Master Plan Update

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Ewing Insights (eNewsletter)

Master Plan

Ewing Township’s Master Plan is our long-range document that sets policies for land use, environmental conservation, economic development, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and overall development strategy.  It serves as our blueprint for future growth in the township and protects the public health, safety and general welfare of our community.  The Plan is adopted by the Planning Board and is the foundation for the local zoning and land ordinances that govern development in any community.

Municipalities in New Jersey are required by law to review their Master Plan every ten years to ensure that it remains consistent with current conditions and zoning ordinances.  The Township of Ewing last adopted a Master Plan in 2006, with the most recent reexamination conducted in 2025.

Master Plan Reexamination Report

In 2025 Ewing Township began the process of reexamining its Master Plan.  The Master Plan Reexamination Report, adopted as revised on March 6, 2025, examined the 2006 Master Plan and “outlined policy and ordinance changes since the Master Plan’s adoption, identifying objectives for the future, and recommending adjustments in response to market pressures and new information.” 

Reexamination Process

Over the coming year, as part of the reexamination process, specific ordinances will be evaluated for potential revision, and maps with outdated or incorrect information will be reviewed and discussed with the Public.  

This webpage will serve as an overview of the current status of the ongoing assessment and planning update. The process will include numerous ways for the Public to participate and let their voice be heard.

Challenges and Opportunities

Some of the major challenges and opportunities which will shape this update include the following:

• Plan4 Health:
  Ewing has received a grant to embed a Health in All Policies framework throughout the Township’s core planning documents so that future land-use, mobility, recreation, infrastructure, and capital-investment decisions support measurable improvements in health, equity, safety, and community well-being. See the Plan4Health section at the top of this page for additional information.
• Sustainability and Environmental Issues:
  Includes the prioritization of energy efficient systems, green infrastructure and open space preservation.
• Community and Economic Development / Zoning:
  This will ensure that while updates to zoning ordinances are part of this effort, sustainable development will be facilitated, and community standards will be maintained. We will review and discuss the Township’s redevelopment efforts and discuss if we need to make adjustments. Here are some of the few issues we need to address;
  • The Rebuild of the Ewing Senior and Community Center (ESCC), severely damaged by a fire in 2022. Reimagining the use of the grounds around it and how we connect to it will be important considerations
  • Town Center continues to grow and evolve. A review of our housing policies is necessary to ensure we stay on track with realizing the town's long-range vision.
  • Affordable housing and housing rehabilitation for the underserved and our senior populations
  • Continue our review of our parks and open spaces, particularly trails and connections from neighborhoods to amenities throughout town
  • Public Participation and Planning:
    Look for invitations to give your input to ensure that the revised and updated Master Plan will reflect the needs and desires of Ewing’s residents. The challenge of public participation will be met through creative strategies that allow different voices to be heard that usually don't participate in public settings.
  • Zoning and Property Maintenance:
    Balancing the need for economic growth and affordability for small businesses, bringing properties in an inner-ring suburb closer to conformity is a huge endeavor that at times puts property rights against community-wide interests. The Township is looking for ways to better serve the business community, while educating long term property owners in the true economic benefits of enhanced property maintenance and upgrades.
  • Evolving Interests:
    Flexibility is key to keeping pace with the breakneck speed of technological advances and societal changes. The Township will need to adapt and be creative to keep a pace of the ever-changing face of business, demographics and immigration shifts, and political discourse amidst the inflexibilities of code and associated laws that lag behind these demands.

Components of a Master Plan will include:

• An update of our Housing Plan to coordinate with Affordable Housing mandates while addressing other housing types.
• Climate Change Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
• Parks, Open Space and Conservation Plan
• Transportation Plan (Including Bike/Ped Plan)

Future Updates will include:

• Historic Preservation Plan
• Green Building and Sustainability Element
• Inventory of Environmental Resources
  • Environmental Resource Inventory, 2016 Update – also known as the Natural Resource Inventory
  • Conversation Element of the Master Plan, 2006.
• Stormwater Management Plan, 2024
• Utilities and Infrastructure Plan
• Community Facilities Update