The most prominent topic at the Bernardsville Planning Board meeting was the borough’s decision to engage with the Highlands program, a comprehensive initiative that enforces environmental regulations to preserve land. The program is designed to ensure that communities within designated preservation areas align with a Highlands master plan. This alignment requires the endorsement of the planning board and the introduction of relevant ordinances by the council.

The board discussed the rigorous requirements of the Highlands program, including mandatory preservation area regulations and voluntary planning area regulations. An initial assessment was sent to the board to help determine the necessary steps Bernardsville must take to comply with the Highlands master plan. This assessment would identify the borough’s current alignment with the program and outline the efforts needed to meet compliance.

Board members speculated on the potential impact of these regulations on affordable housing development, as the program’s environmental constraints might limit land availability, thereby affecting the borough’s housing obligations. Despite these concerns, the Highlands program offers funding for planning studies and open space purchases, which could incentivize participation and offset some of the regulatory burdens.

To further explore the program’s advantages, the board considered inviting a representative from the Highlands Commission to provide insights into becoming a conforming community. This discussion included the financial implications of participation, with assurances that the program is well-resourced to support compliance and development efforts.

Another facet of the meeting was the emphasis on integrating climate resilience into the borough’s planning processes. State law mandates that changes to land use plans include a climate resilience analysis, which complements the Highlands program requirements. The board saw this as an opportunity to conduct comprehensive climate resilience assessments in conjunction with the Highlands evaluation, potentially eligible for additional funding.

The meeting also revisited downtown parking issues, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive analysis by specialized traffic engineers. The board acknowledged a divide in public opinion about parking adequacy, with some residents perceiving no issues while others consistently express concerns.

This is particularly relevant for multifamily housing developments, where traditional parking needs are being reassessed due to changing work patterns, such as increased remote work. The board emphasized the importance of aligning new parking regulations with the town’s broader planning objectives.

As part of the meeting, the board scheduled a public hearing for November 13 regarding updates to the recreation and open space plan, reflecting previous discussions and community priorities. However, delays in receiving necessary documentation could affect the scheduling and notification process for this hearing. The board recognized the need to review specific elements of the plan to ensure alignment with community interests, removing or updating less relevant components based on survey feedback.

The meeting concluded with an announcement to enter an executive session to discuss pending litigation involving Tuck Plant versus the Bernardsville Planning Board and personnel matters related to potential hires for planning expertise. The decision to transition into this closed session was affirmed through a formal motion and roll call vote.