BERNARDS TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
The BTDC Beat
FEBRUARY 2024
 
true blue
Aarya Raval & Lucy Brodkin
 
The Ridge Democrats is a high school club in capable hands with its president, Aarya Raval at the helm and volunteers like Lucy Brodkin energizing its ranks. Both Aarya and Lucy are juniors at Ridge, and they share a heart-felt interest in promoting democratic values among their peers. Read more → 
 
By Jen Aaron
 
 
municipal matters
Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy 
 
Hello! 
 
The Township Committee reorganization meeting was held Tuesday, January 2nd.  There were many enthusiastic members of the BTDC in attendance. Thank you for being there!!  The swearings-in that evening included Gary Baumann (Rep), and me as Township Committeepersons; Jen Asay as Mayor, and Janice Fields as Deputy Mayor. 
 
The January 9th meeting was cancelled in light of weather, and business was carried into the January 23rd meeting. Highlights of the 1/23 meeting were:
  • Passage of Resolution #2024-0127, Muslim Heritage Month Celebration, recognizing January as Muslim heritage month in Bernards Township. Ali Chaudry along with family and members of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge received the resolution.  Mr. Chaudry thanked the Township and shared the opportunity for ongoing partnership with the Muslim community.
  • Passage of Resolution #2024 awarding a re-bid for construction of an elevator at town hall. This will bring the town hall in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
  • Mayor Asay’s statement on auto thefts. This will be a primary focus considering resident concerns.  More on Mayor Asay’s comments as well as a link to a safety tips sheet are provided within the January 26th Patch article.
Other TC highlights:
There was a forum with NJ State Senator Jon Bramnick, D21, to hear more about legislative efforts on auto theft.  During the 45-minute Zoom call, Senator Bramnick emphasized the benefit of municipalities working together to elevate concerns to county and state legislators, as well as seeking support from resources, such as the County Sheriff.  The Bernards Police Department will make a presentation to residents on February 22nd, 7pm, at Town Hall, as part of the Understanding Bernards series.
 
Coming Up:
Did you know Bernards Township turns 265 years old in 2025?  A “Patriotic Anniversary Committee” will be identifying opportunities for celebrating this milestone, all leading up to the country’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.  Stay tuned for info on how you can get involved.
 
The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is requesting input on planning for people aged 60+; caregivers and people living with disabilities. Take the Survey today!  
 
Get In touch with any questions or concerns: (201) 306-0178
Email: amccarthy@bernards.org. Please note that all correspondence sent will be visible to the full Township Committee and Clerk.
Follow on Social Media:  Instagram  Facebook
 
 
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FEATURE
150 Allen Road Update 
 
When the Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment convenes its special meeting Thursday, February 15 at 7:30 pm, it will pick up the proposed 150 Allen Road development hearing where it left off on Jan. 3. The proposal concerns an application made by Signature Acquisition, LLC, of Cranford, whose traffic expert is scheduled to field questions from lawyers of opponents and members of the public. Read more → 
 
By MJ Walsh
 
 
county dispatch
Demmy Awards 
 
Please consider attending this year’s Demmy Awards! Click here for more information.
County volunteers will be recognized and honored in the following areas:
  • Lifetime Achievement
  • Community Service
  • Social Activism
  • Outstanding Volunteer
  • Campaign Excellence
  • Most Enthusiastic
  • Best Karaoke Performance
For more information on other upcoming SCDC Events: https://somersetcountydemocrats.org
 
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on the docket
February
 
  • February Events @  Bernards Township Library
  • February 8, BTDC Open Meeting, 7pm @ Basking Ridge Public Library
  • February 12, Board of Education Meeting, 7pm @ Ridge PAC
  • February 13, Township Committee Meeting, 7:30pm @ Municipal Building
  • February 13, CD7 Candidate Forum, 7pm @ Bridgewater Marriott
  • February 15, Board of Adjustment Special Meeting Re: 150 Allen Road, 7:30pm @ Municipal Building
  • February 22, Understanding Bernards:  Police Department (focus on recent break-ins and theft), 7pm @ Municipal Building
  • February 26, Board of Education Meeting, 7pm @ Ridge Cafeteria
  • February 27, Township Committee Meeting, 7:30pm @ Municipal Building
 
 
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Paid for by the Bernards Township Democratic Committee