Planning Board
About the Board
The Planning Board is responsible for generating and updating the Borough’s Master Plan, reviewing subdivision and site plan applications, creating official maps and associated zoning ordinances. The Board may assemble data for planning purposes, and perform other advisory duties upon request by the Borough Council.
The Planning Board functions under the authority of the Municipal Land Use Law of New Jersey, NJ.SA. 40:55 D and Borough Code Chapter 13 Land Development.
Membership
The Planning Board has nine members. Three Board members are municipal officials: the Mayor or his designee; a representative from the Borough Council; and an official of the Borough other than a member of the Borough Council. All members are appointed by the Mayor.
| Member Name | Term Expires |
|---|---|
| Steve Augenblick, Class IV | 12/31/2024 |
| John Bezold, Class IV | 12/31/2025 |
| Dennis Wagner, Council Liasion, Class III | 12/31/2023 |
| Frank J. Druetzler, Class II | 12/31/2023 |
| Mayor Jason C. Karr, Class I | 12/31/2023 |
| Ron Kelly, Class IV | 12/31/2026 |
| Suzanne McCluskey, Chair, Class IV | 12/31/2026 |
| James (Jim) Rogers, Class IV | 12/31/2023 |
| John Verga, Vice Chair Class IV | 12/31/2023 |
*Members can be reappointed after term expires.
Link here for a definition of Planning Board classes of membership.
Karen Coffey, Board Secretary
kcoffey@morrisplainsboro.org
973-538-0325
Office Hours: Mon – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Leon Hall, Borough Engineer
Elizabeth Leheny, Borough Planner
Christopher Falcon, Board Attorney
Meeting Dates
Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at Borough Hall Council Chambers. However, due to Covid restrictions, please check the meeting notice for meeting location and/or virtual meeting instructions.
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View the most recent agenda and minutes here.
Brief Overview of Roles and Procedures of the Planning Board
The primary functions of the Planning Board involve review and approval (or denial) of subdivision and site plan applications, creation of the official maps and reviews associated with zoning ordinances. The Board is also empowered to review and approve certain variances (departures from zoning ordinances) in conjunction with development applications. The Planning Board also prepares and updates the Borough’s Master Plan and assembles data for planning purposes and performs other advisory duties upon request by the Governing Body.
The process for proceeding with applications for development starts with the submission of an application form, which can be obtained from the Planning Board Secretary. There is a checklist for each type of application which sets forth the documents and information which must be submitted prior to consideration by the Board. The Applicant is also required to submit a fee for the application and to provide funds to be held in escrow to pay for certain costs incurred by the Board in considering the application. Once the application submission is complete, the Applicant is notified of the date on which the matter will be heard by the Board. The Applicant must publish a notice of the meeting in the local newspaper and to mail the notice to all property owners within 200 feet of the property, information which can be obtained by the Borough. During the hearing on the application, the Board will hear testimony and review documents in support of the Application as well as from the Board’s professional consultants and interested members of the public. At the conclusion of the hearing the Board will vote on the Application.