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I open the Bernard Township Committee meeting for June 23rd, 2026. Please stand for the flag salute. United States. >> Good evening. Adequate notice of this meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building on the township website filed with the township

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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

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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 comments will be accepted at all

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meetings. Each speaker shall be limited to five minutes. All meetings shall adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC, >> here. >> Mr. Hodes, >> here. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> here. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> here.

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>> Mr. McN is excused this evening. >> Thank you, Christie. Christie, any executive session this evening? >> Yes. Resolution 2026-302 authorizing executive session meeting of the Township of Bernard's committee. Following approval of the resolution, the meeting will temporarily adjourn to

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executive session. Upon conclusion of the executive session portion of the meeting, the township committee will stand recess and resume the open session meeting at 7:30 p.m. Formal action may be taken at that time. >> May I have a motion to temporarily adjourn to executive session?

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>> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Missy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. For those who are here, we're

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going to go into Good evening. All right, as some of you know, we had executive session prior, so we're going to continue with our meeting and we are now at presentations. So Christie, presentation item C. Resolution 2026-315

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recognizing the Ridge High Drama Club on receiving multiple honors at the 2026 Monontlair State University Theater Night Awards. >> Thank you, Christie. Well, we are very excited to honor the Ridge High School's production of Peter Pan and Wendy in

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that you took home the top prize for outstanding production of a play at the 2026 Montlair State University Theater Night Awards, also known as the Foxy Awards. The production for those who did not know this uh won also for best

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scenic design and for outstanding lead actress awarded to Maisie Karens. Where are you Maisie? [applause] For your exceptional portrayal of Wendy Darling. This is the second consecutive year that Ridge High School has earned

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the top prize for outstanding production following its 2025 award-winning production of Radium Girls. An article in Tap into accurately refers the back-toback wins as your legacy of success. Add to that the Ridge Drama

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Club secured 30 overall nominations at the ceremonies that were held this past May 21st, 2026 at Monontlair State University. Wow. That award and all of the nominations is such an affirmation of

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your talent and commitment. This is also a wonderful recognition to everyone involved in the production from your set crew, lighting directors, Ridge High School staff, crew, and along with your parents and your families who have nurtured and fostered your talent and

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your passion and all that you've brought to our community. Congratulations on this very important recognition. And to the graduating seniors, may you continue to enjoy your talent and passion wherever life takes you. I'm going to

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invite my colleagues now to share their thoughts. Brett, >> thank you, mayor. As the mayor say, congratulations on cleaning up at this year's uh theater night award music theater night awards. What a great example of talent and

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teamwork. When I was in high school, my best friend signed me up for the local theater play at high school. And he thought it was a big joke. And it was the best joke he ever played on me because I fell in love. I was on the stage crew and then quickly moved to to

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the cast. And even though my career may have been short-lived, it was an amazing some of the best memories I'll ever have of of high school. So, I I just applaud you all for your excellent uh and welldeserved uh salutations and awards

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that you've won and congratulations. >> Thank you, Brett. Committee woman >> Ridge continues to show how um vibrant and talented the student body is. um your organization as I I

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tell many folks. So my third child is moving into Ridge and I tell everybody I said you know kids sort of slot into four different tracks. One is sports, one is forensics, one is music band and the other is drama. And so um the

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commitment that you all make to bring forth not only entertainment but please know that you also inspire the next generation. So seeing what our youth do at William Annen, they have the best

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role models that you have set for them. So a tremendous congratulation to all of the performers, the set designers and builders, all the crew, and we can't forget those musicians that are in the pit as well.

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It's a tremendous, tremendous accomplishment what you guys pull together. You have to pinch yourself and realize I'm in a high school auditorium because you might not realize you could actually be on Broadway. Congratulations.

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>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Hopkins Tomkins to change your name there. >> She's acting. [laughter] >> Um, congratulations to you guys. Um it really is an amazing uh feat uh not just once but twice and uh that's a reflection on your hard work and just

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the the entire team um everybody that's involved in it. So um congratulate yourself. This is something that you'll keep for the rest of your life and you should be proud about it for the rest of your life. So well done. >> Thank you deputy mayor. So I'll now read the resolution and then we'll take a

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vote to approve it. recognizing the Ridge High School Drama Club on receiving multiple honors at the 2026 Montlair State University Theater Night Awards. Whereas Montlair State University annually hosts the prestigious Theater Night Awards to

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recognize excellence and achievement in high school theater productions throughout the state of New Jersey. And whereas Ridge High School's fall 2025 protection production of Peter Pan and Wendy received the highest honor of outstanding production of a play at the

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2026 Theater Night Awards, marking the second consecutive year that Ridge High School earned this distinguished recognition following its 2025 award-winning production of Radium Girls. And whereas the production of Peter Penn and Wendy was further

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recognized for excellence in theatrical artistry, receiving awards for best scenic design and outstanding lead actress awarded to Maisie Karens for her exceptional portrayal of Wendy Darling. And whereas these awards reflect the extraordinary commitment, creativity,

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and collaboration of student performers, directors, musicians, technical crew members, designers, faculty adviserss, and supporters whose efforts contribute to the continued success of the Ridge High School Drama Club. And whereas the township committee of the township of

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Bernard's wishes to commend the Ridge High School drama club and its students and staff for these exceptional accomplishments which exemplify the strength of the performing arts program at Ridge High School and bring pride and distinction to the entire Bernard

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community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township committee of the township of Bernards hereby congratulates the Ridge High School Drama Club on receiving multiple honors at the 2026 Montlair State University Theater Night Awards, including

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outstanding production of a play for Peter Penn and Wendy and extends its sincere appreciation and best wishes for their continued success and future achievement in the performing arts. May I have a motion?

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>> So moved. >> Second. >> Hey Chris, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgeges, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Congratulations.

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[applause] Okay. We would like to invite someone from the drama club to make brief remarks and then we'll come and make the presentation. Okay. And if you could speak to the microphone. Thank you. >> Yes. I'm Tim Lynch. I'm the director of

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theater arts at Rich High School. And uh we just want to thank the Bassing Ridge Council for always celebrating the arts and honoring us. And uh we just believe that in the rich high school theater program uh it changes kids lives. Year after year after year we hear the same

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exact thing that the experiences not only on the stage but offstage whether it's on costume crew or tech crew or stage crew that you know there is the social aspect of it. It really is where our kids find themselves and each each year they just say the theater program

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shaped who I am. and that really is the true winning moment that we strive for. It's also nice to have moments like this. They really are icing on the cake. But um we we just feel like we had the greatest job in the world to get to go to high school every single day and do

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theater with these students. So we're just so grateful and we hope you'll join us next year for our play which is usually November 13, 14. I think our musical once it's announced March 4th, 5th and 6th. Um, you we could not do what we do without the community of

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Bassin Ridge. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] Cinderella. [applause] Thanks. [applause] Have a good summer, guys. Right, go back to the script. Thank you, Christie. We're going to move

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now to presentation A, >> resolution 2026-317, recognizing the Morocco National Football Team. Well, we are very honored this evening to have with us very special guests on the occasion of

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recognizing team Morocco and team Brazil practicing and staying in our community for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Our honorary guests include the council general of the kingdom of Morocco in New York, Mr. Muhammad Behi,

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Mr. Hamza Hanik, vice council, and Mr. Alexi, coach and the U of the US SEC with the US Soccer Federation. Thank you for joining us. I also want to thank Dr. Ali Chowry, head of the Islamic Society

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of Basking Ridge. Mr. David Hav, Mr. David Fehee, Chief Advancement Officer, and Mr. Carl Fry, Director of Auxiliary Programs, the Pingri School, Miss Fatima Hastnui, board of directors, member of the Moroccan American Recreational

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Organizational Council or Maro, and Miss Sarah Sagati, Executive Assistant to the Council General, for their roles in having our special guest join us this evening. We are also pleased to have with us within the audience members of our local Moroccan community. Thank you

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for all that you do for the township. Your Excellencies and Mr. Loi, welcome to Bernard's Township. We are honored and delighted that you have joined us. As the resolution reads, the FIFA World Cup 2026 unites nations from around the

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globe through the universal language of sport, celebrating excellence, diversity, and international goodwill. We have in our midst two outstanding, recognized, and admires teams, Brazil and Morocco, practicing and staying in

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our township. We are humbled that team Morocco chose the Pingri School, an outstanding institution in Bernard's Township as your home away from home. My husband and I saw Morocco play in 1994 in a match against Saudi Arabia here in

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New Jersey. Now 32 years later, we are once again watching team Morocco, an inspiring symbol of unity in their quest for the World Cup. Our township held an event this past Saturday, June 13th, the Battle of Basking Ridge, a soccer

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village and cultural street festival and watch party celebrating the match between Morocco and Brazil. The Atlas Lions had a big fan base at our watch party that evening. For those less familiar with the team's nickname, the

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Atlas Lions symbolizes strength, pride, courage, and resilience. Locally, our Moroccan community is a wonderful component of Bernard's Township. Moroccan residents contribute at every level of society and bring pride to our

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community. We applaud the efforts of the Moroccan team and wish them much success as they make this historic run on the world's biggest stage. Our township will remember this FIFA World Cup 2026 far into the future. Thank you for honoring

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us with coming here to accept this resolution. And at this time, I'll invite my colleagues to share remarks. >> May Hodes. >> Thank you, Mayor. I wish to and thank you, your excellency, and and distinguished guests for being here this evening. I wish to

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thank the Morland National Football Team for choosing Burners Township as their practice area for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To bring such prominence to our humble township is very exciting. I imagine we all are. I know I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for

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tomorrow's match. And I wish nothing but success for the Moroccan players and their very strong and enthusiastic fan base. >> Thank you, Committee AC. >> It's such an honor for you to be in our

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humble little room. um for us to have the ability to honor and recognize you um as well as what um this has brought to our community. So, as the mayor mentioned, uh when we learned the opportunity that this small community of

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28,000 residents was hosting touching two teams and two excellent teams, right? It was a chance in a lifetime and that's why we worked feverishly at almost every waking moment to make the

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battle of Basking Ridge happen and I think it brought out the best within our community. Um, we intentionally tried to ensure that there was cultural celebrations. Um, the Moroccan band really lit up and we enjoyed having them

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at the at the watch party with their drum and continuing to play throughout the the watch party. So, um it's just a pleasure and something that we will forever remember. Um so again, congratulations.

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Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of our community. Um and we wish you all the team Morocco all the best um in the future endeavors. We're cheering for you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Hodes.

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>> Uh welcome, guys. and uh thank you so much for for coming to our town, for choosing our town. Um I must admit um I'm not a lifelong football fan. Uh but I spent a year in London many many years ago and um it sort of lit the uh lit the

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fuse and I understand uh I understand football a little bit better. Um one thing that I love is the intensity or insanity of your fans. Um, it's wonderful and uh you guys have just

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brought so much energy and um spirit to the uh to the area and uh I wish you all the best of luck unless of course you run against the United States. Um but uh until said time, keep going, guys. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Thank you. At

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this time, I'd like to read the resolution and then we will make a motion to approve. Resolution 2026317 recognizing the Morocco national football team. Whereas the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United

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States, Canada, and Mexico brought together nations from around the world in celebration of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and international friendship. And whereas the Morocco national football team selected Bernard's Township as part of its preparations during the FIFA World Cup

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2026, conducting training sessions at the Pingry School, designating Bernard's Township as a teambased camp training site and becoming a valued presence within our community. And whereas the presence of Morocco's national football

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team provided Bernard's Township residents with the unique opportunity to experience the excitement and spirit of the world's most celebrated sporting event while fostering cultural understanding and global connections. And whereas the Morocco national

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football team has inspired millions through its dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship, serving as ambassadors of their nation both on and off the field. And whereas Bernard's Township is honored to have welcomed the players, coaches, staff, and supporters

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of the Morocco National Football Team and wishes to commemorate their presence in our community during this historic World Cup year. And whereas the Morocco national team is practicing at the Pingri School, which has again designated Bernard's Township as a

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team-based cr camp training site. And whereas on Brazil and Morocco's group C opening match on June 13th, Bernard's Township held the Battle of Basking Ridge, a soccer village and cultural street fair with support from, among

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other sources, the Choose New Jersey World Cup community initiative grant followed with the community watch party. And whereas the township committee of the township of Bernards desires to recognize this special occasion and

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express its sincere appreciation for the positive impact and international goodwill fostered through this connection. Now therefore, be it resolved that the township committee of the township of Bernards hereby recognizes and commemorates the presence

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of the Morocco National Football Team in Bernard's Township during the FIFA World Cup 2026 and proudly will present the key to Bernard's Township as a symbol of friendship, hospitality, and the lasting

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bond formed between our community and the people of Morocco. And be it further resolved that the township committee extends its warmest wishes to the Morocco National Football Team for his continued success and expresses its

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gratitude for the opportunity to share in this memorable chapter of World Cup history. May I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Uh Christy, roll call, please. >> Missy? >> Yes.

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>> Mr. Hodgees? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins? Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Approved. Congratulations. [applause] >> At this time, it is my honor to invite his excellency the council general of the Kingdom of Morocco, New York, Mr.

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Muhammad At Beit for join us and make some remarks. [applause] Thank you very much uh your honor mayor and McCarti, distinguished members of the town council,

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honored guests, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. In fact, I'm very pleased to be with you here today in this spectacular and beautiful town

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hosting our Moroccan national team. I am also very delighted to attend this important meeting which undoubtedly will strengthen

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the bonds and the ties the ties between our two countries and between our two communities. So on behalf of my country, the Kingdom of Morocco, I would like to extend our

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profound gratitude for this distinguished honor and for the gracious and amazing welcome extended to our national team.

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The assurance of this historic resolution honoring our national team and the presentation of the key to the city is a meaningful meaningful recognition of

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friendship, respect and goodwill and we receive it with deep appreciation. We are especially grateful to the town

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of Bernard's known for its strong sense of community, excellence and civic pride and to all those who have contributed to

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the care, support and hospitality shown to our delegation during this important time. In particular, the leadership of David Hati F and K Fry together with the

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members of Ping has played an extraordinary role throughout throughout this journey and we express our sincere appreciation for their dedication and partnership.

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The Moroccan national team, the Atlas Alliance embodies the pride, discipline and dity of of our nation. Their presence here training at Pingry

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School and staying at some summer hills tapestry hotel reflects the power of sport to bring people together. strengthen mutual understanding and inspire excellence

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and also promote the values of dialogue of understanding in which my country believe throughout the years.

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We are honored by this recognition and trust that it will further deepen the bones friendship between Morocco and this community. Thank you once again for this generous

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and meaningful expression expression of welcome. Thank you very very much to everybody. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you. >> [applause] [laughter] >> All right.

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My group >> [applause] >> So, if you don't mind, just there's one special uh gift on behalf of the Kingdom of Morocco and the team uh would be present present by the council general to to the mayor uh Dwarte McCarthy.

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Please uh Also, I'm sorry for the two angels that I can't I tell you like anytime I I have [applause] so mayor as soon as since you're holding that one, you might get a call from the

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coach, so he might be playing as well. So, [laughter] >> no, thanks to you and thanks to the whole community. >> [laughter] >> I I wish I'm sorry that we wish it was uh but I'm I'm sure and certain that we probably would arrange for another day

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where we can have the mayor and the and city council and the community and ping where we could get and to meet uh those warriors in actions. Uh the national team there. But I think one more like for

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those two angels, I think anytime we get a call for the needs of the team and I'll be honest with all of you that's before I put the phone down, it's already been delivered and both those two angels and that's David and Paul.

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Thank you. [applause] Thank you all. This was wonderful. >> Anytime. >> Thank you very much. >> This is second home. We call it the second home. So, thank you so much to our guests from

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coming coming from New York City to join us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Uh, that moves us to Christie. Item B, >> resolution 2026-316, recognizing the Brazil national football

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team. >> Thank you. And I want to confirm that unfortunately Brazil has flown to Miami. There's no one here from the delegation. Correct. We were Thank you. Um, as the resolution reads, the FIFA World Cup 2026 unites nations from across the

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globe through the universal language of sport, celebrating excellence, diversity, and international goodwill. As reflected earlier, this is a unique time in Bernard's history. The World Cup occurring in the US seems to happen about every 30 plus years. And having

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two teams in our community, Brazil and Morocco, is an extraordinary time in our community's life. This resolution honors having Brazil staying at the Ridge Hotel. Brazil is among the world's most recognized and celebrated teams. from

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Ple who emerged as a teenage prodigy in the 1958 FIFA World Cup and who is largely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and who made the popular the phrase the beautiful game or in Portuguese oho bonito the nickname

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for football or soccer. We were excited to embrace the Brazil team in our community as part of the Battle of Basking Ridge, including presenting a samba dance performance offered by Pure Samba Entertainment. As shared earlier, we also recognize that residents in

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Burner Township of Brazilian heritage contribute to all facets of society and our community. We wish team Brazil success in their World Cup journey. Um, any comments from my colleagues? Thank you, mayor. I I'm just I was

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thrilled we had the Moroccan team, national football team using Pingri as their home practice field. And to know that we had the Brazilian team h using Burner Township as their home away from home is just icing on the cake. I can't imagine that a humble humble township

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such as ours is able to accept and appreciate and welcome two teams during this uh 2026 FIFA World Cup. >> Thank you. Thank you, Committee. >> I just um hopefully we can be able to

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recognize our Brazilian contingent in some form or fashion. Um thanks to the mayor's efforts. Um it was also a team effort uh for the Moroccan folks to come to us. So um with continued persistence, we will certainly try and see what we

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can do. It's truly an honor to be touched by these two teams. It is a historic moment in in our community and thank you for helping to memorialize this for the history to remember. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'd just like

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to thank the Brazilian team for choosing uh Burners Township as their home away from home. Um it's it's been a a really uh magical few weeks and it's not over yet and there's a lot of places they could have gone and I'm very grateful

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that they chose us. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. And there's a resolution is in the agenda. I won't read through it, but at this time I would like to have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. Christy, roll call, please.

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>> Miss AC, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. And as committee woman AC said, we do plan to present this resolution and key to the city in

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the future. All right, that brings us to item D, >> resolution 2026-293, recognizing June as LGBTQ plus pride month. >> Thank you, Christie. We are a unique and vibrant community and I've had the

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opportunity to meet nearing nearly 30 years of living here, residents who identify as part of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community andor allies of the community. Like all of us, these individuals want to be respected and valued and have an

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opportunity to thrive. The resolution, first passed in 2019 and since then annually, sends a message that we recognize, celebrate, and value our LGBTQ plus community. I'm also pleased and proud that we are recognizing the

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Greater Somerset County YMCA and Somerset Hills YMCA. I've been a member and volunteer of the Y for many years. Those who don't know the Y and its mission sometimes consider it just a place to swim and hit the gym. However, I've learned over year the

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years that it's much more than that. The Y is more like the kitchen of your home. The people that go there feel welcome, and the Y does this through its programs, training of staff, and broad and intentional programming. This includes, among other programs and

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resources, those focused on the LGBTQ plus community and its allies. Whether it's the Pride picnic being held on Friday, the display of rainbow flags and banners throughout the year, content on the website, and community partnerships,

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the Y makes sure that the LGBTQ plus community and its allies are welcome and can join the mission of healthy living for all. to the Y leadership here this evening. Thank you for your commitment to and work in making the Y a welcoming

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place and for your ongoing partnership to our township. At this time, I'd like to invite my colleagues to comment. Committeeman Hajes. >> Thank you, mayor. For us to not remember history is for us

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to be condemned to relive it. I am proud that Burns Township chooses to remember history by recognizing June as LGBTQ plus pride month. This resolution acknowledges that though people may have different belief systems, all of us

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deserve to be treated equally under the law, respectfully by our community, and lovingly by our neighbors. To do these things helps create a stronger community in which we all benefit. Thank you. >> Thank you. Committee woman AC. >> I'd like to take a moment and thank the

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YMCA for creating an inclusive environment for everyone, including those that identify as LGBTQIA+. As it is this important month and as a proud ally, I think it's important uh to formally recognize and to ensure that

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all residents are seen, heard, and respected and valued. And so I'm grateful that we have this resolution this month. Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I'm very happy that

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we are um recognizing LGBTQ plus month. Um I personally uh my journey I've gone from uh ignorance to acceptance to understanding to love and a big part

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of that was um just the community as a whole um recognizing uh the LGBTQ plus community. And I think it's very important um for everyone um to uh to

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appreciate uh this month uh to take a moment and uh think about it and um just understand that everybody deserves to be respected and loved. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'm going to read a couple of the lines from the resolution that are reflective of the

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comments my colleagues have shared. Whereas all people regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, or physical challenges have the right to be

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treated fairly and on the basis of their intrinsic values as human beings. And whereas lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus pride month is recognized each year in the month of June to commemorate the 1919

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Stonewall uprising in Greenwich Village and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights for LGBTQ plus individuals. And whereas members of the United States military fought and died and continue to fight and die for and protect freedom,

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liberty, and equality for all people. And whereas governments of other countries continue to persecute and commit atrocities against individuals solely because of their sexual or gender identity or orientation. And whereas the United States of America is one nation

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under God with liberty and justice for all. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards hereby proclaims June 2026 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month and authorizes the display of banners in a manner

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consistent with township policies governing public displays and community recognitions during the month of June. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second, >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, Mr. Mr. Hajis.

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>> Yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> And now it's my pleasure to invite Kevin Travers, associate director of wellness, Greater Somerset County YMCA, to the podium to share remarks.

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[clears throat] On behalf of the Somerset Hills YMCA, I am honored to be here today. As a servant of the community, the Y prides itself as an organization inclusive for all. No matter one's race, gender, or

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orientation, all are welcome through our doors. And we will continue to serve the community under the pillars of respect, honesty, caring, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Thank you. Thank

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you. It's good to see you. Okay, so [applause] Hey. [clears throat] All right, Christie. Any public works session needed? >> None this evening. Mayor >> Christie, any correspondence? >> None this evening. >> Wonderful. That brings us to public

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comment. During the 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

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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 address these comments during the meeting. However, all comments are considered. To address this body, the speaker must come forward to the

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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 remarks toward any individual or group.

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Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. The clerk will keep time. Promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. And just to because there are a

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large number of people here, if an agenda item if it's not listed as an agenda item, you'll need to wait till the second public comment. And we do have a number of public hearings for ordinances. So again, for those topics, you will wait till that point. I open

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public comment. Okay, seeing none, I close public comment. Next, we will invite staff comments. Township committee comments, including board and liaison reports. Mr. Monica, would you like to start? >> Thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to welcome our newest employee, Isaiah

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Roberts, our labor for DPW. Uh, congratulations to Andrew Bari, our new uh, DPW supervisor. And we have a couple of retirements. Uh, Lieutenant Brian Fallon, 24 plus years. And Thomas Nicoleti, 37 years. He is the outgoing

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DPW supervisor. So, that's all I have, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you. Christie, >> none this evening. Thank you, Mayor. Mr. Ballardo, >> not this evening, Mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Hodes. >> Thank you, Mayor. I wanted to take a

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moment to thank the township, EMS, the police department, public works, committee person, Mayor Dwarte McCarthy for an amazing past Saturday. And for those who weren't there, you'll have to

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read about it in the headlines. The Flag Day celebration at Ross Farms was spectacular with a bake off and and a a trip down into history for those who wish to take it. It was a beautiful day, great music, and then to come over to the to to the soccer village and

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cultural street fair where there was almost anything that somebody could hope for from games to food to music to dancing. It was just a fantastic day. And it didn't happen just by somebody hoping it was going to happen. It

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happened because all those folks, including a sea of volunteers, put it on and had a fantastic day hopefully for all to enjoy. I know I certainly did. Thank you. >> Thanks for volunteering as well, Committee Hodgeges. Committee women acid.

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I'd like to um also thank our volunteers for the 250 committee for a wonderful Ross Day event, Flag Day that was held on June 13th. Um want to do a quick reflection on the um June 13th event.

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So, as you may know, economic development remains a major focus for this township committee and particularly for the deputy mayor and myself. So, tonight I want to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished on June 13th. We're still compiling data on the event and [clears throat] we'll look forward to sharing it when the data is

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available. So earlier this year when we set out we created a clear vision to showcase Bernard Township and Basking Ridge is a wel welcoming soccer-loving host community that celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026 energizes our residents,

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drives business activity, and attracts visitors. I'm proud to say we achieved exactly that. I've already shared my gratitude publicly on Facebook and while there are many people that gave months of effort to make this event

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success, I do want to recognize and take some time at the podium today to again recognize and thank Mayor Anna Joy Tim McCarthy. Anna, thank you for your authentic partnership and your belief in this vision from the very beginning. We dreamed it together and we built it

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together. Now, I'd like to share some a few of the lesserk known stories because the good this event did extends well beyond what most people saw on that day. So, from the start, we were intentional about lifting up Bernard's Township businesses and residents. Nowhere was

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that more visible than on the entertainment stage where we made a point of showcasing local talent. DJ Junes is a township resident. the extraordinarily gifted Sharp family singers, our Township family. This was

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not coincidence. It was a choice. On the nonprofit side, the generosity of the New York City Football Club, who donated a highly valuable suite to one of their games made something special possible. The Ridge High School Booster Club

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stepped up on a compressed timeline to run a raffle for that donation, and we were thrilled to see them sell out at their booth, benefiting from the exposure and the proceeds. And then there's a story I particularly love. We were contacted by Tableto Table, a

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nonprofit that serves as the lead food recovery organization for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Flag Cities. They reached out because they wanted to be a part of our event and they were. Tableto table collects surplus food and redirects it to people who need it, including

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residents of group homes. Their presence at the street fair was a quiet but meaningful reminder that a well-run community event can do more than entertain. It can connect people to resources and extend its good far beyond the field. And that's the kind of community we are. So now shifting, I

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wanted to extend congratulations to our neighbors of on at Warren Township on their event on June 19th highlighting US and Australia. The World Cup continues through the final on July 19th. In the interim, please continue to use our

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township web page and social look for social posts about local watch parties. There are many opportunities to convene including for instance another fellow Choose New Jersey state grant recipient um Iron Peak which is in Hillsboro. So

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June 27th from 2 to 8:30 um you can purchase tickets and view three different games. Also please don't forget the Welcome World Rewards program. We have eight Burners Township businesses involved. Please frequent them. And for more

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information, please go to the township web page. Two other reports um from the library. It's important not to forget summer is here. So we do have the summer reading program for literally all ages, kids, teens, and adults. Enrollment is

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open, so please take advantage. Additionally, many don't know, but thanks to the friends of the Brunner Township Library, there are free museum passes that you can use um throughout the year. Switching to the Bernard Township Health

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Department, a wonderful resource um is the skin cancer screening. It's going to be held on two days, July 15th and July 16th at the Fellowship Village Wellness Center. It's a full body check for early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma. They're confidential exams

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conducted by a board-certified dermatologist. So, this is an event, this is a program that I personally have taken advantage of in the years past, and it is very valuable. It is literally in our backyard. So, please take advantage and help your health. And please contact the health department for

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a registration. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. And thank you for your kind words, Jen. It was a pleasure and it was a lot of work, but I do appreciate what we were able to bring about. So, thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Um, thank you, Mayor. Uh, just echoing what's already been said. Uh, it really

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was a a wonderful event last week. Um, uh, committee member AC and, uh, Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, um, did herculean work to get this thing done. Um, I was, uh, busy getting them Gatorades. Um, but

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they, uh, they worked insane, uh, insane to get this thing done. Um, the event at Ross Farm was really, really wonderful. Flag Day. Uh, if you haven't been, I highly recommend. It was the first time I've been there and it really is a

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beautiful, beautiful spot. Um, I was one of the judges in the baking contest. Um, I ate so much sugar in a hour and a half period my eyes didn't aim in the same direction for about two days. So, um,

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but I took one for the team. So, uh, a great time and really a wonderful event. Ladies, thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, so I also want to start with acknowledging the retirement of Lieutenant Brian Fallon, Bernard's Township Committee Police

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Department, 24 years, and Tom Nicoleti from DPW, 37 years. I've had the pleasure of getting to know both Lieutenant Fallon um, as serving on the police subcommittee with committeeman Andrew McNi serving as the liaison to the Shade Tree

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Commission. They are both very dedicated professionals who have served our community well and we wish them much happiness in their retirement. As shared by my colleagues this past June 13th, we had two great events. I also want to extend my gratitude to committeewoman

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Jen Acy for her leadership in this battle of Basking Ridge that we brought together and also thanking in deeply appreciation the efforts of our police department, public works, our township staff including municipal clerk Christy

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Kefir and our C our CEO Pat Monaco and our council John Bolardo. Everyone was involved along with our finance, parks and wreck, Somerset County departments of tourism, economic development, OEM, transportation, and public works. So, there were a lot of people that made

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this come about and we are very, very grateful. We also want to thank the folks over at Ross Farm and our anniversary committee for a wonderful flag day. Um, that was also a terrific program and as deputy mayor shared, we had a vintage cooking contest that with

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recipes that had to be at least 100 years old. And then moving on, I just want to ask for some decorum. I hear some whispering. This is a public meeting, but we do ask for your respect. Thank you. Um, also going on, um, as part of our

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work on public safety, the township committee kicked off a month-long pedestrian safety campaign in partnership with our police department to educate and remind drivers and pedestrians to be street smart when traveling on the township roads. And this is particularly challenging at this

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time with summer with more folks out on the road, including children. We held two community education days which provided safety information through engaging activities. The first was at Harry Dunham Park on Monday, March, June 15th, and the second was at Oak Street

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School this past Thursday, June 18th. And the statewide street smart New Jersey campaign is managed and funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. And then lastly, the you uh Bernard Township has been partnering with the YMCA this past few months on an

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assessment of programs and services for adults 55 plus. 264 persons responded to a survey. Others participated in focus groups. And there are a couple of things which metaphorically we'll call lowhanging fruit. Ensuring people are

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aware of services at the county level, locally, such as our library programs or even programs such as those offered through the YMCA. We have put together a short summary of learnings that we'll share with stakeholders including this township committee and then we will

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partner continuing forward with the YMCA for on this partnership for the township. And that concludes remarks. So Christie, any fire and rescue appointments? >> None this evening. Mayor >> Christie, any unfinished business? >> Ordinance 2598, an ordinance to amend

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the revised general ordinances of the township of Bernard's chapter 12 building and housing section 1-3 construction fee schedule. And this is a public hearing. >> Thank you. I open the public hearing and welcome comments. I close the public hearing. So, just a

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few highlights aligned to those made at the introduction of the ordinance. The process of revising the fee schedule is like most township ordinances and regulations. Our construction official, Dennis Betler, and his staff seek out information for their colleagues in

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towns like ours or with similar populations. The construction department then gathers fee schedules and discusses what works best for the township and what doesn't. And the entire team is involved in the review. Some of the fees hadn't increased in some time and the

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work involved has become more complex and in other examples these are aligning to state required fees. So at this time is there any further discussion from colleagues? Okay. May I have a motion?

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>> I move that ordinance 2598 be adopted and advertised as required by law. >> Second. >> Chrissy, roll call, please. >> Missy. Yes, >> Mr. Hodes. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tommpkins. >> Yes, >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy.

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>> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, >> Christie. Item B. >> Ordinance 2599, an ordinance of the Township of Bernards, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, amending, revising, and supplementing the code of the Township of Bernards, chapter 21,

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land development regarding uses permitted in the E1, E2, E3, and E5 office zones. This is a for to the planning board and this is a public hearing. >> Thank you. Someone has to amend.

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>> U mayor, I move that ordinance 2599 be amended to include the recommendations from the planning board. The recommendations are not substantive and unrelated to their finding that the proposed ordinance is not inconsistent with the master plan.

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>> Second. Christy, roll call, please. Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Ordinance 2599 has been amended and I

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open the public hearing and welcome comments. Daniel Crosen, 42 Fairfield Avenue, Warren, New Jersey. Uh, good evening, mayor, members of the township committee, and residents. My name is Daniel Crosen, and as I mentioned, I'm a resident of Warren Township, and I have

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the privilege of serving on the Warren Township Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight in support of the ordinance before you prohibiting data centers within Bernard's Township. Just last week, Warren Township adopted a similar ordinance after months of discussion and careful consideration.

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We did so not because there was a specific proposal before us, but because we believe good government requires us to anticipate challenges before they arrive. The concerns surrounding large-scale data centers are real and increasingly relevant for communities across New

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Jersey. These facilities can consume enormous amounts of electricity, place significant demands on water resources, generate noise, strain regional infrastructure, and create impacts that extend well beyond the boundaries of any one municipality. At a time when residents throughout our

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state are already struggling with rising utility costs and increasing pressure on our electrical grid, it is entirely reasonable for local governments to ask whether encouraging additional energyintensive development is in the best interest of our communities. I commend Bernard's Township for taking a

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proactive approach. This ordinance is not anti-technology. It's not anti- business. It's about thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and ensuring that the future development remains consistent with the character and priorities of the communities that we've been elected to

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serve. At the same time, I believe this issue demonstrates the need for broader action at the state level. The impacts of large-scale data centers do not stop at any of our municipal borders. Questions about electrical grid capacity, water supply, and infrastructure planning are regional and

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statewide concerns. This is why I personally believe New Jersey should enact a moratorium on large-scale data center development until independent research can fully assess the long-term impacts on all of these issues. Communities deserve answers before these projects continue to move forward across

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the state. Until that happens, municipa municipalities will continue to do what local governments have always done when faced with uncertainty. Step up and protect their neighbors. I want to thank you, mayor, and members of the township committee for your leadership on this issue and for considering this ordinance

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tonight. Warren Township stands with Bernards and the many other communities across New Jersey that are working to ensure growth is guided by sound planning, responsible governance, and the long-term interests of the people that we serve. Thank you. >> Thank you, committeemen.

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Right. Seeing none, I close the public hearing. So, I have just a few comments and then I'll ask my colleagues if they have any discussion. So, ordinance 2599 seeks to amend and supplement the code of the township of Bernard's chapter 21 land

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development to add definitions and revise the list of permitted uses within the office districts within the township as well as amend the list of uses which are prohibited throughout all zones of the township. The planning board reviewed the ordinance and found that the proposed prohibition within

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ordinance 2599 is not inconsistent with the township's 2023 master plan as it prevents the introduction of a land use that is not reflective of the developmental patterns envisioned by the master plan and that may adversely affect the township's established

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character. The planning board letter also stated that the proposed prohibition of data centers throughout Bernard Township is substantially consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and recommendations of the Burner Township master plan. For

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example, one of the objectives of the master plan states that the densities and intensities of permitted development on the limited remaining vacant lands should respect the environmental capabilities and limitations of these lands. The letter also highlights that

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data centers have the potential to create substantial environmental impacts through high energy consumption, cooling demands, backup power generator systems, and related infrastructure requirements. Limiting development of highly

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energyintensive facilities advances the master plan's relevant conservation and environmental resource objectives from the 2023 master plan. So, why does this ordinance matter? I've mentioned a few times that my husband's family moved

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here in 1969 when there was one traffic light, and it was a blinking light. The first office complexes were built in the 70s. Looking back, the township has a long history of being very careful where it places office buildings. Generally,

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the structures are near highways, aesthetically pleasing, and setback. data centers from what's been observed are large industrial windowless structures and moreover they can be noisy. There can be humming and vibration that emanates from the

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transformers. We also want to be mindful of environmental concerns and sewer capacity. A 200,000 square foot data center could put 100,000 gallons of water into the sewer system versus 20,000 on the average for an office

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complex. and it could go up to 180,000 gallons per day for data centers that use evaporation towers. Likewise, the ordinance would potentially protect Bernard's Township from lawsuits as courts generally give substantial difference to municipal zoning

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decisions, including among other areas as the ordinance is tied to the master plan. In summary, considering the planning board's review and our opportunity to be intentional in serving our residents, I will vote to approve this ordinance. Is there any discussion

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from my colleagues? >> I just wanted to add I am grateful for the thoughtfulness of this approach and specifically the specificity um highlighted within this ordinance. So, thank you. >> Thank you, committeewoman. So, without

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that, may I have a motion? Uh, I move that ordinance 2599, as amended, having been reviewed by the planning board on June 16th, 2026, and found not to be inconsistent with the township master plan, be adopted as advertised

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and advertised as required by law. >> Second, >> Christie, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tommpkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. Motion carried. >> Thank you.

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[applause] >> Thank you. Okay. So, we are now at item let's see item C. >> Ordinance 26000, an ordinance to amend salary ordinance 2455 fixing the compensation of certain officers and

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employees of the township of Bernards on or after July 1st, 2026. And this is a public hearing. Uh, may someone read the >> I move the ordinance 2600 be tabled due to a clerical error. >> Second.

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>> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgeges, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you, >> Christy. New business.

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>> Item A, the consent agenda. >> Okay. 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

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separate discussion. If separate discussion is required, the item may be removed from the agenda by the township committee action and placed on the regular agenda under new business. Would any of my colleagues like an item removed from the consent agenda? >> No.

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>> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Chrissy, roll call, please. >> Miss Ay, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodgees, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Jarte McCarthy, >> yes. Motion carried.

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>> Thank you, Christie. Item B, >> resolution 2026-312, compliance with NJSA4A 5-4 2025 annual report of audit. >> Thank you. Um, so just a couple of

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points on this. I had an opportunity to connect with our CFO Sean McCarthy. And of note, if you look at the current fund balance sheet, schedule A pages 10 and 11, you'll find that the fund balance at year end is staying stable at 24 million

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compared to year end 2024. And most importantly, if you read through and got to the end, pages 122 and 123 show that our prior year summary of audit recommendations was none, and this year's audit recommendations also state

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none. this report uh where there are no findings is excellent. So I want to thank Mr. McCarthy and the finance team for their hard work in conjunction with the audit and for these results for the township. So any discussion?

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>> Okay. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Christy, roll call, please. >> Miss AC. >> Mr. Hodgees. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tomkins. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy. >> Yes. Motion carried. >> Thank you, Christie. Item C,

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>> ordinance 2601, an ordinance to amend salary ordinance 2529, fixing the compensation of certain officers and employees of the township of Bernard on or after July 1st, 2026. And this is introduction. >> Thank you. And I'm going to share

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comments aligned to what was said at the last meeting. The salary ordinance was last reviewed and revised in June 2023. The township conducted a salary survey and utilized salary data from the New Jersey League of Municipalities as well

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as surrounding municipalities to determine appropriate salary ranges. This salary ordinance is updated to reflect changes in external market rates to ensure that the township remains able to attract and retain talent. The ordinance also includes changes that

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more appropriately reflect market conditions based on individual positions and skills required. Is there any discussion? >> May I have a motion? >> I move that ordinance 2601 be introduced on first reading advertised as required

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by law and scheduled for a public hearing on July 14th, 2026. >> Second, roll call, please. >> Miss Acy, >> yes. >> Mr. Hodes, >> yes. >> Mr. Tomkins, >> yes. >> Mayor Dwarte McCarthy,

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>> yes. >> Motion carried. Christie, approval of minutes. >> June 9th, 2026, open session minutes. >> May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Excellent. That brings us to second

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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

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limited to five minutes. The clerk will keep time and please promptly yield the floor when time is called and return to your seat. Your cooperation in adherence to these rules of order will ensure an orderly and respectful meeting. I open

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public comment. Oh, you want to speak to right into the mics? Yeah, there you go. Thank you. >> Alexis Solid, Six Fenwick Place. Good evening and thank you to the committee for all that you do for our township. I just realized >> Stop the time.

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>> We We'll start the time again. You >> start again. >> I can't do anything without my glasses. Go ahead. Good evening and first, thank you to the committee for all you do for our township. I felt compelled to come speak tonight as I not only saw the Lord's Sterling School on TV, but I read about

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it in my Rabbi Shabbat message just over a week ago. Tonight is actually our monthly leadership meeting where I serve on the executive board. But this is the meeting where I chose to be. I have entered a new chapter in my life recently becoming a grandmother not long ago. As I am fortunate to spend so much

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time with my granddaughter, I often think about how to make this world a better place for her and many of the young children who live here. Past, present, future, past. It's funny how life makes a full circle. We moved to Basking Ridge in 1995 and lived in

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the town houses at Lord Sterling Village for a couple of years just blocks away from the Lord Sterling School. We then moved to Warren and raised our family there for 25 years and three years ago moved back to Basking Ridge for our growing family. Past Lord Sterling School, a campus for

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students with disabilities. Present, an abandoned vacant building, its inside walls covered in spray painted symbols of hate. Hate against the Muslim community, hate against the Indian community, and most notably, hate against the Jewish community. I quote my

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rabbi in his latest note to our congregation regarding anti-semitism. There is little doubt that allowing a location for people to share these vile words of hate ostenibly unabated sets the wrong tone for our discourse. Communities do not improve by accident.

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They improve when thoughtful people choose to participate in shaping them. If this concerns you, consider making your voice heard. Nobody in town is proud of that property. Nobody is in this in this tangent wanted to remain. I have spoken to John since the new story

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came out and asked him what he would do with the property if he had his choice. I'm sure you are all aware, but it centers on building special needs and senior housing, aka 55 and older. He is not trying to fit every last unit he can, far from it. As a matter of fact,

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he is trying to blend his project with the surrounding neighborhoods. He has gone out of his way to try and create a plan that has universal benefits for this entire community. John only knows one way, and that's to do things to the best of his ability, which if allowed to flourish, will

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undoubtedly be award-winning. The truth is, if we look to you as township leaders to set an example. While many properties in town need attention, this one has to be at the top of the list. It is centrally located, large enough to be a problem, but small enough to easily

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fix. And unlike most of the other abandoned properties surrounded by residential neighbors, we should be encouraging individuals, especially those who live here, to clean up these properties. If they don't, if they don't, they will simply rot away, providing no value to this community.

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Present, I am making my voice heard. I don't want to live in a community that has places like this. John is a good man and apparently the third owner of this property since it fell to it this condition. The zoning seems restrictive and you have the power to change that. I don't have the proper knowledge to know

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about redevelopment, but I would ask that it's not something that if it's not something you feel appropriate, then please find another plan. I would hate to think we had an opportunity to turn a blemish into a rose and fell short. The future uses the future uses of this property can't nearly offer the benefits

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that John's vision does for the entire Bernard's community. On a final note, I am an occupational therapist for close to 40 years, spending the majority of my career working with children born with developmental disabilities. I don't need to tell anyone on this board how truly

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life-changing to to so many people building two ID housings houses would be. It is something parents of adult children struggle with since birth. And what a compassionate, thoughtful, and kind act this would be. future. Whatever

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tradeoffs or compromises would have to be reached to accomplish it should to accomplish this should be highly considered. There are so many individuals and families whose lives will be changed forever by building these houses. I know this is a cause very near to John's heart and quite

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frankly mine too. I am asking you to consider to let go of the past or whatever led us to this moment and do something for the greater good. Everyone will remember this board for doing something that brings the community back together while also providing so many benefits. Thank you.

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[applause] [applause] One more. Thank you. So, I just wanted to get a point of context from our township attorney. Um, just by way of history, the in 2025 there was a ordinance that was

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introduced and approved that would then move a request for a review of 99 Lord Sterling Road for an area in need of redevelopment. That moved that over to the planning board. And so, as such, it is in the planning board and the

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township committee does not decide upon that. It is now at the planning board for its review and we really are not supposed to be commenting I believe around this. >> That's that's correct, mayor. The uh it was a resolution that was sent to the

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planning board to make a determination as to whether it's an area in need of redevelopment. My understanding is that a hearing on that is coming up shortly and certainly if any residents wish to end that um

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uh they're welcome to do so to see the planning board action. I do seem to recall that one of the members of this committee instructed the property owner to essentially get cans of paint and go out and paint over the offending [clears throat]

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uh symbols of discrimination. I'm not sure why that hasn't been done. That should seem asked to do an accomplishment. >> Thank you, sir. So, to that end, um, of course, public comment is welcome. It's a right and privilege. I just wanted

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people to understand it won't be a Q&A as that matter has moved over to the planning board. But I appreciate your thoughtful comments. name is Mark from Mine Brook Farm. I'm a new resident to this area. Um,

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mayor and in the committee. I uh I came here not really knowing what to anticipate. I don't know any of you, but I walked away with a a sense of pride that I'm I'm now part of this community. and people like

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yourselves. Seems like you're very kind in this community has a a world presence. Obviously, the ambassador from Morocco is here, students that are uh theatrical people, and you're doing some good things for

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the community. and uh this project and this this uh dilapitated you know establishment I come from uh not such a good area in New York I saved and worked very hard to

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move to this community uh with my family my daughter and my wife and in the community that I'm from it's usually about somebody doesn't have enough money and uh that's why things don't get developed not because you come from a

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great area and you have a world presence here and you still have a dilapitated type of building in the community. Uh, I don't I I I worked very hard to to come and not be part of this. And when I

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drive by it, and I went there today, it's a little bit of an embarrassment, especially when you've hosted people and and uh countries in this community and you've said kind words and you talked about uh you know what the community

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does for the whole world and it's it's special to be part of that and I think that you have a man like John here who also is part of this community. He he actually built my house and he's a kind man that's looking to do you as public

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figures. You you get appointed because you you know say the right things and you talk to people and you tell people about how much you care. And this is a guy here that that really does care and he's looking to use his own money, you know, to change and to make this

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community and and different plots of land nice. And uh I just think it's something this gentleman here uh said this isn't really the meeting to make a decision in this, but you're influential people and uh and and you're part of

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whatever this community and this next meeting is going to do and uh like I said, I'm I'm I'm real proud to be living here. I want to try to make a difference. and uh you know those types of areas they don't have a place for this community because I I came from as

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I said earlier places where it's horrible and you don't want schools like Pingry and you don't want kids that go to Ridge High School, you know, ending up in in this type of building where there's not good stuff

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happening. And I know firsthand what that means when you have something that's abandoned. you have people coming in there coming from newer coming from different places and not doing good stuff. So, uh I hope that uh some of the

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great things that I've taken away from this meeting, you guys can also apply it to what this man uh is looking to try to do for your community. So, thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. [applause] >> [cheering]

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>> Joanne Kleinley, 162 Riverside Drive. Um, I apologize for how I'm dressed. I came right from the Y because I got a call that they were here. Um they've been before Leslie as I know as you know it's before the planning board 99 Lord Sterling Road and we were anticipating

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bringing our concerns before the planning board but our concern is that you have had a one-sided view. Um I represent the neighbors who are in the community around it or most of them uh I shouldn't say that but a number of us have been meeting we've are against

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development of that property. We have gotten together and we have gotten a designation from New Jersey Preservation Society that is one of the 10 most endangered historic sites in New Jersey because it was in this year of the 250th

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anniversary. It was the garden of um Lord Sterling's uh uh the buildings they called it his estate. Um and uh again I don't have any remarks prepared. I just wanted to express to you I feel like

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you've gotten a one-sided view in the past two meetings because we've had various uh people come um and the people who have come this is not a charitable endeavor everyone's talking about and I'm sure you're a wonderful person. I'm

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not commenting on that. Um but it's it's this is a business endeavor and you're not doing it for charitable reasons and you're entitled to do that and I'm not going to take that away from you. However, I also have the right to say that I live in that neighborhood and I live in this town and I love this town's

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history and I love the environment uh the environmental center and I do not want something that's going to have a huge environmental impact or an take away some an historical uh site building on that site. Um, and so I am going to talk before the planning

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board and I'm getting ready, but I just tonight when I found out that they were here, I wanted to let you know that it is not all one-sided. It is not um the neighbors are not all for it and it is we are not viewing it as um a charitable endeavor that will help the community at

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large. Um, and thank you. That's it. >> Thank you. Also u it's interesting to note that you heard folks were coming here. I I'm not on social media so I never know anything. But that being said, the 99 Lord Sterling Road has not been on the agenda since the resolution

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was uh approved in December I believe. So to that end, your opportunity like those anyone here to go to the planning board is is the next opportunity. Thank you. >> Not know what's everyone is entitled to

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public comment. Public comment is welcome. Thank you. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Amanda Calfman. I live at 55 Lions. Um I'm originally actually from Michigan, so I'm newer to the community.

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I first want to thank the board for giving me an opportunity to be heard tonight and and I wrote everything down because to be honest, I don't do well speaking in public. I actually find the thought quite intimidating. But here we go. I'm a mom like many others in Bernard's Township. I raised my three young

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children here, although I'm not from here, volunteer, and I'm an active in the community. I speak here today as someone who has never been involved in township politics, but for the first time, I feel compelled. I watched the school budget deficit explode to over $6

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million after a 2 and a half million deficit last year. I see the proposed new tax levy, the highest in almost 20 years, and it's difficult to stay quiet. All of the position cuts, program changes, extra cost. This is a constant

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topic of conversation amongst many of the moms in our community. I read that approximately 600 market units are going to be constructed on top of another few hundred still to be built from round three. How do we make this work? When residents speak up regarding the

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schools, often the answer we are given is everyone is doing the best they can with the budget they have. My question is, what can we do now to change that? I think that we can all agree that this Lord Sterling school site has to go.

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There is absolutely no redeeming value of this horrible building. The board has stepped in after multiple owners and helped a local resident clean it up. John is not just some developer. He is a member of the community and highly regarded for his character,

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professionalism, and craftsmanship. If one of the benefits of the project can eliminate or help prevent 100 market units being built in the future, then serious consideration has to be given. Nobody is happy with the affordable housing demands, but John's project allows for a massive incentive. The

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trade-off is apparently building senior housing and housing for special needs family. These types of housing are exactly what the township said that they need. The senior housing will lower the school tax for everyone with no additional burden on the school district. Additionally, as someone who

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has a special needs member and my extended family, these homes are immensely valuable. By doing this project, you are not only effectuating change, but you are giving such a valuable gift to those families in need. I know there will be challenges and everything isn't going to be easy.

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However, this seems like a rare chance for a win-win. We could raise tremendous tax revenue with no impact to our school, decrease the affordable housing requirement numbers, build two new special needs homes without using township funds, and clean up a horrendous site. I urge you to take

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action now before we lose another opportunity to provide such great benefits for the whole township. And with all due respect, I don't think a can of paint is acceptable. Thank you. [applause] Thank you for your comment. Just wanted to address the last speaker. Thank you

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for your comment. And again, we encourage comments around the redevelopment review at the planning board to be at that time. Uh the planning board also will review. Again, for those who may not have been with us in this journey,

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this uh 99 Lord Sterling Road could be developed. It is zoned for development. It It can be I think it's R3 twoacre zone. >> Twoacre family just like he did across from the Little League field. >> Yes. So just so that folks know it's it could be developed. The opportunity

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that's being sought is for redevelopment which could then change what that zoning is. So again just as a context in history. Mayor, if I may briefly comment, property owners actually fortunate we don't have a property maintenance ordinance in burn

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commercial owners property in goodstead and cut back shrubs and do other things. In fact, in Bedminster, we've cited a number of property owners in the commercial let their property deteriorate, upkeep the property, and at least make

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it prior to it being developed. So in in that regard, I just want residents to know that he's he's fortunate. If this township committee desired to enact such an ordinance, we could cite him for letting the >> We have not elected to do that to date.

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>> We have not. So thank you, Mr. Ballardo. Sir, >> good evening. Um I'm John Tylen, uh Tree Sherwood Drive. Um I'm actually adjacent to the uh Lord Sterling school property. Um I look out on it. Um and I have been part of the journey um over the last

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year or so and what has been a concern is the lack of transparency um with this with the status of the uh engineering board review. Um last year the township moved this forward for redevelopment study. Um and we still don't have um

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information on that. We're still waiting. What concerns me is that if the town turnship committee takes official action, this sit indefinitely without explanation. Um, as I've said before in the last

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November meeting, the Lord Sterling property is in disrepair as has been mentioned by many others. Um, it's a safety hazard, a fire hazard. Um, I've gone to great expense to install trees, a fence around my property, um,

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to prevent trespassing. We've had to call the police with issues of wildlife, spray paint, putting the grass, putting up a chain link fence. It's a bit more beyond that.

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And as the owner living right next to this, I wish we would appreciate the gravity of that and ask for some transparency in the process. I think the lack of transparency is creating misconceptions. I'm concerned that we'll have to come

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here every year for something to get done. I hope that it is honored in years to come. Right now, we have a builder who is a local to our community and has ideas to utilize the land in a manner that benefits the needs of our community. The township is not taking the

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opportunity to build homes, provide for seniors and special senior needs seriously. Instead, leading the community to believe that reszoning is the issue here when it's clear to me that the only issue is the committee and inability to uphold their vote and be transparent conducting the study.

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Whether someone supports redevelopment, opposes redevelopment, or is undecided, that's fine. Everyone should support a transparent process that follows true on prior actions and allows decisions to be made based on facts rather than uh delay. The town is is is is creating

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fear-mongering between our community and what will go on the land by not moving the study along or being transparent about the the holdup. The land has changed several times ownership as mentioned and it could change again. Maybe it'll be a developer from out of state.

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The residents of this township deserve to know whether votes taken by their elected officials will be acted upon or simply postponed indefinitely. I respectfully ask the committee to honor the process it previously set in motion back in November and move forward with the redevelopment study in a transparent

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manner and provide a timeline for that. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. >> [applause] >> My name is Nick Naturelli. I reside at 964 Northshore Drive in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Um, I just want to say good evening to council. Um, thank you for

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having us tonight. My uh I've worked in municipal government for nearly 20 years. Throughout my career, I firsthand experience with challenges the local governments, school districts face and balancing increasingly high uh tight budgets while still providing the level

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of services our residents expect and deserve. I'm here tonight to support the proposed redevelopment of the former Lord Sterling School property. First, I think it's important to acknowledge the current reality of the site. For years, this property has remained vacant and

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has become increasingly blighted. The extensive vandalism, repeated trans trespassing, graffiti, and ongoing police activity documented at the site demonstrate the status quo is simply not acceptable. Doing nothing

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is not a solution. What is being proposed offers your community an opportunity to transform a deteriorating property into something positive while generating significant benefits to Burner Township. The project is expected to generate approximately $1 million in

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new tax revenue annually while having minimal impact on your school system thanks to its age restricted restricted housing component and homes for adults with special needs. At a time when school districts across New Jersey are facing increasing

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financial pressures due to health cost increases and stack uh and state cuts, additional reoccurring revenue can help preserve programs, maintain facilities, and reduce future pressure on taxpayers of this community. I speak from

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experience when I say that funding challenges are very real. About 10 years ago, while working at Wong Board of Education as a director of facilities, our district faced an unfortunate situation in which a child was injured while playing in a parking lot area

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because long-standing drainage problems had prevented children from safely using portions of the playground days after rain events. Like many public entities, the district at the time lacked the resources to fully address the issue in his own town.

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A generous resident whose child had been injured wanted to help and donated all the funds to support and complete the renovation of the playground site with an ambitious time timeline and reached out to John Rocker. The reason was simple. They knew John was the most

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qualified person for the for the job, but more importantly, they knew he would bring a level of care, professionalism, and oversight that is not always easy to find in the industry. by running his own business, supporting his family, and contributing as a

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taxpayer in this community, John immediately stepped forward to help. That experience marked the beginning of my relationship with John. Over the years, I've managed doz dozens of large capital improvement projects and have worked alongside many commercial contractors and developers.

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What sets John apart is every project, whether it's a small renovation or a large residential development, is approached with extra extraordinary foresight, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. I would like to say that John lives in Bernard's Township. I would like to say that because John

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lives in Bernard's Township, he will not make sure the project is done right. But the truth is where the project is located does not matter. That is simply who he is. John is someone who builds something, collects

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a payche, collects a paycheck, and moves on. He takes personal pride in everything he does. He views every project as a reflection of his character and as a long-term investment with the communities he serves. This proposal

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represents more than redevelopment. It represents an opportunity to eliminate blight, strengthen your tax base, and support schools, providing housing opportunities for seniors and adults with special needs, and invest in long-term future for Berners Township. Earlier in this meeting, I had an

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opportunity to get to know Bernards a little bit and and the wonderful wonderful community that you guys have and how um you were able to honor the the drama club for all they do. you were able to reflect on on the wonderful memories you had as a child like your friend played a joke that didn't wind up

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being a joke, honor national uh football teams uh to bring them into your community, the YMCA for the LG uh BTQ plus community, and and why should the special needs community be eliminated off that list? Why should seniors be

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eliminated off that list? A million dollars in tax revenue can go a long way to support these programs. And when school schools start cutting budgets because there's no funding, the first thing they cut is extracurriculars and those are the children of your community. Thank you.

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>> Thank you for your comment. [applause] [applause] Before I begin, and my name is Brianwood Place. >> As someone who has two grandparents, >> he did. He did. >> He did. >> I did.

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>> As someone who has two grandparents that were Holocaust survivors and are is very involved with that, I'm just I'm not attacking you, Mr. But I think you're missing the mark. A can of paint does not help the situation. Okay? I'm just letting you know. >> You're addressing the committee,

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>> not me. Just letting you know that. >> Let's have a point of order and and you've been here before. Have open discourse is always welcome. But let's have >> very negative when people speak. That's >> we, as I shared at the beginning of public comment, comments that are adversarial are not going to be permitted

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>> from the board either. I would hope. >> Proceed. I have known John since I was a child and I worked for him on several of his projects, but that doesn't take away the merits of what I have to say. Has everyone on this board been to John's site? If not, don't you think you should

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by now? Does everyone on this committee thinks there's redeeming value of those dilapidated and hate-filled buildings? Is that something anyone could be proud of? I watched back the meetings and everyone can, and I now have a greater understanding and listen to all of your comments. You have a property that has

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changed hands three times in 5 years. It had hundreds of police reports, including apparently one in the last few weeks, and the only two people who reside backing up to the property, are in the room tonight to support John. The two communities surrounding John's site

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are 200% and 600% more dense. One unit per acre, three units per acre, and John's property is owned.5. He's not asking here to build through 250 apartments, but 30some units in special needs housing the exact same

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density as next door. Saying there is no place for a site like this in the community and doing something about it are two very different things. I'm confused why people would vote against a study. And if it's the means or tool, as it was discussed, that caused that no vote, why hasn't this committee offered

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a different path? You would think this should be a top priority for the township committing since the last two meetings. What's been done in terms of the study? It should take anyone about two seconds on that property to realize how embarrassing and terrible it is. 7

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months. What on earth does this board expect to happen when the planner finally makes the report to the planning board? Are we trying to bury that report in the middle of August when half the town is away during the summer? And what does that board when they make that res recommendation because it would be

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criminal of them not to do when it comes right back here. So once again, what are you guys doing about it? Many on this board said we need more senior housing, more special needs housing during the affordable housing discussions. They were quoted extensively. Now you have a

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problem property clearly misowned with a 30-year resident trying to build exactly what you said we needed and he gets no help from you. A man with an impeccable reputation. His son in the room is a Ridge graduate who works for him. He hires local contractors mostly at his expense and brings jobs to the

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community. What is the message? Don't buy anything like this. We would rather let it be a total blemish. We're not interested in repurposing it. John didn't create the issue. He's trying to be part of the solution. It seems like there's a double standard here with people working very hard to hurt John.

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There are several sites in town that are now vacant and issues, but not problematic like this one, not affecting quality of life. Those sites can change the entire dynamic of the township due to their scale. This isn't a 200 acre quarry. John came to work with you in an

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open process and it seems like he's being punished. There were comments made by the committee during the November hearing about stepping back and looking at all developable land with public input then to make strategic decisions. I agree with that. But when was this

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assessment done? Because it doesn't look like those rules are applicable to the Adani site on the other side of town. That site is up for approval and I believe 130 senior units. An out of town developer bought a commercial office non-residential site, was not selected

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for the fourth round, has no direct neighbors, no police reports, no special needs housing, is not in the center of town, and that's getting fasttracked. It seems like John is the only one to get these comments and treatment. Redevelopment is apparently done in 90% of New Jersey towns and has many

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benefits, none greater than it could generate millions of dollars for taxes for the school system. With that being said, that's not my decision and I don't care. If you as the mayor and the council believe or being are being advised by your professionals that redevelopment is not good for D

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Bernard's Township, I'm okay with that. It's not okay to have a site like this in town where there's a solution on the table that benefits the entire community and has the support of those two neighbors. If you read John's website, it clearly says that nobody's going to see the job. It's got a single entrance

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from the main road. It has traffic report saying it doesn't affect traffic. >> You're running out of time. >> Okay. Well, my wife gets five minutes, so she can finish my speech or I could give >> She can she can finish it. So, you're >> plus tremendous communitywide benefits. I don't think anyone >> you have to you have to finish. Your

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wife can finish for you. She'll have to just introduce herself. But thank you for your comments. >> I'll have to stand with everybody. >> Yes. No, you need to sit down. Each person stay. We don't have two people at the days. >> So if you want to just introduce yourself and your address.

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>> Thank you. >> I don't think anyone cares if you do this project by ordinance, variance, or any other manner you deem appropriate. just help John clean it up. We received one ID house during the last round of AF

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that the township actually pay for the land. John is donating the land and it cost the township nothing. John's project gives us two of these homes. These the sites have apparently already been vetted by our house and the state.

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This could be making an immediate impact in people's lives. We should be trying to build 10 of these houses for the unbelievable opportunity it provides families and at the same time protection from affordable housing

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mandates. Then you are so kind to come and support the Liberty Corner School fundraiser that my wife myself co-chared. It's taken us three years to give children an appropriate library. We have $6 million. We have a $6 million school deficit

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townshipwide. My kids came home and talked about how some of the teachers were crying in class after being let go. My son personally who's in third grade. We have we have largest tax levy in almost 20 years and we haven't even

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built the 600 units from round four and the biggest job from round three. What is that? a total of 800 soon to be units. Now, right in front of you with this man, you can eliminate 100 or those

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units, reduce our taxes, clean up a site that should only be on a list of most heinous places in New Jersey, help the special needs community, and build an upscale, walkable senior project at the

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same density as its ordining neighbor. What am I missing? Why such a concerted effort against John and his project? Is there a personal problem with John? Is someone in his is someone is in bed with the other

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developer in this discriminatory or is or is it more political nonsense? I just wanted that context of sexual innuendo is inappropriate for this this uh group and this well I just heard in bed with

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so let's continue but let's keep that this type of language out >> you can continue I just want to use metaphors and things like that just go straight Um, we the residents lose again. Ultimately,

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if this property ends up being something much worse, we will all remember you had the opportunity to do something about it. Clearly, nobody is ever building four houses here. And if they did, we the community would lose all the benefits while putting more families into the school district. Those benefits

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are what the town needs more than anything else. >> Thank you. And just for a point of [applause] for a for point of clarification, the fourth round obligations have been met and signed. We would not take any units

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off of that obligation by development. I just want to clarify that. >> Mayor, there there was a comment that alluded to an application before the adjustment on 13. >> Yes, >> that that certainly was the right of that property owner to go to the zoning

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board of adjustment and seek approval. Property owner has the same right to do that and go to the zoning board. Doesn't have to, but he has that right. We have no control over the zoning board of adjustment. It's a quasi judicial body. We're not allowed to go to their

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meeting. That is that is state law. We have Thank you, Mr. Alardo. Sir, >> good evening. My name is Cliff Kabe and um myself and my family have lived at uh

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25 Sherwood Drive for over 65 years. Um I had uh been there most of my life and um moved to Readington Township with my wife for a short period of time. Unfortunately, I

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lost her to cancer. Decided to move back home and care for my parents the last four or five years of their life. I was their caregiver. They were the ones who moved out in 1961 to Basking Ridge. Uh myself and my family

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intend on living here for quite some time. Uh the school had in 1968, I think it was a school for uh kids in the city. There was a purpose there. There was a noble purpose there.

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That was the past. The present is nothing now. I It's a rotting piece of property where the buildings are basically just rotting away and nothing's being done. Uh I our property adjoins the Lord Sterling

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School along with John. Uh they haven't been the easiest neighbors. However, that was the past. But what's going to be in the future? Uh, honestly, I know of John Rocker years. I've seen his work. Uh, it seems

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like a win-win situation that you have a quality builder that wants to do something and there's care involved. I'm going to go back to my parents. Caring for them the last few years of their life was probably the most fulfilling thing I've done. That was

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purpose. I think there's also purpose. think about spending the rest of your life or your whole life needing those type of needs and such. Same with with the special needs. There's there's a special spot in my heart as far as that's concerned. I used to have a

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business in Bedminster. The Msini school was one of my best customers and I understood full circle and special needs and such. It just seems like this is a win-win situation. You have an opportunity where you have a quality

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builder who cares. He actually wants to live there. I intend on living at Basking Ridge for quite some time. I like to see something done with the property. Why don't we give it some purpose? It's just sitting there rotting. The smell of wet sheetrock

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comes across our property. It's just the graffiti is still out there. It's visible. Why isn't anything being done? I I I don't quite understand it. Um, I correct me if I'm wrong. Is this gentleman being completely ignored? I

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I'm not quite sure why it's been six years and basically the property has been put into disarray. Well, since the school's closed, since the school's closed. >> So, those are my comments. Um, uh, and, uh, take them as far as it goes. So, all

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right. >> Thank you. They appreciate your comments. [applause] Thank you. And while this gentleman comes up, I do want to remind folks that this has moved from the township committee in December from a resolution to the planning board.

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It's our understanding public the planning board meetings are public and that this will be coming up on the agenda. So the extent to which I think a gentleman used the word transparency, these are open meetings, public meetings that people will be able to listen to the conversation and review of the

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resolution for the review of the area in need to be considered an area in need of redevelopment. So again, just wanted to provide that context. Sir Liberty Corner Road. I've been here just I found out about this by accident.

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I was going through the TV. NC Pix had a thing on part of that. I saw John Rocker's face. I don't know. I want to ask a question for Well, if I can ask at the end of the day, the planning board takes a look at it. Does it come back to your desk to make the decision?

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>> That is the procedure. Yes. >> I've known John 25 years. Um John built my house. Uh I John there's no one I ever met like John. I've had multiple houses out through Brooklyn class at anything he's ever done he puts

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his heart in. It's not like building is like he's building it for himself. So the kind of projects he's done my house multiple friends of mine's house uh they should be an architectural digest. But what I got confused with when I looked at what's going on here why is it not

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even moving? I mean I think and I have a military technology company. So, I do a lot of work in Washington. Like a political ball. That's the way I see it. Okay. It here's here's somebody offering something to fix. Now, I understand you talked about paint. That's like put

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lipstick on a pig. Know you've got you've got more to fix there. And if if that's going to be a problem, there could be a drug overdose. There's a lot of things that going to happen on our property. And what I see what John could

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do is fix that and give us back something for the people live here. I'm at a point in my life where I'm gonna probably have to look for a place like that. It' be nice. Um and you have to make a decision. When I when I work down with the Senate in Washington, we tell them before you guys make a decision,

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put in front of you pictures of your family, children, mother, father, brother, and before you decide, look at them. What the effects going to have on them. What I say, what I see for you, your team, your group, is look at the people in this town before you make that decision of not allowing it to go

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forward, what you could do to help them. Um, it it just doesn't make any sense why it's not there. A dear friend of mine was Steve Califer. He wanted to build the stadium. I worked with him to do it. Everybody was against it. The day we opened it, everybody who was against

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it was there shaking hands, sitting in the front row, popcorn, all excited. 20 years later, he gave the town back a D. What I'm saying is this. The town needs this and there shouldn't be any reason why it shouldn't a D or R or I or C. I

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call it a P. P for the people. They need this kind of help. And it's it's it's something that makes sense. So when it comes back to you guys, you should look at as if your family was going to be there or what would you do to your family if they were there? >> I thank you. I mean, >> okay. >> Appreciate it. You should really It's

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something that should be done. Thank you for your comment. [applause] [applause] >> Good evening, council members. My name is Alan Calfman. I live at 42 Linda Lane, Edison, New Jersey. And I spend my Sundays at 55 Lion's Place with my

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daughter-in-law, Amanda, who spoke here earlier today. I'm here to talk make this quick and kind of round this up because the people have already presented all the reasons why you should support Mr. Rocker. Um,

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I'm always I've been in the stair business in New Jersey for since 1980. My dad's been in the stair business who passed away since 1956. We have the largest stair manufacturing company in the state of New Jersey.

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We work with Toll Brothers, Kanian, Lenar, etc. I work with Garden Homes, Hallmark, all the guys. So, I know everybody in the state of New Jersey in the building business, no strangers, and I know what the game

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is in regarding affordable housing, completely up to date with it. You have 198 units to provide that you've agreed to. That means 800 market units if you're going to give it all to a builder because that's a you got to provide 8020.

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That's a lot of kids coming into your school system. You have a builder who wants to provide a product that's going to give you money to help with your school system that's going to need money with all these additional kids. Seems like an easy

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decision for you to make. Now, John Rocker. John Rocker is very special to me. I've met a lot of people in this business. That man is at the top. Don't think I need to say anything more.

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Thank you for your time. >> Thank you for joining us. [applause] >> Wow, Ellen, that's amazing. Thank you. I [clears throat] just want to say real quick, John. >> John Rocker, your address. John Rocker, 171 Liberty Quarter Road. By default, I'm glad I was here to see the

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presentation to the soy. It was amazing. Um John, you have my word if and when that stud is complete, we will be um eliminating all the uh bile remnants in that in those buildings. And I'll make the outside look nice. You have my word

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on that. Um so, let me just tell you guys, I would have preferred not to have to appear before this committee again tonight. And I'm pretty sure most of you uh feel the same way. I don't I don't need to repeat a lot of

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what's been said. Um but it's important for me to add a few words for one essential reason. The reason I don't want the reason I'm I really don't want to be misunderstood or misjudged by this committee or by fellow

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members of the community. I just want to be clear about a few things. put my truth out there for whatever it's worth. I've been characterized by some as an opportunist, an aggressive developer, perhaps some kind of schemer with a

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hidden agenda. Of course, these sentiments and prejudices have made me feel very uncomfortable to some extent ostracizing the own community. Let the record show since Michael

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>> stand back a little bit, John. >> That outside of my family life and my personal life, >> I define myself first and foremost as a craftsman, an artist, and a builder. Throughout the 32 years since I started the company, I've been too busy working

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side by side on building sites day in day out with other hardworking people like me. 90 plus percent of my time has been spent building homes for families. People find me because they hear good things and because I care as much and

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try as hard as anyone ever has before me. Now I'm passing the middle endings of my career and I've been wondering what has it all meant and what's next. I know in my heart that purchasing school property

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was a call to action for me to evolve and express my best self positively but in a community focused way. I made the purchase knowingly with all the risks in mind and I feel so strongly that this

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can and should be a culmination like career in my own hometown providing a range of much neededed benefits for so many. What's been eating at me is that last year, early last year, this

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committee seemed to be in sync with me and the vision and for a period of time. Seemed like most everyone was working in concert with me to make some very good things happen. That was a fabulous feeling, but unfortunately shortlived. Although I'm still confused, I guess

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there was just too much misaligning within a committee, political resentments, bad feelings for one reason or another, and everything just got kicked to the curb. Maybe there's some other reasons that they're still unknown to me at this point. The the irony is that every single member of the

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committee at that time spoke with me thoughtfully and I presume genuinely, even helping me to shape and refine the possibilities and benefits now being considered. Those conversations fueled my resolve and commitment even more. But since then, no communication with me

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directly, very little, indirectly, some kind of iron curtain for some reason. Jen, I know you previously recognized some of the merits of my vision and I appreciate your shared interest in increasing housing opportunity through

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special needs community. Even though Andrew is not here, I want to thank him, you know, anyway for him voting in favor of the planning board study um last November and for his words that were encouraging early last year. But now, seven months later, I listened in shock

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three weeks ago as the planning board heard a presentation by their planner explaining the general redevelopment process. Yet not one single word fashion or reference to the actual schedule of the Lord's stealing property redevelopment study, which is the entire basis for the overview provided by the

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board's planner. Honestly, I found that to be humiliating, infuriating, and so satisfying. Just for the record, I hired my own highly regarded planner to conduct the exact same development study, redevelopment study. It took three weeks to finish. Take a guess

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about the results. one of the most clearly clear-cut properties he's ever seen using the criteria as an area in need. Seven months in counter, you have about we're going to give you about another 30 >> months in counting, no study. Why not

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just get the study done? I'll clean the property up and if you don't like redevelopment, anything else, any other ideas, I'll work with you. I don't need to pursue any plan. I'm here. And by the way, I thank you guys for everything

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else you do in the town. I'm a proud resident. I just want to do the right thing unless you move forward in some way. Work with me. I don't understand why you do that. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Rocker. [applause] [applause] You need to come to the days and then

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present your name, address and you are welcome to comment. >> Anita Gurani, three falcon warrant built a home in the late 1990s. So I've known him for almost three

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decades now. a very rare kind. Caring, kind, [clears throat] compassionate. Anytime you have an issue at home, he also built our office. By the way, I am an attorney. He built our law office. Anytime you have an issue,

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first name that comes to mind is John. Paul John. This is going to come back to you people. Just want to let you know that incredible human being. The word angel has been used several times today. is an angel to our family.

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>> That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Dr. Watify Chestnut Court. Thank you for giving me just a couple of minutes of your time. I'm going to make a brief attempt to bring a human element to this project. Um my understanding is that there there

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is a proposal to put special needs housing. Um as somebody who grew up with uh special needs individual in their family. Um I can tell you it is extremely difficult to take care of those folks uh depending on the level of their needs particularly as they get

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older. um resources are much more available to folks that are under 18. Once they get to adulthood, those resources diminish dramatically. And before my parents passed away, they really took on the burden of taking care

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of my sister. Um that burden of responsibility falls to me and my brother. So when I heard about this project, that was really the most compelling reason why I'm here today. Um, if there's an opportunity to help folks as they get older, I think we have to do everything

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we can to help them. Um, I went into medicine specifically to help people and I think it's because I grew up with someone who was disabled in my house and it's had a long lasting impact on my approach to patients and folks I take

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care of are overwhelmingly underserved. Um, so with that, I implore everyone on the committee to please, you know, consider this project because I think it's going to do a lot of good for the community. I think it's going to, you know, obviously improve the property and

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I think it's good for the soul of Bernard's Township. So, I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. [applause] Riverside Drive last June. Last June all of a sudden this project came about.

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And I even there was a presentation during a public comment when nobody knew about this. This was not something transparent. Even tonight all these people here I

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didn't hear anything about this until I walked in tonight until the first person came up here and made a comment about it. Now I've been to these meetings. I know. Now, I appreciate it's inappropriate to bring this up tonight.

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The planning board meetings, you go to them the last meeting that they went over um redevelopment where Mr. Rocker was upset about because they said this would be a training session on redevelopment

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properties because the people who are sitting on a ping board right now have not been involved in it. Hasn't been involved in 10 years I think since the last time they had a development. So they wanted to go over it so they knew what to listen to if and when project

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came up. They didn't mention anybody's project not 99 strong road or not any other projects. It was so they know when they can't project. So there's no reason for him to be above that.

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own this company for two years now. Hasn't done a damn thing about it. Hasn't closed up the windows or anything like that. Garbage pants, you know, garbage bags all over the place. He's on for two years. You listen to the planning board

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to do something about that. People are complaining about it and they're complaining to you when they should be complaining to Mr. Rocker about it. It's his property. I'm not going to go over there pick up the glo return

437
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his job he's gonna make a lot of money 1.5 million I think for 10 acres plus he bought another house or you know next

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is not a place you know he donates and everything like that money he's got a decent property for um for children who um mentally develop

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02:38:32.800 --> 02:38:50.280
zone for two acres. He's more than welcome to develop it for two acre house. No one stopped. He owes the propert. But if he wants to redevelop it to something else, I'm not forced.

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Who's to say that kids? I never see kids. I drive by there all the time. I never see kids out there. It's kind of nice how if you looked at the pictures you show back in last year, how nice the stream the varieties.

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Now I've seen a lot of graffiti looks like this. Very nice graffiti. Nicest area to see. You can close the windows. over. He's going to pick up the garbage. He's own the property for two years and

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it's just a chess game for him and just like when they first started. It's just a chess game. He makes a move and town makes move and then he's going to try to check in appropriate just trying to close the well tonight.

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Wait until the fire code listens to it and come back. that all you could come back here who who worked for him, who had their house built by him, who had their property sold to them, whatever. You could come up here as

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disinterested people and try to make your case, but tonight is not. Thank you for >> Thank you for your comment. All right. Seeing no further, I close public comment. I would like to just make a

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couple of comments. As has been said several times tonight, the planning board now has jurisdiction over review of the resolution to view the property in need of redevelopment. If you follow the agendas, which are made public, you can see when the meetings will be held

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and what the agendas are. So, I encourage you to do that. Also, in reflecting, um, as Mr. Edelstein just commented there are a number of voices here and your voices matter. At the same time there were other voices one reflected of folks who may not have

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support for a project like this and to that end this was not a public hearing. This was public comment. So I want to just echo that. And then thirdly I want to go back to your comments. We have no room in this township for prejudice or discrimination regardless of any

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differences or any bias. That is something that I want to believe all of my committee members share in that we have absolutely um no support for that. And so bias in any form, in any appearance is unwelcome and is not

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tolerated in this community. And if anyone in any resident feels any form of bias in any way, they bring that to the attention of township authorities to our police department and we will absolutely review that. So, please know that as residents, I heard your comments and and

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they're heartfelt. So, that being said, uh Christie, do we have any further executive session? >> None this evening, Mayor. >> May I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I. >> All right. Thank you. Our meeting is

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over. Thank you all for coming.