Nighttime Light Usage At Ridge Baseball Fields Will Be Tested Under 1-Year Pilot Program

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — While an ordinance to renew Ridge Baseball Club(RVC)'s lease for another 20 years was withdrawn by the Township Committee, a one-year pilot program was passed in its place.

The pilot program for light usage from Sept. 1 to Nov. 15, 2023, and from April 1, 2024, to April 23, 2024, was passed by the Township Committee at the Aug. 15 meeting.

This change from a lease to a pilot program was brought about after residents living near the baseball field at 3539 Valley Road raised concerns over lighting, traffic, and noise.

"My colleagues and I … have had a number of conversations in an effort to find a balance in a way that is both respectful to the value Ridge Baseball Club brings to the community and of those concerns we’ve heard from the neighbors," said Bernards Township Mayor Andrew McNally. "We on this Township Committee have an obligation to represent everyone. With that in mind, we strive for win-win solutions and compromise."

As a result, the Committee decided to allow the use of artificial lighting at the field to test out and investigate the concerns raised by neighbors who complained of having the lights shine into their yards and homes.

"The point of the proposed approach is to afford RVC the use of the lights during fall and then the Township Committee can use that experience to make determinations as to the lease renewal thereafter," said McNally.

McNally noted the program would also give the town more time to explore remedies to the other issues raised including traffic and parking.

"Perhaps most importantly it will allow for a dialogue between neighbors and RVC about how to coexist in a way that is respectful to all the concerns we’ve heard," said McNally.

Craig Gianetti, an attorney for RVC and Basking Ridge resident, spoke for the club at the meeting.

"In the end, all RVC is looking to do is run a first-class program for the Township of Bernards and just asks and hopes that the Township supports them in that endeavor," said Gianetti.

Ana McCarthy, who is running as a Democrat for a Township Committee seat in the upcoming November election, asked the Committee not to lose sight of the importance of recreational sport programs on kids.

The programs provide "hundreds annually with the opportunity to learn a new skill amidst their peers, achieve some success, learn what it is like to win or lose, and work as a team. Which are important life lessons," said McCarthy.

Gerard Elson of Wedgewood Drive, who had spoken at a previous meeting about issues with parking, noise, and lights, countered McCarthy's statements saying that "nobody is saying that we don't appreciate the baseball ridge club. Not one person is saying that."

Elson said he was in favor of the pilot program.

"I think that's the right way to go. Let’s find out what the impacts are," said Elson. "We have a right in our neighborhood to enjoy our backyards and everything else... I'm looking forward to seeing the baseball lease renewed but let’s do it the right way."

HOA President for residents on Fenwick Place Brian Krawitz suggested the RVC look into putting sound barriers around the batting cages. He added that residents agreed to pitch in $5,000 toward that installation.

Krawitz also suggested a lighting company come out to look at the field and adjust the lights to help those playing on the field while not shining on neighbors.

"We are not here against baseball. We are discussing quality of life standards which is a community that we all deserve," said Krawitz.

McNally noted that "immediately" after the fall baseball season, the Township Committee will readdress the renewal of the lease.

"Even though the lease doesn’t expire until May, we do not wish to let this matter linger any longer than the fall season," said McNally. "I have no doubt that we will renew the lease with the only outstanding questions related to the specific terms."

Gianetti also added that since the July 25 meeting, the President of the Ridge Baseball Club Kevin Lerner started a change.org petition for those to sign in support of the renewal of its lease. The petition has almost 900 signatures.

• Read More: Concerns Raised Over Traffic, Lights From Ridge Baseball Club Complex

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