New Businesses, Veterans Housing: Top Berkeley Stories Of 2024

BERKELEY, NJ — It was a busy year in Berkeley, and a lot happened. From a new animal sanctuary opening, to new neighborhoods being approved, to the loss of one of our most iconic residents, we went through a lot.

As 2024 comes to a close, Patch has rounded up some of the year's most-read articles. Click the headlines to read the full stories.

4 Businesses Confirmed For Updated Beachwood Mall

Additional plans for the redevelopment of the former Beachwood Mall were approved by the Berkeley Township Planning Board, including the confirmation of four new businesses: Taco Bell, Bojangles, Burger King and Sparks Car Wash.

Neighbors Rally To Stop Development On Tallwood Way In Berkeley

A group of neighbors are challenging the prior approval of a variance on Tallwood Way that would pave the way for the construction of a 24-apartment complex. It's a "David and Goliath story," according to Mike Baldi, who along with his wife Anne and neighbor Kelly Czupkiewicz filed a lawsuit against the Berkeley Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and the applicants, 2310 Highway 9 LLC and La Pierre LLC, who went before the board seeking approvals earlier this year.

Bayville Restaurant Owner, Fishing Icon, Dies After Hit-And-Run

An Ocean County fishing legend and restaurant owner died after being struck in a hit-and-run in September. Bob Popovics, 75, died from injuries received in the crash on Sept. 23.

Veterans Housing Development Moving Forward In Berkeley

Non-profit organization Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity that supports Gold Star and fallen first responder families, went before the Berkeley Township Zoning Board of Adjustment to seek approval of the 99-unit apartment complex and 24 one-story single family homes on Sloop Creek Road. It was approved, and local veterans and supporters have voiced how thrilled they are to have such a complex in Bayville - the first of its kind in all of New Jersey.

Family Of Bullied Bayville Teen Sues District 1 Year After Her Death

A video of Adriana Kuch being attacked in the hallways of Central Regional High School was spread on social media. Two days later the 14-year-old took her own life, and now her family has filed suit. Kuch’s family has announced the filing of a lawsuit against the district, school officials and former Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides, who they say knew there was a bullying problem and did nothing to prevent it.

Sanctuary Offers Animals In Need A New Lease On Life In Berkeley

Alpacas, cows, emus and more: you may be surprised to find an array of nearly 200 animals right here in Bayville. These animals - abused and neglected, some facing the slaughterhouse - were rescued by Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary, located on Mill Creek Road.