For Immediate Release:
July 7, 2008
County releases 1st municipal ‘how-to’ booklet
Five-part information series in development planned
FREEHOLD – In an effort to make planning at the local level less complex, the Monmouth County Planning Board has launched a series of user-friendly, how-to guides for municipal planning with the release of a booklet that explains the master plan re-examination process.
“Citizens will better understand the complex local planning procedures as we remove some of the mystery surrounding the process,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, who is also a Planning Board member. “This booklet accomplishes that and continues the county’s outreach efforts by encouraging the people to get more involved at various stages of planning for their community.”
This first volume, Master Plan Re-examination Report Procedures, includes a step-by-step procedural checklist, quick reference guide, fast facts on essential information and additional resources.
“Many local decisions on development, growth, preservation and conservation are governed by various types of laws and procedures,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr., liaison to the Planning Board. “These technical assistance brochures on municipal planning are a must-have for citizens interested in learning how all the pieces in local planning fit together.”
To guide citizens and community leaders through the various procedures, four additional technical assistance booklets are under development and scheduled to be released over the next 15 months. Topics include master plan maps; zoning ordinances & maps; redevelopment area investigations & plans, and noticing. Each volume will include a quick reference guide, fast facts on essential information, referenced resources and a step-by-step procedural checklist.
“These outreach brochure manuals will serve as an invaluable daily resource to planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment, governing bodies, attorneys, municipal clerks, land use administrators and board secretaries and planners alike,” D’Amico said.
All Monmouth County municipalities will receive a copy of each volume as it is completed. The booklets also will be accessible through the Planning Board section of the county’s Web site at
www.visitmonmouth.com. For additional information, contact the Planning Board at (732) 431-7460.
# # #