Residents having a say on future of Marlboro
State grant to help produce vision plan as town develops
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO — What will Marlboro look like 10, 15, or even 20 years from now? Residents are now being given the chance to voice their opinions about how they think their town should look.

Municipal officials are presently conducting what is being called a visioning process. With a grant from the state Department of Community Affairs 2008 Smart Future Grant, Marlboro officials are preparing a community vision plan.

The plan will address a variety of topics, including land use and development, open space and recreation, affordable housing, center-focused development and other key smart growth issues.

Mayor Jonathan Hornik made a few comments at the start of an Aug. 12 community meeting before handing over the proceedings to residents.

"This is your chance to give your input for your vision of what you want to see in Marlboro going forward," Hornik told those who were crowded into Town Hall.

Heather Zieziula, a senior planner with the firm Heyer, Gruel and Associates, of New Brunswick, led the meeting and encouraged residents to make suggestions as to how they want Marlboro to look in the future. She said an important part of the process is to consider how different plans will affect the township down the line.

"Public input is key," Zieziula said.

Conversation during the evening focused on what some people referred to as a town center, which proved to be a hot topic with residents speaking for and against the idea. A town center at this time is still a suggestion and there are no definite plans for any such project in Marlboro.

Ideas for what a town center could feature were tossed around. Some people suggested a mixed use with shops and restaurants, similar to Long Branch's Pier Village. Other people were against the idea of more retail stores in Marlboro and suggested offices at a town center.

A suggestion was made that perhaps Marlboro could meet its state mandated obligation to build affordable housing within its borders by placing affordable housing units above the stores in such a town center.

Questions came up as to where such a town center could be built. Residents suggested the intersection of Route 79 and School Road; the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital property on Route 520; and parcels near Route 18 or Route 9.

Other individuals had reservations about those locations, stating that a town center would need to be placed in an area where the roads could handle the traffic that would be associated with such a project.

One resident suggested that Marlboro officials should do something about the current traffic congestion before adding a new source of motor vehicle traffic in town.

The traffic concerns prompted proposals of public transportation within the community to the possible town center.

On the same note, parents said a lack of sidewalks connecting residential developments makes it difficult for their children to walk to a friend's home. The parents said they have to drive their child to a friend's house, which only adds to the congestion on the roads.

Jennifer Bajar, who sits on the township's Zoning Board of Adjustment, described how she has witnessed Marlboro lose its historical character over the years. She said older homes on some properties are vanishing, making way for large "metal box" warehouses.

Bajar recommended possible mandates to have developers coming into Marlboro keep with the area's charm.

Resident Jason Cohen agreed and requested that the facades of plans be reviewed to see that new construction is in keeping with the style of nearby buildings.

Another concern expressed was about more housing springing up around town.

One resident said his children who will soon graduate from college will not be able to continue living in their hometown because of the high cost of housing in Marlboro. He suggested an affordable housing option, one-bedroom or two-bedroom units, to help young professionals get a start on their own.

Another person said he respectfully disagreed with that idea since there would be a potential for the individuals living in the apartments to have children who would enter Marlboro schools and that would eventually lead to higher property taxes.

It was noted that one-bedroom or twobedroom units would not likely produce a large number of children.

With Marlboro facing affordable housing mandates, it was suggested that the township should plan for where those homes could go. Rental units were also suggested to help meet the state's affordable housing requirements.

Developing in an environmentally friendly manner was also a concern of some people in attendance. Residents suggested creating ordinances that would require builders to work with a green approach.

One woman noted areas throughout the township where solar panels and even wind turbines could be placed, including Town Hall and the roofs of Marlboro's schools.

An increase in pollution has been noticed throughout Marlboro over the years, according to some who spoke. This pollution is not only in the form of litter, but also noise pollution. Keeping the township clean would help instill a sense of pride among residents, according to those who addressed this issue.

Other topics discussed included preserving open space, redeveloping current brownfield (contaminated) sites and the current parking situation for Marlboro commuters.

Another public meeting for residents to voice their visions is expected, although no date has been set. More information about the community vision plan can be found on the township's Internet Web site under the vision tab.