BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Several Basking Ridge residents shared their opposition to any plan to develop the former Lord Stirling School property beyond what current zoning allows.
Bernards Township resident Jon Rocker says he is planning to improve a long-abandoned, vacant, and vandalized Lord Stirling School property. However, the plan needs Planning Board approval since the use is not approved for the property.
Current zoning on the property at 99 Lord Stirling Road only allows for four to five residential homes to be built on the property.
Rocker said his plans to build 10 units of age-restricted housing and housing for those with special needs would equate to 20 credits in the Township's affordable housing obligation.
At the July 14 Committee meeting, several residents shared their thoughts on 99 Lord Stirling Road.
Anthony Risorto of 20 Sherwood Drive said he wanted the committee to know that "the neighborhood is not in favor of this property being developed beyond the four to five houses which is currently zoned."
Risorto, who said he is a neighbor of the property, also described what he called poor maintenance at the site.
He said, "In the years that Mr. Rocker has owned this site, he's done nothing to maintain it."
Risorto also challenged claims about vandalism at the property.
"It is intentional neglect disrupting the property, not teens. I have never heard nor seen any kids or anyone hanging out there," said Risorto.
Since the school closed down about six years ago, and the new owner has taken over the property, Bernards Township Police Sgt. Steven Matthews told Patch there have been three reports of incidents.
An initial report from May 2025 reported trespassing, alcohol use, and graffiti.
A second report in July 2025 reported more graffiti inside the main building.
Most recently, in May 2026, Private Property/No Trespassing Signs were damaged near the entrance to the property.
Matthew Magliano of 154 Riverside Drive shared his concern about Rocker's development on the site of the former Lord Stirling School.
"My property backs up against the woods that run along the back of Mr. Rocker's property. I have seen newspaper articles with statements from Mr. Rocker's business associates claiming that he has the neighborhood support. He does not," said Magliano.
"Every neighbor that I have spoken to is opposed to him developing this property beyond the four or five houses for which it is zoned. We do not think the property is a hazard and we are not desperate for it to be developed at any cost," said Magliano.
"All the houses in our area are over one acre and are subject to strict setback ordinances. We ask that Mr. Rocker be required to abide by the same laws," said Magliano.
Magliano also raised concerns about traffic and safety if the project moves forward, stating it "will ultimately put a strain on the residents and not only increase congestion from a safety standpoint and the implications they pose to all the families living."
Lauren Zugale of 28 Meadowview Road said she and her family have lived in their home for 14 years and are against the proposed designation of the former Lord Stirling School.
"Unlike what has been stated in previous meetings, the majority of our neighborhood, as stated by other people tonight, is not in favor of Mr. Rocker's proposal. There has been little upkeep or maintenance of this property since it was purchased by Mr. Rocker. This is not an area in need of redevelopment as defined by the state," said Zugale.
Zudell also questioned a possible housing component tied to people with disabilities, saying, "I myself work in the field of special education in a local school district, and I'm very well aware of the needs of many individuals with disabilities who require housing as adults. I find it concerning that there is now a promise to people of possible housing for the disabled, but only if he's able to develop condos. This seems more like a strategy to maximize profit than to really help the individuals he's promising to house."
After public comment, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said "The 99 Lord Sterling Road area in need of redevelopment review will be in the planning board," and the item "was not on our agenda" that night.
"At the same time, we always welcome public comment, as we welcome the public comment this evening and in the future when that resolution is reviewed by the planning board you are welcome to go and also provide public comment during that hearing," said Duarte McCarthy.
The Planning Board has a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. However, the 99 Lord Stirling property is not listed on the agenda.
Previous Reporting:
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