FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — A decision by voters on Nov. 3 could pave the way for the Zoning Board of Adjustment to be consolidated into the Planning Board in Freehold Township.
A referendum question on the ballot asked voters if they wanted to allow the Township Committee to consider adopting an ordinance to consolidate the zoning board into the Planning Board.
According to results posted on Monmouth County’s website, 3,474 voters said yes and 735 voters said no.
The next move will be up to the members of the governing body should they choose to take action necessary to merge the two boards.
Municipal officials have said the level of activity before both boards has decreased substantially over the past several years and is not anticipated to increase back to levels which would require the existence of two boards, in large part due to the limitations on developable properties remaining in the township.
Consolidating the zoning board into the Planning Board will reduce the expenses associated with maintaining two separate boards and employing separate professionals who provide advice and services to each board, according to municipal officials.
Municipal law, in this case, required the Township Committee to seek voter approval for the consolidation of the two boards.