Rooftop Bar Nixed, Size Reduced For Cafe Emilia's Proposed Addition

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Cafe Emilia has reduced the size of its plans to expand its restaurant on Route 202 and build a banquet hall following residents' concerns.

The applicant's architect, Kraig Kalashian, spoke at the Tuesday night Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting sharing details of the new plan.

"We reduced the size of the building. We decreased the impervious coverage, and we decreased the size of the courtyard between the buildings," said Kalashian.

The restaurant, established in 1999 at 705 Route 202, is proposing to demolish a church on a neighboring property and combine the lots. Then add a 100-seat banquet hall, a 30-seat bar, and a courtyard area, creating a two-story building.

The building square footage is being reduced from 16,773 square feet to 10,337 square feet.

"It's this size because it's designed to support the operation and the operation is not intended to try to just cram as many people in the building. We're trying to run an efficient business here," said Kalashian.

The banquet hall is proposed to be 2,100 square feet, which Kalashian said that in comparison to most banquet facilities, "this is actually quite small."

Additionally, Kalashian said the rooftop bar was removed and is now an enclosed space. There are also no windows or any sort of openings on the south side of the building to prevent any noise disruption to neighbors.

The bar was relocated to the north side of the building, which is closer to Route 202.

"We've come back and reduced the size of the building because we want to work with the Board we want to work with the neighbors," said Kalashian.

Parking was raised as an issue with residents concerned that overflow would end up on Charlotte Drive.

Kalashian noted that if you combined both the church's and the restaurant's occupancy it would be 242 people allowed with only 39 spots.

"The proposal that we're advocating for at present is a site occupancy of 180 persons with 51 parking spaces. I believe the question came up that we're proposing a more intense use. We're actually trying to decrease the intensity of the site from a pure number standpoint," said Kalashian. "Our goal is to get cars off of Charlotte Drive by increasing the parking spaces."

The applicant is seeking 10 variances and six design waivers for the project.

The meeting will be carried to May 26 at 7 p.m.

Previous Reporting:

• Parking, Size Issues Raised Over Cafe Emilia's Proposed Expansion In Bridgewater
• Plans To Expand Bridgewater's Cafe Emilia Presented To Zoning Board
• 100-Seat Banquet Hall, Bar Addition Proposed At Bridgewater Restaurant On Route 202

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