The role of the Rehabilitation & Redevelopment Screening Committee (the Committee") is advisory only and it has no approval authority. The purpose of the Committee is to increase consistency across the entire Borough planning process and among the Borough's various boards and agencies by working in coordination with the Borough Planner in establishing a proactive pre-application process for any project which includes an potential rehabilitation, redevelopment, infill development or other application for development, but does not include minor applications by homeowners. 

Meetings of the Committee take place with a developer who has requested such a meeting, either on its own or as a result of guidance from the Borough Planner. The Borough Planner conducts a preliminary investigation of a project to determine the properties involved, the scope of development, infrastructure and other issues. After making the developer aware of any preliminary issues related to existing zoning, the Redevelopment Plan or other ordinances, rules and regulations which may impact the project, the Planner informs the Borough Administration and the Screening Committee Chair of the project and together, they determine whether or not to schedule a meeting of the Screening Committee with the developer. The developer is responsible for posting sufficient escrow to cover the projected costs of the Borough's professionals that will be incurred during this pre-application review process. There is no cost to the Borough whatsoever for the work of this Committee.

At the meetings, the developer's proposal is reviewed with the developer and its professionals and the Committee members so as to acquaint the prospective developer with the applicable goals, substantive provisions and procedural requirement of the Master Plan, Redevelopment Plan, zoning and Main Street program. The Committee reviews and provides feedback on preliminary site, architectural, landscape, streetscape and other design aspect of the proposed project. The Committee helps to identify existing conditions, policies and regulations that could create opportunities or pose constraints for the project as proposed and suggests ways the potential developer could create potential benefits for the community and/or mitigate potential impacts. The Committee also outlines existing municipal issues, community concerns and neighborhood dynamis that can be proactively addressed through community outreach and engagement at the outset of the planning process. And lastly, the Committee informs the potential developer of any public sources of information or funding that may aid the proposed project.
 

Contact and Meetings

Matthew Hale
Email: halematthp@gmail.com

The Committee does not meet on any regular schedule. Rather, it meets on an as-needed basis at the convenience of the members of the Committee, the Borough Planner and the proposed developer. The Committee meets early in the process with any developer wishing to explore a potential project or preparing an application for development that would normally track directly to the Planning Board, Zoning Board or Redevelopment process. This allows the Borough to provide early guidance and input to a developer which can help limit potential time and costs for the developer and result in higher quality formal applications more consistent with the Borough's Master Plan, Redevelopment Plan, zoning, regulations, Main Street program and other goals.

How Can I Get Involved?

If you have expertise with the planning and zoning process in Highland Park or more broadly with general planning or zoning or design, you are welcome to contact