13 Affordable Units Added To Age-Restricted Community Proposed In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — More units are being added to the proposed age-restricted townhome development and expansion of the Jewish Community Center of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren(JCC) off Route 202/206 in Bridgewater.

The Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment heard the continuation of the application from 821 Bridgewater LLC and JCC at the Aug. 12 meeting.

Kevin Coakley, who is representing the applicants, said the plan has once again changed to develop the 15-acre property consisting of two lots at 321 and 831 Route 202/206. This includes the space where the Alstede farm stand has been since they opened in April 2021.

Coakley noted that a two-story building with 13 affordable units is being added to the plan that already had 51 age-restricted townhomes proposed.

"The last hearing I heard very strongly from the Board that that was not a desirable proposal," said Coakley, of why they added the affordable housing to its previous proposal.

The affordable housing units would go toward the Township's affordable housing obligation with the state.

This is the third time the plan has changed since being introduced last year. The townhome development, to be called the Venue at Bridgewater, started out with 64 units before being reduced to 60 and then reduced to 52 units.

The project is now expanding to its original number of 64 units.

The applicant's engineer, Robert Moschello, also shared that the plan is adding an outdoor amenity space with a large patio area, gazebo, and seating. Sidewalks are also being added to the exterior perimeter of the property with crosswalks.

Stormwater management was once again raised as a concern.

Board President Jeffrey Foose noted that the slope of the property is "substantial" and could impact water runoff to nearby homes.

"You are going to have six properties directly involved that if this doesn’t go well on a rainy day, this could be a bad situation," said Foose.

Bridgewater Township Engineer Bill Burr said that he had raised concerns previously about stormwater.

Burr added that the full engineering on the plan hasn't been completed yet and the stormwater plan wouldn't get fully vetted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Township until the project reaches the site plan phase.

"That’s not a risk that the Board and Township can take based on the recent history of the storm events we have been getting. That’s why I have those concerns," said Burr.

The plan is also proposing to remove 407 trees for the project which Burr said will also have a "big impact on stormwater."

"And then when you talk FAR[Floor Area Ratio] and impervious coverage values that are proposed at three times what the ordinance currently allows. You add all of that stuff up, and something has got to give," said Burr.

Moschello assured the Board that the plan includes adding eight stormwater basins "that are designed to attenuate and reduce that runoff to rates that are equal to what the existing runoff leaving the site under a wooded condition today."

Additionally, Moschello said that once the site plan is completed the NJDEP and the Township can comment on the stormwater plans to make changes.

"Ultimately, before those plans are signed both agencies and organizations will have looked at the plan and will have commented on the stormwater system, and we will have addressed all their concerns before the plans are signed," said Moschello.

The application was ultimately carried to the Zoning Board's Nov. 25 meeting, which is two days before Thanksgiving.

To view the full application click here.

Previous Reporting:

• 64 Age-Restricted Townhomes, JCC Expansion Could Replace Alstede Farm Stand In Bridgewater
• Traffic Concerns Raised Over Proposed Townhomes, JCC Expansion In Bridgewater
• Proposed High-End Age-Restricted Community Reduces Number Of Units In Bridgewater

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