BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The owner of 99 Lord Stirling Road in Bernards Township and his attorney are responding to neighbors' opposition to the redevelopment plan at a recent Township Committee meeting.
"I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their views at last night's meeting. I understand there are differing opinions about the future of the property, and I respect the public process," said Bernards Township resident Jon Rocker to Patch.
Rocker is trying to improve the long-abandoned, vacant, and vandalized Lord Stirling School property.
His plan includes building 10 units of age-restricted housing and housing for those with special needs, which would equate to 20 credits in the Township's affordable housing obligation.
However, the plan needs Planning Board approval since the use is not approved for the property.
"My goal has always been to find a responsible long-term solution that addresses the site's deterioration while creating something that serves the community in a meaningful and viable way. I remain open-minded as to what that ultimate solution may be. At the same time, I believe any viable solution should be informed by the character and existing development pattern of the surrounding area," said Rocker.
At the July 28 Township Committee meeting, several neighbors spoke against classifying 99 Lord Stirling Road as an area in need of redevelopment.
Attorney Michael E. Silbert, who represents Lord Stirling Property LLC, shared a statement with Patch responding to the neighbors' comments.
Silbert wrote that "no formal development application has been filed for the property."
He also wrote that the concept discussed for the site "is not high-density multifamily housing, apartments, or any other form of intensive residential development."
According to the statement, the concept being explored includes low-density senior housing and housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"I also want to be clear about two important points. First, there are no plans to construct apartments or high-density residential housing on this property. That is simply not under consideration. Second, I remain committed to expanding housing opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bernards Township, whether through this project or through other initiatives," said Rocker.
According to Silbert, any residential development being contemplated would be "at a low density of approximately one to three dwelling units per acre."
He said the current zoning permits one dwelling unit for every two acres, and the statement argues that standard is inconsistent with nearby development patterns.
Silbert says the property immediately west of the site includes more than 150 multifamily residential units, while properties to the east include lots developed at about one dwelling unit per acre.
Silbert's statement also says the concept would cluster homes to preserve the property's streetscape, mature vegetation and buffering along Lord Stirling Road and neighboring properties.
He wrote that the project under discussion would not require widening Lord Stirling Road, sidewalks or similar roadway improvements.
The statement also says a Traffic Impact Study compared a permitted school use at the site with low-density senior housing and found the housing concept would generate less traffic than a fully operational school.
Silbert also addressed a debate over whether the property qualifies as an area in need of redevelopment.
According to the statement, under New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, that question turns in part on whether buildings are "substandard, unsafe, unsanitary, dilapidated, obsolete, untenantable, or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare."
Silbert wrote that the buildings have been vacant for nearly seven years and had already deteriorated to the point of being untenantable before Rocker acquired the property in 2024.
Rocker also addressed comments criticizing the maintenance of the property.
"In response to concerns raised by members of the community regarding the property's appearance, including overgrown landscaping and hateful graffiti, I have taken steps to address and remediate those conditions. While those efforts have improved the property's appearance and addressed visible maintenance concerns, they do not alter the underlying condition of the vacant, deteriorated structures on the property or resolve the longstanding challenges associated with rehabilitating the site under the existing zoning framework, which previous owners also faced before I acquired the property," said Rocker.
Ultimately, Rocker said he remains "committed to listening to the community, answering questions, and working through the public process in a thoughtful and transparent manner."
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