The Village of Egg Harbor has issued a memorandum proposing a resolution that would strongly encourage developers of large-scale projects to hold a public consultation meeting before submitting formal plans for approval.

The goal is to give residents an opportunity to review and comment on projects while plans are still being developed, rather than after they are finalized.

According to the memo, the resolution would “formally express the Village’s strong encouragement for developers of major projects to conduct community information sessions before submitting formal applications.” While participation would not be mandatory, the Village notes that a developer’s decision to engage the public could be taken into account during the approval process. The memo explains that the Plan Commission and Village Board would be allowed to consider whether a developer made a good-faith effort to involve the community, creating an incentive for early outreach without making it a requirement or grounds for denial.

Megan Sawyer, Egg Harbor Village Administrator, says “we want to understand what our community’s goals are, and we want those who invest in our village to know what those goals are.” She adds that “it is a proactive approach to solving potential issues regarding planning.   This is something that will help that process go smoothly moving forward for everyone involved.”

Sawyer says the proposal offers benefits for residents, developers, and local government.

For Egg Harbor residents, it could provide earlier awareness of major development proposals and meaningful opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions before the formal review process begins.

Developers could benefit by building community goodwill, identifying potential issues early, and incorporating feedback before investing in final plans.

For the Village, officials say early dialogue may lead to more informed public participation, fewer conflicts or delays during hearings, and a stronger reputation for transparent and inclusive decision-making that aligns development with community values.

Sawyer says the village is recommending the resolution as a low-cost, high-impact way to enhance transparency and community engagement without creating legal complications, with trustees expected to discuss the proposal and consider adoption at this week’s Village Board meeting.