Bernards Proposes More Types—Not Locations—For Charity Signs

The Bernards Township Committee has proposed relaxing the rules for the type of signs that can be posted around town for charitable organizations — but not adding to the locations where such signs can be put up for special events.

The revised sign permit ordinance, if approved on second reading on Sept. 24, would allow charitable organizations to post preprinted signs that can be placed directly in the ground, similar to campaign signs, explained Mayor Carolyn Gaziano.

Currently, such organizations only are permitted to place sandwich-board type signs, she said. The number of locations throughout the township where such signs can be placed is 12, and the maximum number of signs permitted is six, township officials said.

"Preprinted signs tend to be easier to read, and for groups to acquire," Gaziano said.

Township Administrator Bruce McArthur said that organizations are required to acquire permits event before putting up permitted signs.

But there is no intention of expanding the permitted locations for such signs, officials said on Monday.

"We occasionally see signs placed on the green in the center of town or in Liberty Corner," said Deputy Mayor John Carpenter. "As a war memorial [at both locations], it's inappropriate," he said.

Carpenter asked if the ordinance could be revised to specify that signs should be kept off the memorial greens in both Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner, "to let people know."

The feeling has been that by specifying certain locations are off limits, residents may end up believing that signs can be put up everywhere except those spots, he was told.