Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan (original) (raw)

Welcome to the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan Website

The Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan is a collaborative effort involving nine northern Monmouth County municipalities.

Aberdeen Highlands Matawan	Atlantic Highlands Keansburg Middletown	Hazlet Keyport Union Beach

The project is sponsored by the Monmouth County Planning Board and the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth. AKRF, Inc. has been hired by the County as the planning consultant for the effort.

The Monmouth County Bayshore Region is characterized by traditional downtowns, dense residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and the natural beauty of the Raritan Bay coastline. Despite its natural beauty and recreational resources, the Region has not experienced the overall economic growth realized by the rest of Monmouth County and has remained largely unchanged. The Region�s key assets � pedestrian-friendly seaside villages, miles of sandy beaches, and proximity to the populated metropolitan areas of New Jersey and New York � offer unique opportunities to revitalize the area. New strategies are needed to balance the need for growth and economic development but also create more cohesive communities, maintain quality of life and preserve the natural resources of the region.

The Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan will serve two purposes:

To establish a set of planning alternatives to help Bayshore municipalities manage their remaining development potential, explore revitalization opportunities and address the impacts future growth will have on infrastructure, the natural environment and the over-all quality of life; and
To formulate a Plan that will be submitted to the New Jersey State Planning Commission for Plan Endorsement.

Plan Endorsement will provide benefits to the Region that may include prioritization of State permit applications and State funding. To satisfy the requirements needed for Plan Endorsement, the Plan will meet the following goals of the State Planning Act and the New Jersey State Development Plan:

Revitalize and/or redevelop cities and towns.
Promote economic growth
Preserve natural features and open space
Encourage inter-municipal coordination and cooperation
Preserve and enhance quality of life

The Plan will be formulated with the guidance and consensus of an established Regional Collaborative consisting of the County and the Region�s nine municipalities as well as other involved stakeholders having an interest in the preservation, growth and redevelopment of the Bayshore. Representatives from State agencies including the NJ Department of Transportation, NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the NJ Office of Smart Growth will be asked to participate in the Collaborative. The open planning process to be undertaken will allow stakeholders participation through regular meeting and strongly encourage public participation.