Neighbors Oppose PSE&G Plan To Build Driveway Access In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Tucked away on the eastern end of Bridgewater near the Middlesex border is an "old-timey, family neighborhood" called Thomae Park.

One resident called it a "hidden gem."

Yet about 40 residents were at the Aug. 1 Bridgewater Council meeting to express their concerns over PSE&G's possible plans to construct a second driveway access to its substation located along Route 22 East.

Nancy Yuzuik, who lives on Sebring Avenue, said the idea is to build a two-lane paved driveway with fencing, lighting, and a guard house off the Sebring Avenue cul-de-sac.

PSE&G has not submitted a formal application to the Bridgewater Planning Board but had planned to hold a concept meeting to discuss this possibility at the Aug. 9 meeting. That meeting has since been canceled. The next planning board meeting will be on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.

Yuzuik said allowing this construction would open the door to allow PSE&G vehicles to come through the streets are all hours of the day.

"It is just not necessary. It will ruin our neighborhood," said Yuzuik.

"They want to egregiously increase traffic and noise in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood for what?" said Carol Wisniewski who lives in the area. "They want to sacrifice the safety and quiet of our neighborhood for their convenience. That is not being a good neighbor."

Many residents spoke about how quiet the neighborhood is with children and adults walking or biking in the street.

One little girl who lives off Park Avenue asked to preserve her quiet neighborhood.

"I think PSE&G should not make our road into a highway because me and my family go to the road. We even made a name for it. We call it a washing machine because it is a circle," said the girl.

Erica Caughron described Thomae Park as a "wonderful, old-timey family neighborhood that you just can't find anywhere."

"I don't want to see it ruined for families who have been there for 20 years and for new families that will move in because it is a great place to raise their kids," said Caughron.

Councilman Michael Kirsh assured residents their sentiments would be passed on to the planning board.

"I can guarantee you that when this matter is heard before the planning board there will be great scrutiny. There will be hard-hitting questions being asked. Your concerns certainly will be addressed," said Kirsh.

Councilman Timothy Ring encouraged residents to come out to the planning board meeting "to have your voices heard."

This isn't the first time this neighborhood has rallied together. In 2016, the neighbors opposed PSE&G's plan to build a roaf to access a 74,950-square-foot data control center, next to the substation on Route 22. The data station plan was ultimately approved but the road was not.

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