🏠⚠️ BERNARDS TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS CALL FOR ACTION OVER SAFETY CONCERNS AT BASKING RIDGE PROPERTY

📍 BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Several residents are urging Bernards Township officials to take a closer look at how the municipality handles severely deteriorated residential properties after raising concerns about conditions at a home on Oak Ridge Road in Basking Ridge.

During Tuesday night’s Township Committee meeting, neighbors said their concerns extend beyond the appearance of one property and involve public health, safety, fire hazards and potential risks to emergency responders.

Kevin Buckley, who identified himself as a neighbor of 47 Oak Ridge Road, told officials that residents want to understand how a residential property could deteriorate to such a level without consistent municipal intervention.

🚒 SAFETY AND FIRE CONCERNS

Buckley said township health and zoning officials have taken action involving the property, while the construction department reportedly inspected the home from the exterior and determined that an unsafe condition and fire hazard exist.

Residents asked the township to determine whether it has sufficient authority and resources to address properties in serious disrepair or whether additional residential property regulations may be necessary.

Meg McKee, who identified herself as a nearby homeowner, told officials that conditions at the property have affected her ability to enjoy her own home.

McKee cited a persistent noxious odor that she said has prevented her from using her backyard during warm weather and has occasionally entered her home.

She emphasized that residents are not seeking homeowners-association-style regulations, but rather a reasonable set of enforceable standards when property conditions significantly impact neighboring residents.

🐈🦝 RUBBISH AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS CITED

Jeff Dudick, another nearby resident, described what he said has been a gradual accumulation of rubbish around the property.

He also raised concerns about what he described as unsanitary conditions, unlicensed cats and raccoons in the area.

Dudick said residents are looking for practical safeguards designed to protect public health, safety and surrounding property values, rather than strict aesthetic regulations.

🚨 FORMER FIRE CHIEF RAISES EMERGENCY RESPONSE CONCERNS

Dan Sullivan, who identified himself as a retired fire chief, told the committee that he believes the property presents a potential emergency-response concern.

Sullivan said he had contacted the local fire chief and urged officials to review the property, particularly because emergency personnel unfamiliar with the location could potentially encounter difficulties accessing the site.

🏛️ TOWNSHIP RESPONDS

Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said the township is familiar with the property and the steps municipal officials have been taking more recently.

The mayor thanked the residents for bringing their concerns before the committee and said officials would take their comments under consideration.

The discussion came after the Township Committee approved Ordinance 2603 earlier Tuesday. That ordinance establishes minimum standards concerning the maintenance, appearance and condition of non-residential properties in Bernards Township and specifically excludes residential properties.

The residents’ comments have renewed questions about whether the township’s existing regulations provide enough tools to address serious conditions at residential properties.

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