Public Hearing, Vote On Electronic Monument Billboard Rescheduled

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A public hearing and final vote on whether to erect an electronic monument billboard on Bridgewater Township property, bringing in $1 million in revenue for taxpayers, was postponed.

The hearing had been on the agenda for the March 16 meeting, however, it was postponed to April 20, said Council President Michael Kirsh at the beginning of the Thursday night meeting.

The postponement was due to the public hearing requiring a 200-foot property notice to be sent out beforehand, Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar told Patch.

While the hearing was postponed three residents shared their concerns over the monument display that will look similar to the one erected in Raritan Township in Hunterdon County along Route 202.

Wendy Pinchinson said the sign in Raritan Township, is "quite an eyesore, it's very bright at night, very distracting. I'm concerned about it being erected where it is proposed in the township."

Pinchinson also pointed to Bridgewater's seal that states "scenic" as one of the descriptions of the township.

"The monument display, AKA electronic billboard, does not scream scenic to me," said Pinchinson.

Kathy Franco questioned the township about how the $1 million one-time payment will be used.

"The general consensus throughout Bridgewater, I’ve heard, is discontent with this idea," said Franco.

John Arcelo also claimed the monument would abut Kidstreet and require trees to be removed.

Councilman Timothy Ring suggested the township share more information on the monument for residents to avoid misinformation being shared.

"We had someone suggest this is next to Kidstreet tonight which we know it's not. Some suggested the billboard would be like Las Vegas with light shows, which we know they are not. I had someone today on the phone complaining about nighttime, who didn’t realize it would be turned off for 8 hours a day," said Ring.

Ring asked the administration to share more and "accurate" information on the monument display with the public prior to the April 20 public hearing and final vote.

"Some people have valid concerns and some people have concerns because they are getting inaccurate information," said Ring.

When Patch asked the township Friday for more detailed information on the monument such as rendering, size, etc. Winegar said the township will be putting "something out to the public next week."

At the March 2 meeting, the township council previously 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. Related: Electronic Monument Billboard To Be Erected In Bridgewater

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.

Along with the one-time lump sum payment of $1 million to the township, Bridgewater Township Attorney Christopher Corsini said the township would also receive $1,000 a month over the 30-year lease.

The April 20 Council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at 100 Commons Way. All Council Meetings are held in person, with the ability to livestream via RingCentral.com. Members of the public will be able to see and hear the meeting but will have no ability to interact or provide testimony.

1. Download RingCentral meetings on preferred device: https://www.ringcentral.com/ap...
2. At the advertised start time of the meeting, enter: https://webinar.ringcentral.co... into your browser.
3. For listening only, Please Dial: +1(470)869-2200 Webinar ID: 145 265 0232

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