Dear Residents,

I appreciate those of you who have contacted us regarding drone activity over our skies. I have been active with the other Mayors of the Somerset Hills as part of the Somerset Hills Safety Committee in jointly addressing this with both State and Federal officials. Following is a press release that was sent out earlier today detailing what we have been told and further action we are taking to gain answers.

Please follow the recommendation below in reporting drone activity if you should see such aircraft over or near your home.

Yours very truly,

Mark A. Corigliano, Mayor

In a further collaborative effort regarding community safety, the six municipalities of the Somerset Hills — Bedminster, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Bridgewater, Far Hills and Peapack & Gladstone, New Jersey have joined together to communicate information acquired from our State and Federal leadership regarding the alarming drone activity witnessed throughout the Somerset Hills. The municipalities have contacted Governor Murphy’s office as well as Congressman Kean’s office for updates to provide to our residents. We received the following information today:

From the Office of Governor Phil Murphy’s Office (via e-mail)
“We are taking the situation seriously and have been in touch with our federal partners as well as law enforcement at the state and federal levels. “

From the Office of Congressman Tom Kean (via e-mail press release)
Kean Calls for Federal Action to Address Unexplained Drone Activity

(December 9, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) issued a statement urging immediate federal action to address the growing concern over unexplained drone activity in New Jersey:

“I join thousands of New Jersey residents in deep frustration regarding the growing concerns over drones operating in our skies. The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now, both are being put at risk. I am calling for the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other appropriate federal agencies to deploy greater resources to investigate and address this escalating issue. Additionally, an in-depth public briefing from the authorities should take place immediately. The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected.” - Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.

There is no additional or new information that has been provided to local municipal governments or their police departments. To reiterate a previous communication issued by local police departments and provided by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office to report drone activity: “ Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit the tip online to tips.fbi.gov. Videos can be uploaded to the tip site.”

This evening, the six Mayors of the Somerset Hills will be sending a joint request to the Governor’s office requesting immediate action on this issue of great concern to us and our residents.

The Somerset Hills Public Safety Committee (an association of the Mayors and Police Chiefs of the six municipalities that comprise the Somerset Hills: Bedminster, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Bridgewater, Far Hills and Peapack & Gladstone, New Jersey.

We thank you for your concern and will be diligent in following up on this pressing issue.

For more information, contact: Somerset Hills Public Safety Committee c/o Mark Corigliano, Mayor, Borough of Peapack and Gladstone (P.O. Box 218, Peapack, NJ 07977), or by email at: mcorigliano@peapackgladstone.org. The Somerset Hills Public Safety Committee is an association of the Mayors and Police Chiefs of the six municipalities that comprise the Somerset Hills.