Master plan hearing rescheduled to April 7

WANTAGE-The public hearing on the township's proposed new master plan has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The plan, which has alarmed many residents, would carve a new road paralleling Route 23 between Blair and Cemetery roads. The area within the new street grid would be densely developed in a string of hamlets mixing commercial and multi-unit residential uses. By requiring developers to purchase development rights from other areas of the township to use in the proposed growth area, town officials say they can preserve much of the rural character of Wantage while developing a coherent town center. "We know that there is a vocal element in Wantage who believe there should be no more development in Wantage at all," said Township Manager Jim Doherty. "That position, however much as any of us may wish for it, is doomed to failure."