BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Droves of residents spoke out in opposition to a proposal to build a self-storage facility and replace Melick's Farm Stand and the long-vacant Tectonic building in Bridgewater.
The application, filed by Bridgewater Self Storage LLC, seeks preliminary and final site plan approval, bulk variances and a D1 use variance at 351 Route 28 and 322 Route 22.
Attorney Matthew Capizzi, who represents the applicant, told the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment at the July 14 meeting that the plan would consolidate the two lots into one building lot, remove the existing improvements and construct a self-storage facility with 15 parking spaces.
He said the property totals a little over five and a half acres and is currently improved with "the tectonic building, which has been vacant for quite some time, a single-family dwelling, and the Melik farm stand."
The site is in the C3 commercial zone, where self-storage is not a permitted use, and the application needs a D1 use variance and an F variance, along with relief from a 200-foot setback requirement along Route 22 because the building is proposed at 100 feet.
According to Capizzi, the application was revised after discussions with the board, professionals and the public.
He said the plan now removes rollup doors facing Route 28, includes one internal loading dock on the westerly side, reduces the building height to 31 feet and improves the landscaped buffer along Route 28.
He also said the project would have no public access from Route 28 and would be accessed only from Route 22, with an emergency fire access lane added at the fire department’s request.
During public comment, most speakers urged the board to reject the proposal.
Stuart Yusem of Purcell Road said the farm stand and residence are not a property and are not vacant.
"Consequently, what the applicant proposes to do by removing that is to destroy the public welfare, not enhance it," said Yuesm.
Phyllis Kalmback, an employee of Melick’s Farmstand, said, "I don't feel like there is a need" for the storage facility.
She noted a storage facility up for approval on Milltown Road and another one approved by the Zoning Board in June 2024 for Chimney Rock Self Storage to raze the existing office building between Donahue Avenue and Route 22 to construct a three-story 129,000-square-foot self-storage building with 876 units on the 3.44-acre site.
Rebecca Melick, who has run Melick’s Town Farm with her family for the past 22 years, said that "this historic building has been a seasonal farm market for literally generations."
"What we do affects others. The farm market serves as a familiar touchstone of old-time Bridgewater as the town has grown and developed. The farm market is a place where neighbors and friends meet, pick up fresh corn for dinner, Jersey tomatoes for the perfect sandwich, juicy peaches at the peak of summer, and during the fall, our famous apple cider, many varieties of apples, and of course, the pumpkin patch for their children's first pumpkin," said Melick.
"As a 10th-generation farmer, I have some advice, words of advice for this board. Farming is a business unlike any other. We are custodians of the land. We understand the importance of sustainability. We wake up every morning with responsibilities that can't wait," said Melick.
Melick urged the Board to vote against the application.
"If you want to sustain the vibrant and peaceful beauty of Bridgewater, think like a farmer. Focused on the long-term plan for preservation and the effect that will have on literally everything. Sustainability matters as much here as it does on my farm. Ignoring it comes with consequences. You will reap what you sow," said Melick.
Residents from Bogard Drive, Kaiser Lane, Limerock Road and other nearby streets raised concerns about tree removal, traffic, flooding, noise and the effect on the neighborhood.
Rohit Khurana of Bogard Drive said, "You cannot replace decades-old established tree canopy and its power to mitigate stormwater runoff to anchor soils against erosion and reduce ambient light and noise with small fragile saplings and strawberries."
He also told the board, "Even with the revised proposal, they cannot meet the required 75 percent evergreen plantings mandated. Their best number is 51 percent.”
One resident spoke in favor.
Joseph Vince of Sunset Ridge said the property is "really being underutilized" and called the proposal "a low-intensity use."
He added, "I think that this is actually a good use of the property."
As the hour grew late, the board announced the hearing would be continued on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. before the Board renders a final vote.
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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