What We've Accomplished


Morris Plains residents have contributed their time, talent and money to challenge the two-lane fast-food drive through in the heart of our downtown,  and to change the way planning and land use decisions are made in the Borough. Resident concerns led to the rise of Plan Better Morris Plains,  a grassroots group of neighbors, funded by donations, that is committed to ensuring thoughtful, sustainable, and community-centered planning for the future of our town.


We monitor, recommend, educate, and advocate—but most importantly, we work to ensure every resident has a voice  in the planning decisions that shape our shared environment.


We are proud to have representatives from every district in the Borough, actively engaging in their neighborhoods and listening to local concerns.


Early Months: Our First Year: Building Power and Making Progress

Founded in February 2025, Plan Better Morris Plains has already made significant strides:


1. Organizing an Informed and Engaged Citizen Network

  • Built a secure digital communication platform to streamline collaboration among residents and volunteers.
  • Conducted a community-wide survey to better understand local priorities and guide our mission.
  • Created a volunteer and expert call list, connecting with planners, engineers, legal advisors, and engaged citizens.
  • Collected 1,300+ signatures opposing a two-lane fast-food drive-through project.
  • Coordinated meetings with NJ Department of Transportation DOT and led a letter-writing campaign urging them to consider local safety concerns before advancing the proposed project.

2. Shedding Light on Critical Local Issues

  • Launched a robust, accessible website that organizes documents and resources on the McDonald’s drive-through proposal and other planning matters.
  • Secured regular press coverage on local ordinance developments and planning debates.
  • Kept Ordinance 14-2023 (Expanded Uses in Non-Residential Zones) in the public eye through advocacy at Borough Council and Planning Board meetings.
  • Held town leadership accountable for key committee appointments, ensuring transparency and fairness.


3. Advocating for Better Information & Communication

  • Organized volunteers to record and livestream public meetings, ensuring residents can stay informed.
  • Successfully advocated for town budget approval to fund ongoing official meeting video recordings and improve access to information.


4. Building a Sustainable Movement

  • Raised significant funds to support opposition to the McDonald’s project and other advocacy priorities.
  • Engaged outside planning and governance experts to advise our efforts.
  • Joined the NJ Highlands Commission and engaged them as a fiscal sponsor to strengthen our organizational capacity.



Our Mission Continues

We believe the best planning happens with the community, not to it. As we grow, we will continue to amplify residents' voices, push for smarter development, and work toward a more livable, inclusive, and well-planned Morris Plains.