Basking Ridge Mayor Explains Quarry Redevelopment Process

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Due to about 30 residents questioning the process of the Quarry Redevelopment in Bernards Township, Mayor Carolyn Gaziano sent out a statement clarifying the situation.

Mayor Carolyn Gaziano's letter to residents:

"The reclamation of the Millington Quarry has been under discussion before the Township Committee for nearly two years.

After considering a public report from the Quarry Advisory Committee, the Township Committee unanimously elected to pursue a Redevelopment Process as detailed under NJ Municipal LandUse Law (MLUL).

The Redevelopment Process affords the Township and its residents the opportunity to largely determine how the site will be developed. The Township thought it better to be proactive in determining the future of this large and important site rather than leave it to the whim of a developer.

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Township's Planning Board Planner presented a draft proposal of what redevelopment of the Millington Quarry could look like.

Many residents attended this meeting with 30 commenting on the merits of the proposal. The participation by residents was exactly the kind sought by the Township Committee and which is essential in open and transparent government. There were many questions asked and observations provided.

The Township Committee is processing all the valuable input it received. An FAQ page for the Town’s website is being developed and will be updated on a continuous basis as information becomes available.

At the next meeting, on Nov. 13 the Township Committee will be addressing the commentsreceived at the Oct. 24 meeting.

No formal action on the draft ordinance will be taken at this meeting.

Knowing that there is significant public interest in this matter, residents and interested parties are reminded that Township Committee meetings are also broadcast live on Cablevision Channel 15 and Verizon Channel 35. These meetings are also video streamed live over the township website www.bernards.org. A video recording of the meeting will be made available on the township’s website 24 hours after the meeting."

(Image via bernards.org)

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