Bridgewater Introduces Route 22 Starbucks Traffic Ordinance, OKs Developer Agreement

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater officials took two steps tied to a proposed Starbucks on Route 22.

On June 4, the Bridgewater Township Council introduced an ordinance that would let police enforce traffic rules on the private site and approved a developer’s agreement for the project.

The ordinance would amend the township code to add a new section for "Starbucks – 1298 Route 22" under traffic and parking in public and semipublic places.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment previously granted Bridgewater Realty II, LLC approval to construct a Starbucks with a drive-thru at 1298 Route 22 in July 2025.

Township Administrator Michael Pappas gave a brief explanation during the council meeting.

"There are times where private property owners have, in this case, had a site plan approval before a land use board. And within the site plan, it had provisions for handicap designated parking, perhaps a stop sign. And this ordinance will enable the municipal police department to enforce those uh signs as if they were on public roads," Pappas said.

Final action on the ordinance and a public hearing will be held during the June 25 Council meeting.

The Council also approved a resolution authorizing a developer’s agreement between the Township and Bridgewater Realty II, LLC for the property.

The resolution says the developer obtained preliminary and final major site plan approval, along with variances and waivers, to construct a Starbucks with drive-thru on the site.

During the discussion, council members asked about traffic access, pedestrian circulation, and earlier zoning conditions.

Township Planner Katherine Sarmad said the approval included closing the Route 22 access in front of the property and that Morgan Lane access would restrict the right turn out of the Starbucks.

She also said most pedestrian activity is expected to be internal to the larger property, and that crosswalk areas between uses were part of the site plan discussion.

11a (1) by Alexis Tarrazi

Previous Reporting:

• New Starbucks Drive-Thru Is Coming To Route 22 After Bridgewater Zoning Approval
• Bridgewater Starbucks Unveils New Site Plan, Eliminates Route 22 Entrance
• Concerns Over Fatal Crashes Send Proposed Bridgewater Starbucks Back To Drawing Board
• Proposed Bridgewater Starbucks Modifies Drive-Thru Plans To Address Traffic Concerns
• Traffic Issues With Proposed Bridgewater Starbucks To Be Addressed

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