Electronic Monument Billboard To Be Erected In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — An electronic monument billboard is set to be erected on Bridgewater Township property, bringing in $1 million in revenue for taxpayers.

The township council unanimously voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to award a lease to 100 Commons L Bridgewater LH, LLC to construct the display on the municipal complex site visible to Route 202/206 near the Interstate 287 merge.

"It would serve as a gateway to the town," said Bridgewater Township Attorney Christopher Corsini.

Corsini noted the monument display will look similar to the one erected in Raritan Township in Hunterdon County along Route 202.

The display would have Bridgewater Township's name on the top and not only feature advertisements but also township messages - such as for town events, activities, etc. - as well.

"For me personally, that is an incremental value. One of the challenges that Bridgewater has is that we do not have a defined downtown as may be the case in other communities," said Council President Michael Kirsh. "As a result distribution of public information can also be a challenge. I see this as one way to get pertinent and as well as emergent information out to the public."

Councilman Timothy Ring said the display could also be used to publish emergency alerts and notifications to residents. He added that the township can regulate what sort of advertising appears on the billboard as well.

"The township does have some - through the terms of the agreement - some oversight as it relates to adult or sexually oriented ads or hate speech or inappropriate language," said Ring.

Along with the lump sum of $1 million to the township, Corsini said the township would also receive $1,000 a month over the 30-year lease.

"We've had our eye on bringing this small piece of property up to productive use for the great benefit of the Bridgewater taxpayer for some time," said Corsini. "We are quite pleased on the number on the bid."

Councilman Filipe Pedroso said that he had some concerns with the billboard as he was worried "Bridgewater could become a billboard community with billboards up everywhere."

However, he added the monetary value outweighs his concern.

"It's hard to lose fact that this is a phenomenal financial deal to the township," said Pedroso.

A public hearing before the second and final vote on the ordinance will be held at the March 16 council meeting.

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