Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

165 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 MONT VALE , NEW JERSEY infrastructure, outlines the robust efforts to handle Montvale’s rapid development. “We’re seeing extensive work being done with the various utilities in town, from increasing the capacity of water lines to upgrading gas lines. It’s all part of a drive to ensure our infrastructure can handle our growth trajectory,” Voytus highlights. Montvale’s potential as a ‘home office hub’ has risen with the nationwide shift towards remote work. Voytus explains that while the town hasn’t been directly involved in ensuring high-speed internet capabilities, entities such as Verizon and Optimum are on the ground. “When constructing residential units and mixed-use retail facilities, residents’ capacity to work from home is paramount. With more people, especially the younger generation, desiring to work remotely, this infrastructure is a must,” Voytus states. As Montvale anticipates a population increase of approximately 25% in the coming years, plans for open spaces are also in motion. An exciting project is the 28-acre land purchase for walking trails and recreational activities. This move responds to community surveys highlighting the residents’ desire for more open spaces and trails. “As we welcome more people into Montvale, having recreational spaces for them is crucial. Guiding the development of these spaces is a key priority for us,” Voytus adds. When asked about ‘controlled growth,’ Voytus emphasized its importance. “Controlled growth is everything. It’s about managing the town’s development in a manner that doesn’t disrupt our residents while also providing businesses with appropriate operating zones. This is the reason for our strategic land acquisition, zoning, and our planning board’s emphasis on design elements for incoming businesses,” he explains. Charting the Course Ahead As Montvale ushers in this growth, its success story is not isolated but the product of a synergized network of associations and collaborations. Mayor Ghassali describes the town’s affiliations with the county’s Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, the State Chamber of Commerce, and the manufacturing associations, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey being one of them. These interactions and exchanges between businesses and the