Good evening. I open the Bernard's Township Committee meeting for July 28th, 2026. Please stand if you are able for the flag salute. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township
website filed with the township clerk and transmitted to the Burnersville News, Courier News, tap into and patch.com on December 17, 2025. Any motion to enter close session will be made in accordance with the open public meetings act and will state the general
nature of the matters to be discussed. Minutes of such closed sessions will be made available to the public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists and the matters have been fully resolved. No new business shall be introduced after 10:30 p.m. Public comment will be accepted at all
meetings. Each speaker shall be limited to 5 minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christy. Roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> here. >> Mr. Hodes, >> here. >> Mr. McN, >> here. >> Mr. Tomkins >> here.
>> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy >> here. Christie, any executive session this evening? >> None this evening. Mayor, >> that brings us to presentations. Thank you again to our presentation recipients for being here this evening. After the conclusion of the presentation portion,
you are welcome to stay for the remainder of the meeting. However, if you wish to leave, we understand. So, Christie, first resolution. Resolution 2026-342 recognizing National Night Out August 4th, 2026. >> Wonderful. Well, National Night Out was
first held in August 1984. It was established by the National Association of Town Watch to foster stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement and to pro promote neighborhood safety and crime prevention. And we're going to have National Night Out next Tuesday, August
4th. It's a great way for the Burners Township community to be among first responders including our local police, fire, and EMT volunteers along with our county resources. And sometimes we have the state helicopter come in, which is a lot of fun. Uh we have this program is
being planned through our police department, Sergeant Tracy Paul Deseri, in partnership with our parks and recck department with support of our department of public works. And we are excited about this and welcome everyone to come. Would any of my colleagues like to comment on this resolution?
>> Uh, thank you, mayor. I count at least 15, I think 15 different agencies or organizations that are going to participate in this year's uh celebration. And I can't think of a better way that communities can make themselves safer by knowing who your neighbor is. So, I invite everybody to
come out, watch a free movie, have some food, and a huge thank you to everybody who has been involved with planning this National Night Out on August 4th. >> Terrific. Committeeman McNally, >> thank you, Mayor. Um, National Night Out is always a wonderful event here in
Burners Township, and I salute um our police department and all of the departments and agencies that come together to make this possible. Um, I I never miss it. my family and I love it. I just hope that next Tuesday's weather is nothing like this Tuesday's weather.
>> I hope so too. Very well said, Commander Woman AC. >> National Night Out is um a wonderful heritage tradition that we do in our family. So, uh we enjoy seeing all the other families enjoy the experience and we hope that um we look forward to seeing as many there uh on Tuesday
night. >> Great. And Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I have on good authority the weather will be good. So you got that taken care of. Um it's a wonderful night. It's uh just one more um activity that brings more cohesion to
this tightlyk knit community um and uh lets people know uh that they are living in a very safe environment. So I'm looking forward to it and thank you for everybody who has participated and worked to get this done. >> Wonderful. So I'll read a few lines from the resolution and then we'll do a vote
for approval. Whereas National Night Out 2026 will be celebrated in communities across the country on the first Tuesday of August to provide a unique opportunity for Berners Township, Semerick County to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative
police community crime prevention efforts. And whereas the success of National Night Out is largely due to the tireless efforts and dedication of various departments and community volunteers who work diligently to ensure the event success. Be it further resolved that we express our
appreciation to parks and wreck and public works departments for their crucial support in preparing and maintaining the event site, ensuring a clean and orderly environment for all participants. Be it finally resolved that the township committee members do hereby proclaim Tuesday, August 4th,
2026 as National Night Out in Burners Township, Somerset County. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. Congratulations. And I don't think we have anyone here from the police department. So we'll move on to our next
presentation. So I am going to make a general statement and then we'll move into the uh actual resolutions. We are very proudly presenting resolutions this evening to five individuals. William Josling, Logan Murphy, John Reynolds,
Ail Fendrol, and Jake Anthony Valentine. All of Troop 351, their scout master is here, who have obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. We are delighted to have you here along with your scout leaders, friends, and family. The township committee is going to share overall
congratulatory comments regarding the five scouts over um in total and then we'll vote upon and approve each of the five resolutions. I know that two of the scouts are here this evening. Thank you for joining us. So after we approve your unique resolution, we will welcome you
if you'd like. It's optional to make comments. Um and then after you've spoken, we'll come down. We're going to actually take pictures for each of you. So we're excited to do that. And now um just a couple of comments. I'm going to share a few thoughts and I'd be happy to invite my colleagues to do so too. Um
thank you for joining us this evening in particular to John and uh William who's here. Um congratulations to you. As you know more than us, having completed the hard work, Eagle Scout is the highest achievement rank in Scouting America,
attained by only a small percentage of scouts after years of dedication, leadership development, community service, and the successful completion of a significant service project. My congratulations to the scout leaders for your leadership and dedication and your
mentorship to William Logan, John Ail, and Jake Anthony. We also recognize the parents, the grandparents, and families who have supported the involvement of the Five Scouts all these years and the guidance and sacrifices you've made for your scout. You have all achieved your
Eagle Scout projects and you learned how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate that these were significant projects that would have a positive impact on the community. And just overall uh for William that was building and installing three TX benches
surrounding the tombstone memorial of Irwin Rickard at the Sons of Liberty Farm and enhancing the landscaping for Logan. Partnering with the Somerset County Food Bank to design, construct, and install a permanent food donation cabinet at Ridge High School and
encouraging ongoing community donations. for John partnering with the historical society of Somerset Hills to create the organization's first online exhibit including writing and recording narrated script and producing a virtual tour of
the Natar estate and Kate Macy lad conolescent home and John was also honored by the Bernard's township's US 250th committee at the Ross farm flag day event for a heel it was partnering with the great swamp environmental education center and clearing engage
invasive plant species, spreading wood chips along an overgrown walking path, and installing new trail trail markers. And finally, for Jake Anthony, designing, building, and installing two wooden benches for the Ridge High School special education courtyard to create a
more welcoming and functional outdoor space for the students. And as part of that, the students added their own handprints to the benches, which is a lasting legacy. Your projects required hours of volunteer community service and leadership project planning and I
anticipate you had some bumps along the way and that you navigated that toward a successful outcome. Our community thrives because of individuals like you who step up and intentionally consider ways to help others. Each of you's
demonstrated hard work and commitment to moving through the ranks and achieve the required merit badges. That determination and talent have helped you toward the destination of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations. And now it is with pleasure that I
invite my colleagues to share their remarks. Mr. Hodgees. >> Thank you, Mayor. I know only a small percentage of Boy Scouts make it to the rank of Eagle Scout, but there's got to be something in the water that Troop 351 is drinking because it seems like
they're taking a higher percentage than than usual. and I applaud uh Troop 351 for their accomplishments. It's this exact kind of civic engagement and leadership that leads to a strong community and these skills that you've developed and worked hard through are
going to serve you very well in your years to come in college and beyond. Whatever you choose, congratulations and a job well done. McNally, >> I'll be brief and not and try not to be in any way repetitive of the cogent remarks made by my colleagues, but
congratulations to you, your families, your scout masters, everyone who helped you get to this remarkable achievement, which as you well know is attained by so few uh uh uh scouts. It's something that you'll carry with you for the rest of your life. Not just the award, but the
experience in getting there. And in addition to uh those who I've thanked already, I I want to make a special thanks to the organizations, their staff and volunteers who lean in and cooperate with these scouts. It's the smart thing to do because you're going to get a quality product at the end of the day,
but there is some time and dedication that those folks do in order to help these young men on their journey. And I want to thank them for that, too. Thank you, M. >> Thank you, Minwoman. Acy, >> so as a proud parent of a young man who
is a member of Troop 351, albeit tenderfoot. We have quite a ways to go. Um so proud of you all. Um and especially for both gentlemen that are here tonight. Um obviously I um I'm so
impressed especially um taking on the role as a merit badge counselor. I have now a much better appreciation of the years that you all have put into this and the work that parents have provided
as support as well as the scout masters and everyone along the way. So yes, while the gentleman did lead the effort and demonstrate the leadership and all of those things that were necessary, um you had a wonderful support system and
so um grateful and wish congratulations to all of you. You know, I have obviously a bias as my own family participates. Those 12 core values of scouts are what I think we would want every individual in our community to possess. So again, tremendous
congratulations. We are a better community because of you and um just grateful for what you've done. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, mayor. Um gentlemen, fantastic job. Um it's it's such a high
honor um that you've achieved. Um it's rare. It's something you can take with you the rest of your life and something you can be proud of for the rest of your life. It's going to set you apart. And um I used to run a uh a trading desk on Wall Street and I always looked for
Eagle Scouts cuz you guys are motivated, you're focused, you know how to get it done. And this, you know, not just not just in work, but in life. This is going to serve you for the rest of your life. And to the family, good work. Uh you guys were the foundation that this uh
this started with. So well done and congratulations to everyone. >> Thank you colleagues. Very well said. everyone. So Christie, why don't we start with item B? >> Resolution 2026-348, commendation on attaining Eagle Scout designation. William Josling.
>> So William is here and so we're going to read a couple of things from his resolution. Whereas William Josling completed his Eagle Scout service project at the Sons of Liberty farm in Burners Township, where he built and installed three TX benches surrounding the tombstone memorial of Rickert,
enhancing the area through thoughtful landscaping with new plantings and stones sourced from the property. And whereas William devoted significant time to planning, organizing, and leading volunteers in the successful completion of this project, creating a welcoming
and lasting tribute for visitors to enjoy. And whereas having attained the rank of Eagle Scout, William Josing will carry forward a badge of honor representing a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township
committee of the township of Burners offers its best wishes to William Josling for continued success and congratulates him on a personal achievement that will serve as a reminder of the importance of the pursuit of excellence throughout his life. Congratulations. May I have a
motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Congratulations. So we would invite you to come up and make some remarks if you like. If not, no. Okay. Very good. All right. So, we're going to proceed and then we'll
come down and present and take pictures when we finish. Congratulations, Christie. Item C, resolution 2026-349, commendation on obtaining Eagle Scout designation Logan Murphy. >> Okay, so we're going to vote on this resolution since unfortunately Mr.
Murphy is not here. But may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Congratulations to Mr. Murphy. >> Okay. And now we have a resolution item
C. No, item D. Sorry, Christie. Resolution 2026-350, commendation on obtaining Eagle Scout designation. John Reynolds. >> All right. Well, John is here, so we're going to read a couple of comments from his resolution. Whereas, John Reynolds
partnered with the historical society of summer hits to complete his Eagle Scout service project by creating this organization's first online exhibit, writing and recording a narrated script, producing a virtual tour. I think there were four videos of the Natar estate and
Kate Macy lad combolescent home exhibit at the brick academy. So anyone that visits the brick academy can see this. And whereas John devoted extensive planning and creative effort to this project and successfully provided the historical society with a permanent digital resource that expands public
access to an important part of Somerset Hills history. And whereas having attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Jan John will carry forward a badge of honor representing a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township
committee of the township of Bernards offers its best wishes to John Reynolds for continued success and congratulates him on a personal achievement that will serve as a reminder of the importance of the pursuit of excellence throughout his life. Congratulations.
May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Congratulations. >> Would you like to come up? >> Oh, very good. Okay. Oh, right here at the D so everyone can
hear you into the microphone. We have viewers at home, too. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much, John. And to item E, >> resolution 2026-351, combination on attaining Eagle Scout
designation, a heel thunder. >> Very good. And unfortunately Ahila is unable to join us. So we will have a motion on the resolution. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Great. And congratulations to AIL.
>> And then lastly, item F. Christie >> resolution 2026-352 commendation on attaining Eagle Scout designation. Jake Anthony Valentin. >> Thank you. And Mr. Anthony Valentine. unfortunately was unable to be here. So, may I have a motion?
>> So, moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Wonderful. So, at this time, let's applaud also for have a little photo op and presentation now. So, if you want to join us at the deis, we're all going to come down. So,
family like individ Congratulations. I apologize. My daughter got married last year. Congratulations. >> Can I? >> Sure. Do you want to sit I know we switched it.
>> That's what you think, right? Thank you for joining us. >> All right, thank you so much and we will now continue. Christy, any public work session needed? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> Christie, any correspondence? >> None this evening. >> All right, that brings us to public
comment. And during the first public comment period, comments are welcomed on any agenda item. However, if an ordinance is listed for its own public hearing on the agenda, please hold your comments for that particular public hearing. The public comment portion of the agenda is not structured as a
question and answer session yet offers an opportunity to share your thoughts with the township committee. The committee may or may not not address these comments during the meeting. However, all comments are considered. To address this body, the speaker must come forward to the microphone and state his or her name and address for the record.
To ensure an orderly and respectful meeting, speakers should avoid personal attacks, inflammatory language, or derogatory comments toward any individual or group. Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to
your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. And again, if this is an agenda item component, if you have comments outside of the agenda, we'll have a second public comment shortly. I open the public comment.
I close public comment. Now we'll have staff reports, comments, and township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr. Monica, would you like to start? >> Uh, thank you, mayor. I just wanted to welcome our newest police officer, Nicholas Sullivan, and congratulations
to Steve Waters on his full-time position as a fire inspector and Rob Joerger as our new crew chief at DBW. That's all I have, Mayor. Thank you. >> Excellent, Miss Kefir. >> None this evening. Thank you, >> Mr. Bolardo.
Very good. Uh, we'll start with Committeeman Hodes. >> Thank you, Mayor. Our amazing parks and recck department has great ways to enjoy your summer. This Friday starts our next series of plays in the park uh with You Can't Take
It With You. I invite everybody to please try and make it. There are always wonderful nights out. Um, also at National Night Out, which we've already talked about, there's going to be a free movie, Ferris Buer's Day Off. Um, please come to enjoy. And there is a lot more
going on. Please visit the website. There's sports camps and art workshops and all happening in August. And this Friday is the last day to register for field hockey for young women grades three through eight. And it's not just
all fun and games. Um, the parks and reccks department works very hard to make sure that we in Burns Township have wonderful parks and open spaces to visit. and that takes some maintenance. So, I just wanted to remind everybody that they are working hard on the
township's behalf. There's a cricket pitch at at Pleasant Valley Park, pickle ball and tennis court paving uh through early August at Pleasant Valley Park, artificial turf replacement at Mountain Park through mid August, and the roller rink resurfacing at Dunham Park is
scheduled for this fall. just four things that are happening that continue to make sure that we have worldclass amenities for our township residents. That's what I have for tonight. >> Thank you. Those are great updates. Committee McNally,
>> none this evening. Mayor, >> thank you. Committee AC, >> just wanted to share on um July the 15th and 16th, the health department held a skin cancer screening at the medical facility at the Fellowship Village. And
while we don't know the results of everyone, I just wanted to share a story that I'm aware that someone who did participate in that screening had something suspect, completed a biopsy, and received a diagnosis of melanoma. So, this patient is in the process of
confirming the treatment modalities going forward. Um, but I just wanted to share that this program is so important. Um, and you know, timeliness is important. Early detection is important. And so I'm very grateful that the health department brought this program back.
Um, and look forward to to continuing. And hopefully um, everyone else got a great bill of health and and are not going through that path, but very grateful for that program. Just also uh, a few other updates. On July the 20th, um, had the opportunity to speak with
some students at Ridge participating in a summer forensics and advocacy workshop. The mayor participated in this the week before um as well and it was a large group of youth so well organized very thoughtful questions and a really
wonderful experience. So a big shout out and congratulations to those that are running that program and uh very grateful to be asked. On July the 23rd, uh Assemblyman Mccertie um held a local leaders conference here in Burns Township. Thank you, mayor, for hosting
that. And um I appreciated the networking with the other community leaders as well as learning more about important topics regarding for instance the municipal healthc care costs as well as New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. I also need to congratulate the Pleasant
Valley pool piranhas swim team on an undefeated season. I have a little bias because I have some swimmers on it so I get to see it up close and personal. I also want to share kudos to the leadership for hosting the meet of champions for the summer league at the Pleasant Valley pool. This is a huge
undertaking whereby the 10 and under swim on Saturday and the 11 and over swim on Sunday. So, two significantly large meets held on very early hours at Pleasant Valley. It was very well run and everyone did a great job. I also
need to share uh an update. You know, we think that the FIFA World Cup is over. Well, for some of us it's not. There are still some associated activities that we're working on. As you may recall, our event was a partnership with Somerset County whereby we were a recipient of
the FIFA World Cup 2026 community activation grant from Choose New Jersey. So, we are working closely with the county to complete the necessary post-event economic impact report because not only was it a community event, but one of the main reasons why we did it is because it helps with
economic development. And additionally, since we are um we were a FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp, we were given FIFA soccer balls to distribute within our community. So, we're very pleased to receive them last week and we plan to
distribute them this week. So, recipient organizations include FC Berna special needs program participants and all youth volunteers as well as local schools who serve ages 8 through 12 to match the age range for those size four balls. We're
very grateful for this gift and excited to share this benefit with our youth. Looking forward, the health department has some uh helpful free blood pressure screenings in August, the 5th here at the Bernard Chip Library and the 10th at
both the Pac and Gladstone municipal Wing and the Bernardo Library. Speaking of the library, um I just wanted to highlight there are so many activities and there are a couple of in-person things that are free that people should know about. for instance for for
children on the 29th is actually all families 6:30 to 7:30 it's free it's a driger down under show it's an energetic fusion of Australian music culture comedy character building storytelling and loads of audience movement and
participation so these types of things you don't normally think that would happen at the library but our library is pretty amazing also um adults for instance on the 4th from 2 to If you have any questions about how to use your iPad or iPhone, they've got a program
for that. And just today, they put out there's a wonderful collaboration with the EEC about Northern Lights, nature's most spectacular light show. That's a live presentation on Wednesday, August the 5th at 7 p.m. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
>> I have nothing. >> Hey, thank you. Well, I have some, so I will be brief. Uh, so a couple of things. I also want to congratulate Rob Joerger on his promotion to crew chief. He has been with the township for 17 years. So, we appreciate this commitment and service along with congratulating
Steve Waters moving into full-time fire inspector and welcoming Nicholas Sullivan who we will be swearing in at a later date. Um, as committee woman AC mentioned, we did host a local leaders conference with our LD assemblyman Andrew McCertie. And we appreciated that
some of my colleagues were able to join us, including Committeeman McN, committee AC and Deputy Mayor Tomkins, and I believe Committeeman Hodgees, you were moving your daughter into her new apartment in DC, which probably would have rather been with us, but this is what we do as parents. U, thank you,
Jen, for updating folks on the 2026 World Cup. We look forward to distributing those uh balls throughout the next couple of weeks starting on on Thursday. So, a couple of things. Um I think many of you may be aware that Stop and Shop has announced their closing. Um
on Tuesday, July 21st, their government affairs liaison notified me that the Basking Ridge store would be closing sometime in October. The decision to close the store was based on a comprehensive financial review along with alignment to the expiration of the
lease. The company is also closing the store in Westfield and earlier in the year closed the store in Tom's River. Uh they have informed all their employees of this decision and they will be offered continued employment opportunities at nearby locations
including Berkeley Heights, Madison, and Waang. In addition, the store liquidation will include working with area food bank networks to ensure usable products are provided to those in need. Those of you who've lived here, you know, for a long time, it's 30 years for me this month, uh, Stop and Shop has
operated in the Lions Mall since 2001 when it transitioned from Grand Union, which was the first tenant of the Lions Mall. Uh my husband Mike, who grew up here, has childhood memories of attending the ribbon cutting of Grand Union when it opened in August of 1970.
And many of you, like me, have been patrons of Stop and Shop over the years and appreciate the service of the employees and managers to our community. Currently, the landlord has indicated there is a new tenant preparing plans and specifications for township review,
and more details will be provided as determined. Um, economic development is a priority for the township committee and we will continue to stay focused on the property and the needs of our community. Um, just a quick reminder that tomorrow we are have offering a
presentation on understanding your taxes. The speakers will include our CFO Sean McCarthy, our tax assessor Dave Centrelli, and Kevin Santangelo, our tax collector. And the focus will be on property taxes. So that will be tomorrow at 2 PM. And if you are not able to
attend, we will have that up for video and that will be hosted on our website. And then the last point is also related to funding. On July 23rd, Congressman Tom King Jr. announced that 18 community project funding requests made by his
office totaling nearly $18 million are included in keyhouse funding bills for the coming year. Um, this is relevant to us because that includes a 1.84 84 million funding for the construction of a culvert at Pleasant Valley Park. So,
we are one of 18 projects that is included in the bill that needs to go through the legislative process, but if approved would be a significant funding for the township. Um, this is something that is a necessary project. Currently, hundreds of vehicles per day drive
through the stream at the culvert that intersects the park road, negatively impacting the water quality. Um, from time to time folks get uh stuck uh because it floods. So they get stuck on the other on the park side and this will reduce water pollution, provide a safe
crossing to the rear of the park and allow the construction of new paths throughout the park. And this allows for exercise across our community, including the veterans who live in Valley Brook Village. So if we receive the funding, it will enable us to allocate tax funding to other needs. So we are
excited and hopeful that that goes through. So I have nothing further. Christy item 11 fire and rescue appointment >> resolution 2026-340 appointment to membership in township at Bernard's volunteer Liberty Corner Fire Company Perinandi junior member.
>> Okay. Well, congratulations to Natine. Uh may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. Resolution 2026. Christie >> appointment to membership in Township of
Bernard's volunteer basking rich fire company number one Connor Davis full member. >> Okay. And congratulations to Connor. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. And we'll take roll call.
Keep everyone awake. >> Miss AC. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hodes. >> Hi. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy. Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Terrific. Congratulations to both for their service. Christie, any unfinished
business? >> None this evening, mayor. >> Great. That brings us to the consent agenda. So, the items listed within the consent agenda portion of the meeting have been referred to the township committee for reading and study. A copy posted on the website are considered routine and will be enacted by one
motion of the township committee with no separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the item may be removed from the agenda by township committee action and placed on the regular agenda under new business. Would any of my colleagues like to an item removed from the consent agenda?
>> No, ma'am. >> Okay. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy. >> Mr. Hodes. >> Yes. >> Mr. McN. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. Mayor Dwarte McCarthy.
>> Yes. Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Christie, approval of minutes. >> July 14th, 2026, open session minutes. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor?
>> I >> I. >> That brings us to second public comment. Comments are welcome during the second public comment period of this meeting on any matter over which the township committee has jurisdiction. The public comment portion of the agenda follows the same rules of order as the first
public comment. Each speaker is limited to five minutes. To address this body, the speaker should come forward to the microphone and state their name and address for the record. The clerk will keep time. Please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence
to these rules will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open public comment. Evening. >> My name is Anna Ford. I live at 153 Riverside Drive in Basking Ridge. For
the past 17 years, and for the past six years, have worked part-time at Crane Farms on South Maple Avenue. I support the many neighbors who oppose the construction of any apartments, condos, or units on the Lord Sterling property.
Just walking by the property, you can see there is no maintenance of the lawns, trees, bushes, building, and driveway. This was not the case when it was a school. As for the building, it was not vandalized when it was a school. The difference now is that the developer
has left the property unsecured. Not one building or house has been vandalized on our block or or around the Sterling property. If the building was maintained with minimal cleaning and monitoring cameras, no one would have touched that
building. I also oppose any taxpayer money being used for studies on how to develop this property. It is my understanding we have met the state requirements for the Fair Housing Act. I would like to point out that the Lord
Sterling Road is a very small narrow road. There is no room for emergency lanes and no sidewalks. To widen this road, at least create a small emergency stop lane or sidewalks, it would lead the town to take land away from the Lord
Sterling Manor, excuse me, our I can't say this name site and the environmental education center. The county has made significant investments in properties with the successful
archaeological dig at 96 Lord Sterling Road that directly across from the former school. There is no land available to widen the road to accommodate accommodate more traffic. This road, Lord Sterling Road, is really
beautiful. This road is very busy every day with strollers, children, bikers, joggers, walkers of all ages. And Lord's Journey Road leads to the Great Swamp, which is constantly used
by me every single day. Um, thank you for your time. >> Thank you. My name is Patti Colshorn and I live on the corner of Lord Sterling Road and Riverside Drive. I'm here to add my voice to my neighbors who oppose classifying the site of the former Lord
Sterling School as an area in need of redevelopment. I have walked with my dog, jogged, biked past that property almost every day, often several times a day for the past 20 years that I've lived in my home. In my opinion, the property itself is not a public nuisance or in need of
redevelopment. The problem is not the property, but the lack of maintenance by the current owner. The current owner purchased the property about two years ago and has not mowed the lawn, emptied the dumpster, closed the windows, plowed the driveway, or kept up with routine maintenance that a responsible owner
would normally do. I've seen the newspaper articles in which the current owner claims that his plans are in the best interest of the community. I respectfully disagree with that. I think that it is in the community's best interest for the owner to properly maintain the property now regardless of
what he may ultimately be permitted to do in the future. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Um, thank you for letting me speak. Um, my name is Ann Kleinley and I live at 162 Riverside Drive in the house I grew up in. I am against the proposed
designation of the former Lorester High School as as an area of need of redevelopment. I would like to address a statement I have made about the proposed condo development concerning providing beds for learning disabled adults. I was born
deaf. I graduated from Cedar Hill um from Madden and from Rich High School and from college as well. Um, the Bass School system has offered me a lot of support throughout my education and I am deeply grateful for that. I know that many other students supported by the BU
special ed program are not as fortunate as me support throughout their lives. This is a challenge and we need to find a solution uh to help our town so that they can lead a safe, happy, productive lives that they deserve.
No plan has been submitted, but I understand that the current owner has proposed adding four beds for learning disabled adults if he is allowed to build condos instead of the four to five homes that he is allowed to build on that site by current zoning laws. He is
proposing to help leave disabled um because of this plan to build a condos instead of home. By all accounts, he is an excellent builder and is a generous man. I hope he proves that by donating these four beds whether or not he is allowed to move forward these condos.
Thank you. >> Thank you. A couple things when um out first started I believe 1985 or 86 was for crime prevention going out to the
neighborhoods being the neighborhood out there together to learn who your neighbor urging put your lights on at your house apartment buildings far as I know that's really what the is
learn who your neighbors are and maybe meet some of the police officers that come around your neighbors. Got a lot different now with you know these um special restaurants but um that's really what it came down to is meet your
neighbors but crime prevention stuff. I'm sorry that's closing. Hoping that another market will move in there like to say that I support my neighbors.
I >> thank you. I did not. Well, first of all, I'd like to urge Township Committee such as health code and fire code and
the articles page that said there is a body of water that emits smell for our neighbor. Uh according to health code that would be health hazard. would be overgrown vines and poison
mining. So I would urge the township to force the code and make the owner of the property to maintain the property. So it would be the same story with the health with fire code as a neighbor. We totally
oppose uh the nuisance. It's actually a beautiful place. Uh I think uh it would be to change anything there. And I agree with everyone who said that it's not a nuisance if the owner invested $20 of
his money after you spent a million and a half. You can't imagine someone not investing $20 to install security. But that's on them. I would just urge you the township to enforce the make sure that the owner maintains property. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? All right, I close public comment. Just a couple of observations and um I remember Anna because we share the name but uh just wanted to provide some context on the process and we shared
this at the last meeting. So in December 2025, a res actually it was late November, a resolution was approved that moved the uh to the planning board a consideration of that property 99 Lord Sterland Road to be considered whether
it was an area in need of redevelopment. And that review will go to the planning board um sometime in the fall. Uh what that will determine is whether or not it is an area in need of redevelopment. It doesn't determine that it would be condos. that decision comes back to the
township committee which then determines what that might be and that's the the procedure around that. Um, also it's I think there was some comment about whether or not it was going to be considered as part of our fourth round affordable housing obligation that's
been completed. We've we have a consent order where completed. this does not it's not something we open or reopen to have it be considered as part of affordable housing for our fourth round. So that um just to clarify that u and
then you know anything around maintenance um we know the township continually does review property um so that is something we appreciate your comments on that um regarding that. So, we appreciate uh that you've come in. Also, I've shared this the last few
times folks have come in that when this is heard at the planning board, there is a public hearing. So, you'll want to consider the agenda so that you too can able share your thoughts, comments, and remarks. Mr. Bardo, is that all in accordance?
>> Thank you. All right. So, thank you again for coming. Um, so any executive session, Christie? >> None this evening, Mayor. you. May I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. Thank you all for coming and
for viewing and we will see you August 11th.