Residents Split Over Future Of Lord Stirling Drive Property In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township residents offered sharply different views on the future of the 99 Lord Stirling Road property at a recent Committee meeting.

At the Aug. 11 meeting, residents discussed ideas ranging from special-needs housing to keeping the current zoning in place, while nearby condominium board members said they have not logged any complaints tied to the property.

One resident from Riverside Drive said she was reminded of past discussion around the former Verizon property and urged the township to consider a special needs use at the Lord Stirling School site.

A film studio, which included housing for 16 adults with special needs and a workforce development and education space for those adults with special needs, was previously floated and ultimately voted down by the Township Committee in December 2024.

She said families have raised concerns about where young adults will go after aging out of high school special needs programs and what would happen to them if parents die.

She quoted Basking Ridge resident Jon Rocker who is trying to improve the long-abandoned, vacant, and vandalized Lord Stirling School property.

His plan includes building 10 units of age-restricted housing and housing for those with special needs, which would equate to 20 credits in the Township's affordable housing obligation.

However, the plan needs Planning Board approval since the use is not approved for the property.

She asked whether the township could work with Rocker and an organization such as The Arc of Somerset County.

John Gregor, who said he lives off Village Drive and is president of the Lord Stirling Condominium Association board of trustees, told the township committee he reviewed the association’s complaint records with its property manager.

"We do not have one issue, not one concern, not one complaint about any activity going on at 99 Lord Sterling Road," Gregor said.

He also said, "No arrests have ever been made on the property."

Gregor objected to the use of the word "abandoned" for the site and said, based on what he could see, the owner is known, taxes and utility bills are being paid, and the property is secured.

Ken Atkinson, who said he lives off Village Drive and serves as vice president of the Lord Stirling Village board, said he opposes increasing development at the site.

"I'm not against development, but I am against the development at the Lord school," Atkinson said.

He added, "Less is more, and I think less is more for this community."

Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said a resolution passed by the township committee in November 2025 allowed review of the property as an area in need of redevelopment.

She said the Planning Board will take that question up in the fall at a public hearing.

"The decision by the planning board would be whether or not it is an area in need of redevelopment," McCarthy said.

She said the matter would then return to the township committee, which would consider what, if anything, is developed there.

A planning board meeting date for the review of the redevelopment of the Lord Stirling property has not been set as of Monday.

Lord Stirling School Plan Controversary

The property and proposed plan for the property has been under much discussion from residents both in favor and against it.

Those in favor point to the addition of special needs housing in the Township. Those opposed have pointed to the neglect of maintenance of the property and less development.

Previous Reporting:

• Neighbors Urge Maintenance, Oppose Redevelopment Of Lord Stirling Property
• Neighbors Oppose Plan For Former Lord Stirling School In Basking Ridge

• NJ Man's Vision For Special Needs Housing At A Stand Still In Basking Ridge

• Abandoned, Vacant 'Eye Sore' Lord Stirling Property Seeks Bernards Township Help
• Investigation Of Vacant Lord Stirling Property Moves Forward In Bernards Township

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