Lord Stirling Property Review Process To Begin, Says Bernards Township Mayor

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — After almost a year, the Bernards Township Planning Board will begin its review of the former Lord Stirling School property.

"The planning board will begin those hearings in the coming month and I would encourage anyone, whether you are for or against, to go and attend the meeting, and there will be an opportunity for continued public comment," said Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy at the Tuesday Township Committee meeting.

In August 2025, John Rocker, who has been a resident for almost 30 years, shared his vision to rezone the property at 99 Lord Stirling Road to allow the possibility of building 10 age-restricted housing units, along with housing for those with special needs.

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 says his plan 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.

In November 2025, the Township Committee voted three-to-two to have the Planning Board study and analyze whether the property is in need of redevelopment.

Almost one year later, the process is set to begin.

"Should the Planning Board's decision come back that it is not an area in need of redevelopment, then there would be a different process. If it comes back to the Township Committee as an area in need of redevelopment, the township committee would still have an opportunity to determine what happens there," said McCarthy.

The Planning Board has a meeting scheduled for Oct. 6, however, the Lord Stirling property review is not listed on the agenda.

Lord Stirling School Plan Controversy

The property and proposed plan for the property have been under much discussion from residents both in favor and against it.

Those in favor point to the addition of special needs housing in the Township. Those opposed point to neglected property maintenance and less development.

Previous Reporting:

• Residents Split Over Future Of Lord Stirling Property In Bernards Township
• Neighbors Urge Maintenance, Oppose Redevelopment Of Lord Stirling Property
• Neighbors Oppose Plan For Former Lord Stirling School In Basking Ridge

• NJ Man's Vision For Special Needs Housing At A Stand Still In Basking Ridge

• Abandoned, Vacant 'Eye Sore' Lord Stirling Property Seeks Bernards Township Help
• Investigation Of Vacant Lord Stirling Property Moves Forward In Bernards Township

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