BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A group of Bernards Township neighbors urged the Township Committee to examine whether current local rules are enough to address severe residential property conditions.
At the Tuesday Committee meeting, the neighbors pointed to a home on Oak Ridge Road in Basking Ridge as the focus of their concerns during a public comment session.
Kevin Buckley, who said he lives next door to 47 Oak Ridge Road, told the committee that neighbors came to speak because their concern goes beyond one property.
"Our concern is how a residential property in Basking Ridge can deteriorate to this point without consistent action by the town and how we make sure it does not happen again here or elsewhere in the township," Buckley said.
He said the issue is "not about aesthetics" and raised concerns about safety for the occupant, neighboring properties and emergency responders.
Buckley said recent township actions show the concerns are serious.
He told the committee that health and zoning had taken action and that the construction department inspected the property from the outside and "determined that an unsafe condition and fire hazard exist."
He asked the township to make sure it has the authority and resources to keep such properties in compliance, or adopt a residential property ordinance if needed.
Meg McKee, who said she owns a home at 43 Oakidge Road, told the committee the situation affects nearby residents' health, safety and use of their properties.
"In my case, a persistent noxious odor prevents me from enjoying my own backyard on warm days, and at times that odor has entered my home," McKee said.
She said she did not want Bernards Township "to become an HOA" but asked officials to find "a reasonable middle ground" with enforceable standards when conditions materially harm neighbors.
Jeff Dudick, who said he lives at 50 Oakidge Road, said he and his wife have seen "a steady buildup of rubbish over time," unsanitary conditions, unlicensed cats and raccoons around the property.
He said he was not advocating "HOA style regulations or covenant style regulations" but wanted practical safeguards to protect public health, safety and nearby property values.
Dan Sullivan, who identified himself as a retired fire chief, said, "It's an accident waiting to happen."
He told the committee he had contacted the local fire chief and urged a review of the property because responders unfamiliar with the site could face problems getting in.
After the comments, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said the township was familiar with the property and "the steps the township has been taking more recently."
"We will take what you've shared under consideration and again do appreciate your time coming in," said McCarthy.
This discussion followed a vote passing Ordinance 2603 earlier on Tuesday night.
The ordinance focuses on non-residential properties and establishes minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, and condition of premises situated in Bernards Township and excludes residential property. Read More: Maintenance Rules For Commercial Properties Approved In Bernards Township
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