Bridgewater Closes 'Abandoned' Park And Ride Lot From Public Use

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater unanimously voted to close an "abandoned" and vacant park and ride lot in the township on Thursday night.

The Township Council passed the second reading of an ordinance at the Oct. 5 meeting to add the lot at the corner of Milltown Road and Route 22 East to the list of restricted parking areas after it began to attract car shows and truck parking.

The ordinance was first introduced on Sept. 21.

"This vacant parking lot was originally envisioned for a park and ride for commuter bus users. But for a variety of reasons it did not allow for safe passage of buses," said Township Administrator Michael Pappas at the Sept. 21 meeting.

"This facility does have a design flaw. Buses can not get in and out of it effectively because of the turning radius. The site was briefly used for bus service to Manhatten but was abandoned after a limited number of months in 2017," said Council President Michael Kirsh.

Over time as the lot sat vacant, Pappas said the township would see trucks, tractor-trailers, or truck cabs parked there for extended periods of time.

"I've personally noticed Corvette car shows cropping up there on Sundays, picnics. A mirad of things but parking of the trucks and cabs are of the greatest concern," said Pappas.

Councilman Howard Norgalis initially raised concerns over the lot to the administration which prompted the ordinance to allow police to enforce the lot.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.