Planning Board Discusses Ridge High School Digital Sign, Historic Building

The Bernards Township Planning Board convened on April 20 and was presented a proposal for a digital sign at Ridge High School, as well as approved plans for an amended minor subdivision on Liberty Corner Road which would preserve a historic building.

The building in question was a carriage house that was designed by John Russell Pope, the architect of the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives and Records Administration buildings in Washington, D.C. In the plans, the building will remain intact but will be partially renovated. The board unanimously approved the plans.

The issue of the digital sign at Ridge High School, which would be located above the cafeteria, visible by drivers approaching the school, became a contentious one. Although the planning board does not have to approve of the sign for it to be exhibited, they were given the opportunity to comment on the plans, putting forth a formal resolution.

The sign would be accessible remotely by network PC, and would be designed to be seen from about 20-50 feet. The plans are for a black background with red lighting.

The sign was presented by Donna Levine and Deb Duvall of the parent teacher board. The board questioned them, mostly about when the sign would be turned off. Levine stated that the plan was for it to be on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but that they were open to other suggestions.

Board member Kevin Orr pushed to issue a formal resolution in order to make the board's opinion official in case anyone was to eventually challenge the sign.

"Twenty-four seven is something that is not palatable to me," said Orr. "At night, that light could project into someone's backyard."

Three houses in particular were pointed out as being potentially within the range of the sign's light. One of the residents of one of those houses, Paraj Dhagat, was present and expressed some concerns, although he was concerned more about another sign that was not being presented, but is planned for the outside of the health department.

"We would appreciate if the PTO brought it up with the neighbors," said Dhagat.

The board resolved that the sign should be as presented – with a black background and red lights, and that it should be turned off from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., excepting emergencies, which would be decided at the discretion of the principal or by whomever is given power to control the sign.

The high school and the parent teacher board do not need to take the planning board's suggestions into consideration with regard to the exhibition of the sign, and do not need approval before putting the sign up.