A master plan is an official document adopted by the municipality that describes the current conditions and establishes a vision for the community's future. A master plan is designed to guide all land use decisions – for example, to encourage development or protect open space - within the municipality "in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare."

In New Jersey, a master plan must include a Statement of Objectives, Principles, Assumptions, Policies, and Standards (SOPAPS), a Land Use Element, and a Housing Element (if a municipality wants to utilize zoning). Master plans sometimes include additional elements relevant to the municipality, such as a Circulation Plan, Economic Plan, or Historic Preservation Plan.

Haddonfield's most recently adopted Master Plan, created in 1984, is outdated. Haddonfield, and the world, have changed a lot since then: Apple introduced the MacIntosh computer, and the original "Ghostbusters" was the top-grossing film.

Haddonfield has conducted periodic reexaminations of its Master Plan, most recently in 2009, to evaluate whether the assumptions, goals, and objectives have changed. This Master Plan update reexamines the existing plan and focuses on four key areas; Housing Diversity, Resiliency, Downtown Economic Viability, and Circulation. These areas of focus reflect what Haddonfield is today and where the community wants it to go.

A Master Plan is a document that guides all policy decisions within a municipality and sets the course for future action. The four focus areas affect the Borough in different ways, but the common goal is to improve the quality of life for residents.

Haddonfield is a great place to live, work, and shop, and we want to keep it that way. We also want to respond to changes that are affecting our community proactively. The Master Plan will guide how the Borough can continue to be an excellent community for current residents and future generations. We need your help to shape this future by getting involved with the Master Planning process.

The Planning Board adopts the municipal master plan, but the master plan should reflect the vision of the entire community. That is why Haddonfield wants to hear what you have to say. We need you to help guide this process and share your thoughts on how you envision the community's future.

A team of professional planners from Pennoni is assisting the Borough with the Master Plan update. In addition to public outreach, the Pennoni team meets regularly with a Master Plan Subcommittee, comprised of representatives from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Borough Council, and Borough staff, to guide the planning process.  

We are looking forward to hearing your input on the Haddonfield Master Plan! We will be discussing and getting feedback on all of the elements of the Master Plan at once. Here are a couple of keys ways to get involved:

1. Sign up below for continued updates.

2. Complete our upcoming survey! We will release additional details later this spring.

You can also email Haddonfield@PublicInput.com at any time to submit comments.