Bernards Planning Board Reviews Zoning Changes for Westgate Village Area

Overview: The Bernards Planning Board convened on March 18, 2025, to tackle significant zoning amendments, focusing on transforming the Westgate Village area into a mixed-use zone and addressing updates to affordable housing regulations. Two ordinances, Numbers 2575 and 2573, were scrutinized for consistency with the township’s master plan, highlighting potential discrepancies and the necessity for alignment with state housing guidelines.

Bernards Planning Board Grapples with Absence of Former Chair and Urges Transparency

Overview: The Bernards Township Planning Board meeting on January 21, 2025, was marked by the election of new board officers and concerns regarding the absence of former chair Paul Damurjian, as well as discussions on maintaining transparency and effective communication within the board’s operations. Members expressed the need for vigilance and thorough public engagement in planning processes.

Bernards Planning Board Divided Over Movie Studio Overlay Ordinance and Master Plan Consistency

Overview: The Bernards Township Planning Board meeting on December 17, 2024, was marked by a debate over a proposed overlay ordinance for a movie studio. The board was split on whether the ordinance aligned with the township’s master plan, ultimately deciding to table the discussion with a narrow vote of 5 to 4, postponing any action until the new year.

Bernards Planning Board Tackles Tree Ordinance and Landscaping Plans

Overview: The Bernards Planning Board meeting held on June 18, 2024, delved into the intricacies of landscaping and tree ordinances. High on the agenda was the discussion of ordinance 2553, a significant amendment to the township’s tree removal and replacement code, alongside a careful review of the Fellowship Village landscape plan, which included debates over tree placement and fence extension requests.

Bernards Planning Board Tackles Stormwater Management and Extensions

Overview: The Bernards Planning Board addressed several issues in their latest session, with stormwater management taking center stage. The board debated ordinance 2551 related to stormwater management, a state-mandated initiative, and its consistency with the township’s master plan. Additionally, two noteworthy extension requests were granted to Fenwick Basking Ridge HOA and William and Carol Moer for obtaining certificates of occupancy and construction permits, respectively, due to various delays, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.