Millburn, NJ Planning Board
Sundays tracks every public Planning Board meeting in Millburn, NJ and summarizes what was decided — master-plan re-examinations, redevelopment areas, rezonings and land-use ordinances. Land-use items are kept off the weekly Sundays email (they're a specialist read), but every one is archived here and verified against the official meeting record. 35 items on file; most recent August 21, 2026.
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Announcement of next meeting date and time
Before entering executive session, the Board announced the next meeting would be held September 2 at 6:30 p.m., with notice to be provided consistent with applicable requirements.
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Enter executive session to discuss pending litigation (High Center Living Judaism Inc. v. Township of Millburn, NJ)
The Board adopted a resolution to enter executive session under the Open Public Meetings Act exception for pending litigation to discuss the matter involving High Center Living Judaism Inc. and the Township of Millburn, New Jersey.
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Master plan consistency review: Spring Street–Essex Street Redevelopment Plan (Blocks 1212 and 1207)
The Board conducted a master plan consistency review for Ordinance 2763-26 adopting the Spring Street–Essex Street Redevelopment Plan, discussed plan details (including 93 units with 75 affordable), and adopted a resolution transmitting a report recommending adoption with recommendations including a zoning map amendment and coordination on Town Hall Plaza design.
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Application 649: 62 Western Drive — attorney opening, scope of work, and jurisdiction/notice
Counsel presented Application 649 for 62 Western Drive in the Short Hills Park Historic District, describing a revised plan for a two-story addition and major site improvements, including demolition and reconstruction of an attached garage and new pool/patio features. Counsel stated notice was served and argued the revised plan eliminates prior nonconformities and conforms to zoning.
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New Business: Pet Grooming as a Permitted Use in a Zone (Business Owner Request)
The Township Committee discussed a business owner request to allow pet grooming as a permitted use in a zone where it is currently not permitted, noting it is permitted in another area (Chatham Road). The committee agreed to refer the matter to the zoning code examination subcommittee for expedited review.
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Settlement Agreement Approval: High Center Federal Litigation (RLUIPA) and Related Land Use Matters
The Township Committee approved Resolution 26-194 related to a settlement agreement resolving federal lawsuits involving the High Center under RLUIPA. Counsel and the Township planner described the litigation risks, settlement context, and upcoming zoning/planning board dates and plan revisions.
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First reading: Adopt Spring Street/Essex Street Redevelopment Plan (Blocks 1212 and 1207)
The Township Committee introduced Ordinance 2763-26 on first reading to adopt the Spring Street/Essex Street Redevelopment Plan covering Block 1212 Lots 22–27 and Block 1207 Lot 1, and referred it to the Planning Board. A public hearing was scheduled for September 1, 2026.
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Executive session: pending litigation (Center for Living Judaism v. Millburn, Case No. 225 Dv 17318)
The Board voted to enter executive session under the Open Public Meetings Act to discuss pending litigation, specifically Center for Living Judaism versus Millburn, Case No. 225 Dv 17318. The Board stated the matter would be disclosed when confidentiality is no longer required and adopted the resolution unanimously.
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Public comment (second period): disorderly persons ordinance concerns, data center definition suggestions, and committee chair selection preference
A resident commented on the proposed disorderly persons ordinance, describing a fine line between decorum enforcement and escalation, and suggested disruptive situations may quickly become law enforcement matters. The resident also urged clearer differentiation between dedicated data centers and ordinary office server rooms, and said volunteer committees should be allowed to choose their own chairs.
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Old business: proposed data center regulations (state law update and drafting concerns)
The Township Committee revisited proposed data center regulations. A member noted the state passed a law directing development of data center regulations and urged adopting local protections, while the Mayor raised concerns that the draft definition could unintentionally restrict ordinary on-site server rooms in office buildings; the committee discussed revising language and reviewing other municipalities’ ordinances.
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Public comment (first period): leaf blower ordinance repeal request and restaurant zoning ordinance support
During the first public comment period, a resident urged repeal of ordinance 2707-25 regulating leaf blowers, citing repeated storm-related suspensions and unclear benefits. Another resident supported ordinance 2760-26 (pulled from the agenda) to restore resident protections related to restaurants in B2/B3 districts, arguing COVID-era zoning changes weakened homeowner protections.
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Final responses and meeting close
Officials responded to closing comments, reiterating distinctions between private campaigning and board-member campaigning at official events, discussing potential benefits and regulation approaches for data centers, and briefly addressing broader community discourse. The meeting then moved to close.
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Public art master plan update and grant timing constraints
Staff reported that the public art master plan RFP/consultant selection process is on hold pending formation of a new Township arts committee, noting a $7,500 grant restricted to the BID area and a time window that required decisions before the end of summer.
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Ordinance 2748-26 (final passage): Amending development regulations/zoning ordinance (FEMA elevation/height compliance)
The Township Committee held the public hearing and adopted Ordinance 2748-26 amending and supplementing development regulations/zoning. A resident questioned timing due to a stated DEP announcement and a governor’s one-year moratorium; the Township stated the ordinance addressed FEMA-related elevation/height compliance and proceeded to adopt.
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Enter executive session for pending litigation: Docket 2:25-cv-17318-SDW (Chai center for Living Judaism Inc. v. Township of Millburn)
The Board voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation identified as docket 2:25-cv-17318-SDW, Chai center for Living Judaism Inc. versus the Township of Millburn. The Board adopted an executive session resolution and approved entering closed session under the litigation exception to the Open Public Meetings Act.
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Environmental Commission presentation: Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) update (interactive format)
The Environmental Commission and Princeton Hydro presented an updated Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI), described as a statutory planning document under the Municipal Land Use Law. They emphasized the ERI’s updated data, interactive mapping format, and its use as a baseline factual inventory (not recommendations), including sections on demographics, land use, water resources, flooding, habitat connectivity, tree inventory integration, and climate change projections.
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Master plan consistency review: Historic district designation for railroad bridges (Morris & Essex / Old Main / Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad thematic historic district)
The Board reviewed Ordinance 2755-26 for master plan consistency, designating a thematic historic district for railroad bridges and related structures. Members discussed bridge preservation, repair/replacement concerns, and a discrepancy in the key contributing bridge numbering (six vs. seven). The Board voted to find the ordinance not inconsistent with the master plan and to adopt a resolution including a recommendation to reconcile the numbering.
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Carry motion — application update regarding historic designations (discussion of checklist/zoning table and planning board process)
The commission discussed an application update related to historic designations and process coordination, including the usefulness of a zoning table and checklist clarity. The commission voted to carry the application update item.
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Planning Board Preliminary Investigation for Redevelopment Area Determination (Block 702 Lots; Condemnation Redevelopment Area)
The Township Committee approved Resolution 26-149 authorizing the planning board to conduct a preliminary investigation into whether Block 702 lots constitute an area in need of redevelopment and whether it should be designated a condemnation redevelopment area. One committee member raised concerns about bailing out a landlord and urged allowing a potential sale to proceed.
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Reopen Open Session After Executive Session
After concluding executive session, the Board made and seconded a motion to reopen open session. The motion passed, and the Chair noted that the full quorum of eight Board members was present.
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Ordinance 2736-26: Zoning Code Examination Committee Updates
This ordinance revises definitions and resolves issues of vagueness in the zoning code as identified by the Zoning Code Examination Committee.
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Ordinance 2735-26: Amendments to Township Development Regulations
This ordinance aims to better define various types of medical businesses in the township's zoning ordinance. It provides clarity on zoning terms and addresses inconsistencies in the development regulations.
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Zoning Code Definitions Update
This ordinance updates the zoning code definitions, addressing vagueness and adding missing terms for improved clarity and compliance in Millburn Township’s development regulations.
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Amendment to Township Development Regulations – Medical Businesses
This ordinance defines and regulates various types of medical businesses within the Township of Millburn, NJ. It aims to clarify zoning and development regulations to ensure proper categorization and compliance.
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Public Art Master Plan
Discussions centered on hiring a consultant to develop a Public Art Master Plan for Millburn. Concerns were raised about jurisdiction, alignment with stakeholders, and the selection process for the consultant.
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Public Art Master Plan Development
This resolution discusses the development of a Public Art Master Plan for Millburn, NJ, with funding from an Essex County public art grant. The plan aims to integrate public art into the township's cultural fabric.
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Public Art Master Plan Development
The ordinance discusses the development of a Public Art Master Plan for Millburn, focusing on integrating art into the fabric of the township while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
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Additional Zoning Definitions
This ordinance adds definitions to Millburn Township's zoning code to clarify terms and improve regulatory precision, ensuring better governance of land use and development practices.
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Amending Medical Office Definitions
This ordinance redefines and expands the definition of medical offices in Millburn Township's zoning code, adding urgent care and ambulatory surgical facilities to better reflect modern healthcare needs and clarify zoning regulations.
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Resolution to Oppose State Legislation on Zoning Override
The resolution formally opposed proposed state legislation that could override local zoning regulations and impact Millburn’s planning autonomy.
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Ordinance 2736-26: Use Definitions and Zoning Update
This ordinance updates definitions for several permitted uses in zoning regulations, introduces new definitions for mixed-use developments, cultural centers, co-working spaces, and sustainable building practices, and provides parking requirements for these uses. It addresses gaps in zoning regulations while aligning them with the master plan.
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Ordinance 2735-26: Medical Uses Amendment
This ordinance revises definitions of medical uses and introduces updated standards for medical offices, urgent care facilities, and ambulatory surgical facilities. It modernizes zoning regulations to ensure clarity and consistency with the township's master plan while defining parking and loading requirements for these facilities.
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Amendment to Development Regulations for Zoning Use Definitions
Ordinance 2736-26 introduces and updates zoning definitions for various uses in Millburn Township, including brew hubs, museums, co-working spaces, and sustainable design features. It aligns zoning regulations with modern needs, clarifying permitted uses, adding parking requirements, and supporting sustainable urban development.
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Amendment to Development Regulations for Medical Uses
Ordinance 2735-26 updates the definitions and zoning standards for medical uses in Millburn Township. It distinguishes between medical office types, introduces parking requirements for specific medical facilities, and clarifies permitted zones. The ordinance aligns with the township's master plan to modernize regulations, improve clarity, and support sustainable land use.
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Samuel Bellamy's Planning Testimony
Samuel Bellamy presented planning justifications for the raised patio, focusing on compliance with zoning standards and community impact.