Bernards Township pledges action after pedestrian struck on Allen Road; residents present 1,200-signature petition

Mayor Janice Fields and members of the Bernards Township Committee on Nov. 25 heard pleas from residents and pledged to press county engineers and local police for changes after a pedestrian was struck on Allen Road on Oct. 31 and later died.

Resident Sanjay Berry told the committee he and other neighbors have submitted a petition signed by roughly 1,200 residents asking for short- and long-term safety improvements. "We've also lost 2 other dogs to my knowledge over the years," Berry said. "In my viewpoint ... nothing has been done."

Other residents urged immediate steps short of full engineering studies. "More police presence, more enforcement of the current speed limit would be greatly appreciated up in that section where people are getting hurt," said Sherry Nelson, who said the most recent crash occurred just behind her house. Nelson also raised concerns about dark stretches of roadway near the crossing where the victim was struck and asked the committee to help coordinate lighting fixes with HOAs and the county.

Anand Rai, another resident, asked for a clear short- and long-term plan and status updates so the community can continue to advocate. "If there is a plan, a short term or long term, we would appreciate if we can get that so we can continue together," Rai said.

Deputy Mayor Andrew McNally said the township has been in regular contact with county partners, the police department, public works and engineering staff to evaluate improvements. "Members of this committee have been in contact with our county partners, our police department, our public works department, our engineering department," McNally said. "I can say with confidence that meaningful improvements will be forthcoming. This will be in partnership with the county." He added that the township is also examining actions within its jurisdiction that can be implemented sooner.

Committee members extended condolences to the victim's family and reinforced that some changes require county action. "We hear you," the committee said, noting that engineering solutions on this stretch are largely a county responsibility but promising continued coordination and communications in the coming weeks.

No ordinance or formal roadway measure was introduced or voted on at the Nov. 25 meeting. The township approved two ceremonial resolutions during the session: one honoring Mayor Janice Fields on the conclusion of her term and another recognizing David Tancredi for years of service. The committee approved the consent agenda and the Nov. 11 open-session minutes and then adjourned.

Next steps the committee described include continued communications with county engineers, targeted police enforcement in the short term, and follow-up updates to residents on plans and timing.