209 Trees To Be Cut For Proposed Self Storage Facility In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The removal of trees was among the concerns raised over a proposed three-story self-storage facility that is looking to replace Melick's farm stand and the long-vacant Tectonic building in Bridgewater.

The Bridgewater Township Board of Zoning Adjustment heard the application filed by Bridgewater Storage LLC at its Tuesday night meeting.

"What we are proposing to do by way of this application is remove all of the existing improvements on the site, consolidate the two lots into one new building lot, and on the new building lot develop a three-story self-storage building that would be served by 21 parking spaces," said Matthew Capizzi, the applicant's attorney.

The applicant is proposing to consolidate the properties at 351 Route 28 (occupied by Melick's Town Farm) and 322 Route 22(vacant office building previously occupied by Tectonic.

The farmstand and Tectonic buildings would be demolished in order to construct a new 120,570 square-foot, three-story self-storage facility.

Capizzi noted that the sole means of ingress and egress onto the property would be off of Route 22.

"We’re trying to, by way of the application, maintain much of the existing buffer along Route 28 and supplementing that as part of this application," said Capizzi.

Engineer for the applicants, Matthew Kunsman, explained the variances needed for the site including a variance for the new building setback from Route 22. The application is proposing a 100-foot setback where 200 feet is required.

"Why we are proposing a variance for this from Route 22. We wanted to position the building as far away from the residents across from Route 28," said Kunsman. "We want to honor and respect that setback on the Route 28 frontage."

Additionally, Kunsman noted there will be no outside storage of cars, boats, or construction material.

One topic of contention arose when Zoning Board Chairman Jeffrey Foose asked about who the operator of the property would be and if they would comply with the terms the applicant was proposing for the property.

"How do we know that this operator - to be selected - is gonna have the same things that you are testifying as part of their policy and procedure?" said Foose.

"It’ll be a requirement," said Capizzi.

"So everything we are saying will be a condition of a stipulation?" asked Foose.

"Correct. It’ll be a condition of approval," said Capizzi.

The Board also raised concerns about tree removal.

The applicant is proposing to remove 209 trees, and Bridgewater is requiring them to replace those trees with 302 new trees. However, the applicant is only proposing to replace 171 trees, or 131 fewer trees than required.

"I do see room for improvement on that number. I don’t believe I will have a zero tree deficit," said Kunsman.

Foose expressed his frustration with the applicant.

"I don’t want any deficit. In fact, I want a surplus. You should do 402 trees. This is a friggin' farm stand. So what can you do here?" said Foose. "You come in here and you are taking out 209 trees, Bridgewater is making you put 302, and you’re 50 percent deficient. Come on."

Foose pointed to the room where multiple residents sat in the audience.

"Look at the people in this room, they are losing a farm stand. It’s part of the charm of why you move to a neighborhood and I think applicants need to be good neighbors."

Capizzi ultimately told the Board the applicant "will work on it and come back."

The application hearing will be continued at the July 8 zoning board meeting at 7 p.m.

The Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment are held in person at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, and streamed live on the Bridgewater Township YouTube channel which can be viewed by clicking on the video stream labeled “Bridgewater Zoning Board” at @BridgewaterNewJersey.

To see all of the documents associated with the storage facility application click here.

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