Key Master Plan policies and recommendations affecting historic sites and districts may be found in the goals and objectives of the Borough of Mountain Lakes 1996 Master Plan. These goals and objectives acknowledge the importance of Mountain Lakes' historic places and sites and their contribution to the township identity as a historic community and the quality of life enjoyed by Mountain Lakes' residents.
The following elements are portions of the Master Plan that support Historic Preservation:
Community Character- Mountain Lakes is a largely developed community with a character primarily based upon well-kept single family homes. Individual lot sizes are relatively small with neighborhoods integrated with large areas of Borough-owned wooded open space. This pattern of community-based clustered development in a natural setting is fundamental to the character of the Borough and should be protected and promoted.
Historic Preservation- Mountain Lakes has a unique historic heritage significant in the history of planning in the United States. A "planned community" from its beginning, it was deliberately designed to create a park-like atmosphere emphasizing the preservation and enhancement of natural features. In addition, the Borough is recognized as having one of the largest concentrations of Craftsman influenced homes in the country. These historically significant features should be protected.
Lakes- The lakes are the most prominent natural features in the Borough. They were the central design element around which the community was planned and they fundamentally influence the character and quality of life of the community, contributing natural beauty and very important recreational opportunities. The natural process of eutrophication, accelerated by human activity, represents a great concern.
Park Land- A high proportion of Mountain Lakes is preserved as park land in scattered large and small parks and green areas located throughout the Borough. This pattern of development is an alternative to the more standard suburban pattern of privately owned open space reflected in large lot single family development. Emphasis should be placed on extending, protecting and connecting the publicly owned park land areas. Much of the wooded areas in the park lands are under increased stress as they mature due to increased competition for nutrients and sun-light, as well as the effects of leaf dumping. The health of woodlands should be monitored.
Mountain Lakes' Land Use plan calls attention to the importance of protecting and continuing the overall character of Mountain Lakes as a planned community by a series of objectives. Relating to historic preservation are the following objectives: