Montclair Environmental Commission to Review Streetscape

The review will take a look at policies on township sidewalks, tree plantings, curbs, street lighting, parking lots, recycling containers, park furniture and other areas. It will also look at Montclair’s current ordinances and purchasing decisions to make sure the best environmental and functional practices are used and that the aesthetics of the Township’s built environment as seen from its streets is accounted for.

“Montclair’s beauty and charm are two of our major defining characteristics,” said Third Ward Councilor Sean Spiller, who is Council liaison to the Environmental Commission. “This not only helps make us a regional destination for visitors and shoppers, but also enhances residential property values by generating a greater demand, with new homeowners looking to move here. Preserving the township’s aesthetic appeal and quality of life is an important consideration for this review.”

Environmental Commission member Martin Schwartz will coordinate the streetscape policy review. Schwartz is also the Commission’s representative on the Township Planning Board.

The Commission will hold several hearings during the review process. The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at the Montclair Municipal Building, second floor conference room at 7:30 p.m.

Residents, design professionals, landscape contractors, business owners, real estate brokers and homeowners are welcome to participate. Smaller sub-groups will then be formed to work through recommendations for the different areas under consideration.

Resulting recommendations will be presented to the Township Planning Board for follow-up. Suggested ordinances or new policy recommendations will be sent to Council for approval or directed to the Township Manager for implementation.

Residents who are unable to attend hearings may send information and feedback to the Commission’s streetscape sub-committee to: info@mtcenv.org (Subject heading:Streetscapes).

Information courtesy of Montclair Township, image via shutterstock.