Emergency Declaration Issued In Basking Ridge Amid Coronavirus

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Mayor Jim Baldassare has issued an Emergency Declaration on Tuesday due to the new coronavirus outbreak.

"First, let me be clear and say there is nothing that has changed, nor are there any specific concerns that have materialized which should give rise to fear or uncertainty. This is strictly a precautionary measure for going forward, nothing more," Baldassare said.

"Given the unchartered territory we are now in, and in order to compliment and supplement other regulations issued by federal or state authorities, we believe this to be in the best interests of Bernards Township residents. We are putting ourselves in a position to facilitate possible future needs which may dictate a change in course in terms of necessary action. Our ability to respond to any changes effectively and efficiently in real time is paramount to the safety of our community. Again, this is a precautionary measure only, and there is nothing additional to worry about. Nothing has changed," Baldassare said.

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To see the entire Emergency Declaration click here.

The emergency declaration will run in conjunction with other measures already taken in the township including:

1. The Township of Bernards, and each department, division, bureau or section thereof, shall continue normal operations with the emergency modifications as herein mandated.
2. The Municipal Offices of the Township of Bernards shall operate on a staff-only basis and shall be closed to the general public. Those seeking to conduct business with the Township are encouraged the communicate with either the Township Administration or the relevant department of municipal government for guidance on how to proceed. Each department will continue its operations to serve the needs of Township residents and will be available by phone and email.
3. Until further notice, all building inspections under the jurisdiction of the Department of Municipal Services shall generally be limited to exterior inspections, vacant building inspections, inspections for properties presently under construction, and inspections for pending or anticipated real estate transactions, with all such inspections to be conducted at the absolute discretion of the Construction Official or his designee.
4. Until further notice, all health inspections shall be limited to registered complaints pursuant the Health Officer’s statutory and regulatory authority.
5. All parks will remain open however all playgrounds, water fountains and bathroom facilities will remain closed. All fields will also be closed.
6. The Municipal Court sessions scheduled for March 26 and April 2 are cancelled.
7. Any time deadlines by which the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment are required to act pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law are hereby extended an additional 60 days.
8. The Mayor is authorized to grant temporary deviations or variances from the Township’s General and Land Development Ordinances where emergent circumstances for the benefit of the public health, safety and welfare so require.
9. The Township Clerk is permitted to deny for a period of 60 days any applications for solicitation permits that involve door to door canvassing of residents as such canvassing violates social distancing guidelines.

Murphy said the state also had among its highest number of new cases in one day, with 846 additional positive tests and 17 more deaths. (See Related: Gov. Murphy: NJ Has Largest Coronavirus Death Toll In One Day)

New Jersey now has 3,675 positive cases – the second largest in country – and 44 deaths.

Murphy said the numbers reinforce the need for social distancing and closing schools and businesses – in contrast to President Trump, who has called for a reopening of the country by Easter and said "we can do two things at one time." Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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