This is an exciting time for Dunellen. We are embarking on three interconnected planning initiatives that will guide the Borough’s decision making over the next decade. The first planning initiative is the Master Plan Reexamination. Dunellen’s current Master Plan was adopted in 2012 and New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) requires a general reexamination of a municipality’s Master Plan and development regulations at least every ten years. This important document outlines a municipality’s development goals and objectives and regulates land use. In other words, it is a blueprint for Dunellen’s future over the next ten years - outlining broad policy goals in support of the community’s vision. In addition, I am happy to share that this reexamination will include one of New Jersey’s first Climate Resiliency Plan elements, as per a new requirement in the MLUL.
Furthermore, Dunellen has been awarded two technical assistance grants. The Active Transportation Study by NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning Program which will propose pedestrian improvements, bike routes and bike facilities in Dunellen. The Complete and Green Streets for All policy by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority will provide street design guidelines aimed at all users, all modes of transportation and all ability levels and will recommend green infrastructure practices to manage stormwater.
These three complimentary planning efforts will help Dunellen develop a multi-pronged comprehensive approach towards growth and development. For these initiatives to be successful – we need your input. Let’s do this together, Dunellen. Community members have two ways to participate in these joint initiatives.
First, we are launching a 35-question online survey on August 17. This is a quick and easy way to participate in the planning process at your convenience and to do so anonymously as well. Questions regarding all three initiatives are rolled into this one survey, which asks participants about their use of transit, shopping and walking habits, and other questions about their day-to-day experiences in Dunellen. The survey link is listed below. Printed copies of the survey are available at the Municipal Clerk’s Office and Tax Collector’s Office at Borough Hall (355 North Avenue) and at the Dunellen Public Library (100 New Market Road). Please complete the survey online or drop off your paper survey to one of the above-noted locations by the deadline of September 21, 2022.
Planning Survey – English, HERE:
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dunellensurvey2022)
Secondly, the Borough is hosting a Public Workshop on September 14, 2022 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at Lincoln Middle School (400 Dunellen Avenue). During the event, people who live, work, or own a business in the Borough will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions and ideas about Dunellen’s future. The professionals from all three planning initiatives will be in attendance and we will have Spanish translators at the event. We hope you will be able to join us.
I strongly encourage all members of the Dunellen community to take advantage of both opportunities – the survey and the public workshop. Your input will have an impact on governance and physical development in the Borough over the next ten years and beyond.
I look forward to working with you and the Master Plan Reexamination Steering Committee on these plans to help direct the future of Dunellen. Please always know my office door is open to you for your comments, questions or concerns. You can call my Borough Cell at (732) 882-4551 or email me at: jcilento@dunellen-nj.gov.
Thank you for your time in this matter.
