Bernardsville planning board recommends non‑condemnation redevelopment designation for three parcels

A member of the Bernardsville Planning Board moved and the board voted to recommend that Block 100 Lots 2.01 and Block 102 Lots 2 and 13 be designated a non‑condemnation 'area in need of redevelopment.' The motion was seconded and passed in a roll‑call vote, with one member dissenting.

Board discussion and the staff presentation established the factual basis the board used to consider designation: staff described an approximately 3.26‑acre study area, historic quarry operations, existing outdoor storage and underutilized industrial parcels, and referenced previous master‑plan reexaminations. During public comment several residents raised concerns about traffic, neighborhood impacts and site conditions. One resident who identified himself as Aaron Duff cited prior court orders and federal fair‑housing requirements, saying, 'in accordance with the court's orders, in accordance with the Fair Housing Act, this property... is going to develop with purely private effort.' The board received the public comments before moving to a resolution.

The motion, introduced by a board member, called on the council to designate the listed lots as a non‑condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The chair asked members for their votes in roll call: DeMarco (yes), Geller (yes), Gillio (yes), Graham (no), Malia (yes), Morrison (yes) and Von Piana (yes); the motion carried. The staff mover noted the designation is non‑condemnation, meaning it does not compel property sale; existing uses remain grandfathered unless the owner chooses to redevelop under the new zoning.

The practical effect of the board's recommendation is to move the parcels into the borough's redevelopment framework for future negotiations or incentives; it does not itself rezone the property nor does it force a sale. Board members and multiple public speakers urged that the council and staff address traffic mitigation and consider town‑owned Lot 102 (which provides access to Mine Avenue) as part of future negotiations. The board chair directed staff to carry public concerns back to council for further consideration.

The board moved on to the next agenda item, an open‑space and recreation/master‑plan matter, after completing the vote.