Droves Of Residents Object To Allen Road Manufacturing Building In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Residents came out in droves on Wednesday night to object to Signature Acquisitions, LLC’s application to remove an existing office building and build two new buildings for light industrial/manufacturing and office space off Allen Road in Bernards Township.

“I am opposed to this application because I believe that the high volume of tractor-trailer traffic will be dangerous, especially to teen drivers like my son. Considering that this specific location is on a hill and a blind curve. It will not be safe for any of us. I think it will have an overall negative impact on our safety and quality of life,” said resident Sherry Nelson at the Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.

This is the first time, since the application was first heard in early 2023, that the public has had the chance to fully express their feelings on the proposed project.

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Signature is proposing to remove the existing 174,546-square-foot office building and build two new buildings at 150 Allen Road. The new buildings would consist of 97,185 square feet of light-industrial/manufacturing space and 30,792 square feet of office space.

There would also be 24 trailer loading spaces(12 at each building) and 328 parking spaces.

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Marcelo Camocardi, who lives on Huntington Road, referred to data from Realtor.com that ranked Basking Ridge as the fourth hottest real estate market for home-buying in 2024.

“We want to preserve that… because this is a residential, peaceful, beautiful community. We host the best school systems among the U.S. and Allen Road specifically hosts Mount Prospect[school],” said Camocardi, who noted the dangers of having trucks on the roads near small children.

“There is nothing this community can benefit from this manufacturing building,” said Camocardi.

Judy Pasnik, who lives in senior development Fellowship Village, asked the Board, “Why should this application be granted with so many amendments? Most of which will be detrimental to the health, the environment, safety, and quality of life in a large section of Bernards Township.”

Madhavi Chikka of Gordon Place also expressed concerns over the plans to cut down more than 600 trees.

“We already have existing drainage problems, stormwater management problems near Allen road and Martinsville,” said Chikka. “If anyone looks back to Hurricane Ida, we were inundated with water.”

She also added that the removal of trees increase the traffic noise coming from Interstate 78 to residents in the area “disturbing the quality of life.”

Board Chairwoman Jeanmarie Genirs wrapped up the meeting thanking the 40 residents who spoke and were respectful with their comments on Wednesday.
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The hearing will continue at the Board’s special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17. It will begin with public comment and then follow with attorneys on both sides to do their summations before the Board can deliberate.

For more information on the proposed project click here.

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