Largest Development in Bridgewater's History Proposed

Bridgewater, NJ -- What is being called the largest development project in Bridgewater’s history was introduced at a five-hour meeting Thursday.

Just after midnight, the Bridgewater Council introduced a resolution approving a redevelopment plan that calls for a hotel, supermarket, fitness/wellness center, restaurants with outdoor dining, around 400 luxury apartment units and boutiques. The development will be built where the now-vacant 100-plus acre Sanofi-Aventis property is on Route 202/206.

The resolution was met with much debate by council members and was not passed unanimously. Council President Flipe Pedroso and Howard Norgalis both voted no.

The council meeting began with a presentation by Frank Banisch proposing the redevelopment plan for the township. The proposed development would attract young people and retirees, both of which the township are lacking, he said.

“Kids who grew up here can’t live here, Banisch said. “We are losing a third of that demorgraphic which is so prized in the market place... there is something we are not doing right. And that’s hard to say in a town doing so many things right.”

The plan would also bring jobs and ratables to the township, which is losing around $100 million each year in tax revenue since Sanofi-Aventis closed in 2012, supporters say.

Banisch compared the project to several others across the county including Livingston Town Center, Mashpee Commons in Cape Cod, Mass.; Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Md. and Washingotn Town Center in Mercer County.

The five-hour meeting had council members discussing back and forth on several key issues: traffic impacts to the area, number of apartment units and COAH housing requirements.

Housing

The original proposed project suggested 475 units but the council agreed on 400. Norgalis disagreed on the large number. Some residents also pointed to the school system for disagreement with the units.

Banisch noted Bridgeweater-Raritan School District has lost about 1,000 students over the years in enrollment and has room for more. Some residents disagreed with that number.

Michael Summer of Advance Realty added to the need for the apartments stating that the “numbers were driven by market demand.”

The apartments would be luxury, meaning they would be around a minimum of 1,000 square-feet, have high-end finishes and cost anywhere between $1,700 to $2,100.

“I’ve had four situations in the past year that would benefit totally from this type of housing,” Beth Powers, resident and member of the town’s zoning board said.

Powers pointed to her parents who are retired, a friend going through a divorce, a friend who lost her husband and her son and girlfriend who would all love a luxury apartment in the township. However she noted that there are none and the only ones around are a “total step down.“

As for the Council of Affordable Housing, Council Attorney William Savo noted that there may not even be a need for any COAH requirement with the construction of a housing development off Finderne. The council agreed on a possible 10 percent COAH requirement and the ability to lower or eliminate it if needed.

Traffic

Traffic was also a large concern. The proposed plan calls for a light to be installed at Foothill Road and also to add a lane on 202/206 south bound near the development. Savo also noted a more detailed traffic study would be conducted once the project moves forward.

There were residents who spoke on each side of the issue. Some were concerned with the close proximity to Hillside School and changing the character of the town.

Some were in support of the project saying this would be a benefit to the town.

Mike Kerwin, President of the Somerset County Business Partnership is in strong support of the plan. He pointed to the amenties Bridgewater has to offer that draw people Bridgewater Commons, Green Knoll golf course, TD ball park, open space, close proximity to Somerville and close proximity to Duke Farms.

“This project is another oportunity for Bridgewater to serve the comminty well for many decades and now we have the opportunity here to restore this site as an economic engine,” Kerwin said.

Fair to public

The biggest opponent was Pedroso, who expressed concerns about the process for approval. The plan was on the agenda for discussion and was moved to a motion of introduction without letting residents know ahead of time, he said. He wanted the council to take more time to discuss the plan and make improvemens before “rushing” to pass the resolution.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the public or fair to Bridgewater residents,” Pedroso said. “This is the largest development in Bridgewater township probably as far back as the mall... What is the rush to move this forward?”

“In every instance that a project has been scrutinized it gets better,” said Andrew Levine a resident and former planning board member. “I am urging you to get real answers before moving this project along.”

Prior to the Jan. 21 meeting, the proposed redevelopment plan came before the planning board which offered two public hearings. The plan was passed by the planning board.

The resolution will come up for public comment and a second and final reading before being finalized at the Feb.18 council meeting.

(Photos, Google Maps. Photo 1 - A similar mixed-use development in Livingston. Photo 2 - Location of proposed redevelopment project)