the new year at their Thursday night meeting.

James Marinello and Deane Driscoll were unanimously appointed to chairman and vice-chairman, respectively. The board also voted on the following zoning positions:

• Attorney—Bruce Ackerman, Esq. Pashman Stein, Hackensack
• Planning Consultant—Joseph Burgis, PP, Burgis & Associates, Westfield
• Engineer—Stanley Omland, PE, Omland Engineering, Cedar Knolls, NJ

Kurt Dinkelmeyer brought up the issue of certain township neighborhoods that don’t have sidewalks and how to address them.

That could possibly require a revision to the master plan, said Jane Mowles-Rodriguez, recording secretary.

Marinello suggested that the board wait for a future meeting for when the board planner could come and give his input. Burgis and Omland were not present at Thursday’s meeting because no applicants were required to be present.

“It’s a hot topic,” said Marinello. “I think (Burgis) will be able to give us some of the history on what the planning board and township committee were thinking when they imposed those requirements in the master plan and the ordinance.”

Marinello added to possibly “take this up in March with our planner and give him some time to think about it and if he has a recommendation. Then we’ll discuss it and either adopt the recommendation to be sent to the planning board or not.”

The issue was tabled until a future meeting at which Burgis and Omland would be present.