Bridgewater Mayor Has 'Hope' As Township Faces Challenges In 2021

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench said despite the many challenges the township will face in 2021, he has hope.

Moench delivered his annual state-of-the-township during the reorganization meeting on Monday night where he announced his upcoming initiatives.

"I still have hope. Hope that Bridgewater will remain the same place I love and cherish and hope that we together can make it even better than it was before the pandemic changed our way of life," said Moench.

Some of the challenges the township will face include the continued legal battle with Advance Realty over the controversial Center of Excellence project off Route 202/206. Read More: Advance Realty Appeals Center Of Excellence Court Ruling

Budget issues are also a concern.

"There is a lot to look forward to in 2021 but the challenges the township faces do not end with the turning of the calendar year, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to wreak havoc on the township revenue and will again face a difficult budget landscape in 2021," said Moench.

The township has already faced a loss in revenue with businesses struggling and closing in 2020.

To help offset this, Moench said the township has already taken some actions including the sale of the Redwood Inn property, introducing package liquor licenses, and passing an ordinance seeking roughly $941,000 in bonds from the state to help cover any revenue deficits. Read More: Bridgewater Seeks $941K In Coronavirus Relief As Revenues Drop

"We will do everything in our power and our abilities to prevent our financial burden to be passed on to you," said Moench.

The township is also facing a financial issue associated with the sewer rates. The township has not raised the flat sewer rate charged to residents in years and is looking to find a way to best address this. Moench is planning several public forums to come up with a plan for the system including selling it or changing the ways the rates are calculated.

Moench noted a number of changes or improvements to come in 2021 including:

• Updating the master plan and the open space master plan, for properties like Camp Cromwell
• Updating the township website
• Increasing the focus on substance abuse and awareness in the township
• Finding ways to stimulate the small business community by reinvigorating the "Shop Bridgewater" program and starting an annual Bridgewater Restaurant Week

"Bridgewater faces many challenges, like all towns in this day and age but I have hope," said Moench. "I encourage everyone listening to have hope. Because only through a positive outlook can we see now unrealized opportunities and the possibilities of our entire community."

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