Basking Ridge Residents Drop Lawsuit Against Ridge Baseball Club

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A lawsuit filed by eight Bernards Township homeowners against Ridge Baseball Club was dismissed just before 10 a.m. on Monday.

The lawsuit was initially filed on Jan. 26 in Somerset County Superior Court.

The group of residents released a statement to Patch regarding the dismissal of the lawsuit. See their full statement below:

Many people have reached out to us personally to understand the legal action that we filed against Bernard’s Township and Ridge Baseball Club. As of Monday, Feb. 4 we have instructed our attorney to dismiss the lawsuit. Our intention was never to stop the baseball games or the use of the fields on Valley Road. Its purpose was to address the NEW additional scope that allows the lights to be used another 3.5 months later than ever before. This was purposely not allowed in the old lease and denied on record twice before. To ask for safeguards against the regional tournaments that serve many out of area residents who don’t respect our neighborhoods. Issues not affecting just the new homes but the other members who lived here before the lights were even installed. This was about the next 40 years being better than the previous 20, while giving the local residents who are affected a means to peacefully enjoy their homes while the fields are used. The unintended consequence of the PR campaign against our group deafened the actual issues that have been on the record for over a decade. We wanted nothing more than a workable solution for all.

Six months ago we requested a two year trial program to allow extended night hours 4 days a week, while assessing the impacts to the neighbors associated with it. Implementing this trial program would not have impacted a single game. The main issue could have been solved by removing one light pole that shines into people’s homes and over Valley Road. We were told two smaller poles could be put up in their place that would in turn make the fields safer than they currently are and eliminate the problem. This would allow RBC to have all the night games they want without neighborhood objection. This option was never explored. The merits of legitimate concerns about the lighting, noise and traffic issues associated with the current use of the ballfields has been drowned out by a media message suggesting we wanted to end baseball. Nothing could be further from the truth and was documented for the past several months on public record. We have made it clear that we appreciated the efforts of RBC and their volunteers to provide a baseball program for our children who are current participants.

While many people have expressed frustration with how we handled these issues, treating fellow members of the community with disrespect over them is just as disappointing. The actions by a few trying to intimidate our families and children in our neighborhoods have no place anywhere in Bernard’s Township. We are grateful for the response by our local police department who have assisted us. We appreciate the township committee’s efforts to manage the different needs of the community. The opportunity to have our voices heard for the first time and our message truthfully delivered is a reason we take pride in living in this town. We would still ask for a liaison to handle concerns during Tournaments from RBC’s board so we don’t have to go to the township. We kindly request to be included about what is being done regarding the batting cage noise before its installation. Despite not being accepted we still standby ready to contribute to the solution of these problems. With the lawsuit dismissed we remain hopeful some compromise could still be reached in the future.

Bernards Township Police Chief Jon Burger confirmed to Patch that there was a police report filed on Saturday by a resident of Wedgewood Drive regarding the receipt of a harassing letter.

The letter, which was sent to all of the residents involved in the lawsuit, was postmarked from a group claiming to be "Citizens For A Better Basking Ridge." The letter stated, "You are no longer welcome in Basking Ridge. Start packing."

The lawsuit was filed following the adoption of Ordinance #2539 by the Township on Dec. 12, 2023, which renewed RBC's lease at the complex on Valley Road from May 14, 2024, through May 14, 2044. Read More: 20-Year Lease Approved For Ridge Baseball Club

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