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Bernards Township adopts riparian conservation easement for 31 Mount Airy Road
Summary
On Sept. 23, 2025, the Bernards Township Committee unanimously adopted Ordinance 2586 to accept a riparian conservation easement on property at 31 Mount Airy Road (Block 2201, Lot 9), a measure the committee said will protect wetlands and waterways and notify future owners of restrictions.
The Bernards Township Committee voted unanimously on Sept. 23, 2025, to adopt Ordinance 2586, accepting a riparian conservation easement on property located at 31 Mount Airy Road (Block 2201, Lot 9).
Mayor Fields opened the public hearing on the ordinance and a resident, Nancy Dandrea of 3 Vander Drive, asked, “What is a riparian zone conservation easement?” A township official explained that such easements concern waterways and buffer zones and often restrict building and other disturbances to protect wetlands; the explanation noted the easement would be adopted by ordinance and filed with the Somerset County Clerk to notify current and future owners.
Committee members then moved and seconded adoption. Roll-call votes recorded in the meeting transcript show the five-member committee voting in favor: Ms. AC — yes; Miss Dwarte McCarthy (Anna Dwarte McCarthy) — yes; Mr. McN — yes; Mr. Tani — yes; Mayor Fields — yes. The ordinance vote carried and was ordered advertised as required by law.
The ordinance was presented as an environmental protection measure that places limits on disturbance in designated riparian areas; committee members encouraged review of mapping and consultation with the environmental commission for future easements.
Next procedural steps noted in the meeting: the ordinance record will be filed with the county clerk and the township will make the easement information available to future property owners. The committee closed the public hearing and moved on with other agenda business.
