We Want to Live Near New York City, But Not In It, Master Plan Opponent Says

Dozens of Montclair residents stepped up to the microphone in the council chambers Monday to present their views to the Planning Board about a 30-year Master Plan for growth in the township. 

Monday night's public hearing was the third opportunity for residents to give feedback on the element of the plan dealing with land use and circulation, a.k.a. traffic and transportation.

This time, more residents, including those who said they would like to some day sell their homes and move into an apartment in town, came out in favor of the plan. 

Still many residents and merchants said "no thank you" to seven-story buildings in Upper Montclair and 10-story high-rises in Montclair Center.

In the video above, hear arguments given for and against the plan.

First up is lifelong Montclair resident Gray Russell, who is employed as the Environmental Affairs Coordinator for Montclair. Russell argues why planning for sustainable growth benefits both the township and the environment.

"The opposite of planning for that increase in population is basically what New Jersey is: It's sprawl. It's everybody moving out from suburban areas," Russell said.

Next is Jason DeSalvo, who questioned at the second public hearing the validity of the population growth estimates on which the plan is based.

DeSalvo said he doesn't buy the numbers and said if anything the town should be halting growth and not making Montclair more urban. 

"This is why we have all chosen to live near New York City, but not in it," he said.

Which argument aligns with your vision for Montclair's future? Tell us in the comments. 

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