Bridgewater Mayor Hayes Bids Farewell To Residents: Video

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Mayor Daniel Hayes is bidding farewell to residents after serving the township since 2012.

"I wish to thank you all of you again for the opportunity to serve you. I will always be at your service. From my family to yours I wish you the best of the holiday season and a joyous, prosperous new year. Thank you. God Bless Bridgewater," Hayes said.

During his farewell Hayes went on to mention his numerous accomplishments over his eight years serving as mayor.

He is known for preserving 3,600 acres of land for parks and recreation and attracting several successful companies to the township including Nestle. (See Related: Nestle to Open New Location in Bridgewater)

He also noted his accomplishments in improving roads in the township.

"We have established Bridgewater Township as an exemplary community," Hayes said.

He is also known for spearheading the development of the controversial Center of Excellence project at the now-vacant 100-plus acre Sanofi-Aventis property on Route 202/206. The project was recently passed on Dec 10 and calls for building a hotel, supermarket, fitness/wellness center, restaurants with outdoor dining, around 400 luxury apartment units and boutiques. (See Related: Bridgewater Passes Center Of Excellence Project: UPDATE)

The COE project ended up being Hayes' ultimate demise when voters ousted him in the primary and voted instead for now-incoming mayor Republican Matthew Moench.

Hayes was first elected as Councilman in 2010 and later elected as Mayor in 2012. Hayes has been a Bridgewater resident for more than 20 years living in the township with wife Diana and three daughters.

Watch Mayor Hayes' full farewell to residents below:

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