Springfield Planner Updates Board on Master Plan Progress and Housing Compliance Review

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Township Planner Michael Mistretta briefed the Springfield Planning Board at its April 16 meeting on the status of the township’s ongoing master plan update, outlining next steps for board members and explaining a late development affecting the town’s state‑mandated housing compliance.Mistretta said the board will receive a draft of more than 100 pages of the Land Use Plan Element this week. To help members prepare, he distributed a printed summary highlighting the plan’s goals, objectives, and recommended policy actions, which he described as the “critical component” of the document.“I didn’t want to just send you a link and say, ‘Here, read this,’” Mistretta told the board. “This gives you a head start on the most meaningful part of the work.”Board members will receive the full draft electronically and were encouraged to begin reviewing it ahead of a future discussion.Mistretta also updated the board on Springfield’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, which must be certified before the township can formally adopt its land use plan.According to Mistretta, Springfield received a court‑issued certification of compliance on April 1, confirming the township’s fourth‑round Affordable Housing plan for the next decade. However, just days later, Fair Share Housing Center submitted a letter requesting additional review, prompting the judge to grant a 30‑day extension.“I thought we crossed the finish line,” Mistretta said. “But we’re back under review by Fair Share.”He explained that he is “slow‑playing” the land use plan adoption until the housing plan is fully resolved, since changes to one could affect the other.Mistretta asked board members to:Review the summary and full draft of the land use planSubmit comments either electronically or on paperPrepare for discussion at an upcoming meeting once the housing review concludes