Bridgewater Self Storage Unveils New Site Plan, Reduces Number Of Trees Removed

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Storage LLC returned with an all-new site plan for its proposed self-storage facility — which is looking to replace Melick's farm stand and the long-vacant Tectonic building— following tree removal concerns and aesthetics.

The applicant, Bridgewater Storage LLC, went over its new plans at the Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Tuesday night.

"The main takeaway… is to reduce the height of the building, essentially we took a floor off the building and amended the grading," said Matthew Capizzi, the applicant's attorney. The applicant previously proposed a three-story building.

At the March 25 meeting, Board members expressed concerns about how the building would look to motorists on Route 28.

"At that point in time, we were essentially 45 feet from Route 28, and now from that vantage point, we have been reduced by 10 feet. So although we were not seeking a height variance then, and we are not seeking one variance now, as you would look upon the building from Route 28 it is now 10 feet lower in elevation," said Capizzi.

The new plan also adjusted grading and circulation on the site, which Capizzi said allowed them to increase the amount of existing vegetation that could be retained as well as increase the amount of new vegetation to be proposed.

Previously, the applicant was proposing to remove 209 trees and replace 171 trees. Under the new plan, Bridgewater Storage is proposing to remove 166 trees or 43 fewer, and replace 262 new trees.

There are currently 365 total trees on the sites, and with the new plantings, there will be 461 trees.

The new plan also added some glazing to both the front and rear elevations to give the building a closer appearance to one that's more of an office building-type.

With the new plan, Bridgewater Storage is seeking a D1 variance since the site is in a C3 zone, which allows for commercial uses but does not allow for self storage as a permitted use.

Additionally, the applicant is seeking an FAR variance and a bulk variance for its front yard setback from Route 22, where 200 feet is required, and they are proposing 100 feet.

"So in all, we believe we have been responsive to a majority, if not the entirety of the board's comments made during [the March 25 meeting]," said Capizzi.

The application hearing will be continued at the Oct. 28 zoning board meeting at 7 p.m.

The Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment are held in person at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building at 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, and streamed live on the Bridgewater Township YouTube channel, which can be viewed by clicking on the video stream labeled “Bridgewater Zoning Board” at @BridgewaterNewJersey.

To see all of the documents associated with the storage facility application, click here.

Previous Reporting:

• 209 Trees To Be Cut For Proposed Self Storage Facility In Bridgewater
• Farm Stand Could Be Demolished, Replaced With Self-Storage Facility In Bridgewater

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