Bernardsville planning board recommends Church Street area as 'in need of redevelopment'

The Bernardsville Planning Board voted June 30 to recommend that the borough council declare the Church Street/Morristown Road study area an "area in need of redevelopment" following a planner's finding that portions of Block 66 meet multiple statutory criteria.

Redevelopment planner Jessica Broadwell presented the June 30, 2026 study and said the analysis found that "Block 66 met criteria a, d, h, and section 3," citing observed physical deterioration, land‑value to improvement ratios, and consistency with smart‑growth principles. Board members debated the sufficiency of the evidence and whether the library parking lot and access should be included in the study area. The chair emphasized the board's advisory role: the board makes a recommendation and the governing body makes the final designation.

Public testimony spanned concerns about property conditions, traffic, sewer capacity and potential loss of parking. Library advocates warned that removing roughly 11 parking spots would hurt operations; a library representative said, "Losing 11 spots would be damaging to our community." Several residents asked for additional traffic and fiscal studies before council acts. Board members said the designation only starts a process; any redevelopment plan, parking changes or pilot agreements would come later and remain subject to council approval.

The board's motion to recommend designation passed by roll call; the board directed staff to prepare a resolution memorializing the recommendation to borough council. The recommendation is advisory — the council will decide whether to accept, modify or reject the planning board's finding at a future meeting.