Affordable Housing Obligations

With the exception of Committeewoman Jennifer Asay, the prior Township Committee approved the construction of one of the largest high‑density residential developments in Somerset County—574 units—with only 115 units allocated to fulfill Bernards Township’s Round 4 affordable housing obligation of 218 units.​

A development of this scale will place significant strain on our community, particularly on our schools and road infrastructure, impacts that—under New Jersey statute—municipalities are prohibited from considering when determining how to meet affordable housing obligations.

While state mandates have significantly constrained local authority in this area, and the Township cannot undo decisions made in the past, there remains an opportunity to mitigate the impact on our community and to negotiate meaningful community benefits that reflect the needs of Bernards Township residents.

Looking ahead, the Township Committee must engage in proactive, long‑term planning to ensure Bernards is not left vulnerable to even greater overdevelopment. Past administrations failed to adequately address the needs of our sizable special‑needs population—a community that is drawn to Bernards Township because of the exceptional services provided by our school district. At the same time, insufficient efforts were made to attract businesses to underutilized office and retail spaces, missing opportunities to strengthen and diversify our local tax base.

I am committed to working closely with the Township Committee to address these challenges thoughtfully and responsibly. Together, we will focus on sound planning, community‑centered solutions, and smart economic development strategies that protect our quality of life, preserve what makes Bernards Township special, and ensure it remains one of the most desirable places to live in America.