For a number of years the idea was kicked around to combine the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. This came to fruition in January of 2024.
The primary driver was to save money on administrative and professional fees – which we have already realized. Since we don’t have a large number of use variances to hear, it was felt that the Planning Board could take on the additional workload. So far, we have seen no change in the number of meetings.
Another important benefit is that we share some of the same professionals as the municipality which helps things run smoother.
Our opponents claim that the new board creates confusion as to who can participate. That is absurd, since the rules are absolutely clear. We have alternate members who stand in for the committee members when recused. In fact, our opponents falsely accused the board of violating the law at a recent appeal hearing. This was totally debunked, yet it remains on their website.
In another outrageous event, Mrs Deal was incensed that she was made to leave a Land Use Board meeting because her presence created a quorum. The Land Use Board attorney in consultation with the Chairman made the call out of prudent practice. She then accused the board of lack of transparency.
Ironically, our opponents have served on the Planning Board (VanderVeen) and Zoning Board of Adjustment (Fitting) so they either don’t know the law, or are purposely spreading an untruth.
For a deeper dive:
https://www.westamwelltwp.org/land-use-board
https://www.njlm.org/Archive/ViewFile/Item/1566
https://law.justia.com/…/2009/title-40/40-55d/40-55d-25
If you are inclined to let Google do the heavy lifting, open your browser and type “benefits of a combined land use board”
Vote for Connor Montferrat and Rich DeMeuse – We need to restore sensibility to West Amwell governance!
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