Panhandle Region Plan

Overview

The Panhandle Region Plan (PRP) is a regional planning effort that will develop a vision for the future of the four westernmost municipalities in Monmouth County (Allentown Borough, Roosevelt Borough Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Covering the region as a whole as well as each of the four municipalities within the study area, the plan will help municipalities prepare, collectively and individually, for sustainable growth, while protecting environmental resources and maintaining the unique character of each municipality and the region. This plan is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2010.

About the Project

Four municipalities in Monmouth County are located within the Panhandle Region. These municipalities – which range from small fully developed towns to large rural Townships, share a common bond in the agricultural heritage of westernmost Monmouth County. All of the communities in the region are located west of the more heavily developed suburban areas of Monmouth County. The region is also bounded by Middlesex County to the north, Mercer County to the west and Burlington and Ocean Counties to the south.  With its farms, rolling fields and large areas of woodlands, the area stands in stark contrast to the surrounding suburban communities in central New Jersey. The historic communities of colonial Allentown and New Deal era Roosevelt add to the regions charm.

Planning Board Sets Study in Motion

Maintaining their character in the face of pressure for change will be a challenge to each of the four municipalities. To address this planning challenge, the Monmouth County Planning Board has initiated the Panhandle Region Plan, an important regional planning effort that will outline a vision for the future of both the Panhandle Region and each municipality within the study area. The study is funded through a Smart Futures Grant from the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth. The County has contracted with Maser Consulting P.A. in Red Bank, New Jersey, to help conduct the study.

The plan has several purposes:

• To establish a set of planning alternatives to help Panhandle Region municipalities manage their remaining development potential, conserve farmland and open space, and address the impacts of future growth on infrastructure, the natural environmental and the overall quality of life.
• To develop a plan that will be adopted as an element of the Monmouth County Growth Management Guide.
• To prepare a regional plan suitable for endorsement from the New Jersey State Planning Commission.

A Step-by-Step Approach

The study will examine the region’s land development pattern and identify the present and future availability of lands for preservation as well as areas that could support economic development. Then, using demographic, socioeconomic and land use data, the study will evaluate a set of planning alternatives to help the area guide future conservation efforts and beneficial economic development. An Implementation Agenda will provide a strategic framework for municipalities, the County and state agencies to follow in order to carry out identified strategies necessary to meet the vision of the Panhandle Region.

Participation by All Municipalities is Critical

The key to the success of the plan is active participation by all municipalities in the study area, as well as participation by other individuals and community stakeholders representing agricultural, environmental, historic preservation, business and other interests. Municipalities that participate in this regional study will be able to use the data, information and results from the Panhandle Region Plan in their own municipal plan endorsement petitions to the State Planning Commission. The County will support municipal plan endorsement petitions that are consistent with the Panhandle Region Plan.

Regional Collaborative Will Guide Preparation

A Panhandle Regional Collaborative, comprising representatives from each municipality, will meet regularly and guide the preparation of the plan. Other stakeholders include representatives from the NJ Office of Smart Growth, NJ Transit, NJ Department of Transportation, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Burlington County Economic and Regional Planning Department, Monmouth County Planning Board and other agencies who will be invited to participate. Preparation of the Panhandle Region Plan began in June 2008. Completion is expected by Fall of 2010.

Municipal Participants

1. Allentown Borough
2. Roosevelt Borough
3. Millstone Township
4. Upper Freehold Township

Participation & Updates on Plan

Municipalities can participate in the Panhandle Region Plan study as well as stay abreast of information concerning the study through a number of available opportunities such as:

• Regional Collaborative Meetings
• Municipal Action Committees
• Visioning Meetings with Municipalities & Regional Stakeholders
• Panhandle Region Plan Website
• Newsletters
• Electronic Communications

• Administration
• Calendar
• Committees & Councils
• Community Development
• Development Review
• Environmental Sustainability Planning
• Geographic Information Systems
• Strategic & Economic Planning
• Research & Special Studies
• Transportation Planning
• Reports & Data
• Directions & Hours