Bridgewater's Affordable Housing Plan For Disabled Veterans On Route 202/206 Faces Lawsuit

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Somerville and Bridgewater residents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and quality of life for veterans over Bridgewater's proposed affordable housing plan on Route 202/206.

Eight residents spoke at the Tuesday night Bridgewater Township Planning Board meeting about the 1.52-acre wooded, vacant site on Route 202/206 and Cornell Boulevard, next to Time To Eat Diner.

"It’s beyond me how you would think something like this works," said Dave Knapp of Somerville. "Putting veterans and people who can't afford to live their American dream in a small little lot that is directly on 202/206 is embarrassing to me. I would be embarrassed as a Bridgewater resident that you want to stick these people here."

The Township previously changed the zoning on the property at its Aug. 21 Council meeting to create an AH-3 Affordable Housing Zone. The new zone would permit the construction of an 11-unit, three-story high multi-family residential development that is affordable for disabled veterans.

Since the zoning change, a lawsuit was filed in Somerset County Superior Court by Somerville residents Jennifer Fleischer, Jason Rodker, Brian Reilly, and Bridgewater residents Richard Cash, George Cook, and Barbara Cook — who live near the site.

The lawsuit filed on Oct. 5 claims "the Township’s actions at the August 21, 2025, meeting concerning Ord. 25-15 were arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and unlawful."

It is also seeking to invalidate the ordinance and for attorneys’ fees and costs.

"I thought I was a sound sleeper until I moved to 100 Prospect Street. I am awake throughout the night. Hydraulic brakes, motorcycles, traffic noise. I don't suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, but I know that some of our unfortunate veterans do. It just doesn’t make sense as a location," said Reilly on Tuesday.

Cash mentioned the pollution and exhaust from the vehicles traveling on the highway as a concern as well.

"Veterans. Here is what we think of you. Breathe in the exhaust for 24 hours a day," said Cash, who added the project is a "complete disregard for people’s lives."

Steve Moss noted that the property is home to Bald Eagles who hunt in Peters Brook.

"You are looking to strip a piece of land that buffers the most expensive houses in Somerville then you are going to influx, let's just say 2,500 cars a year, into our streets. They are not going in Bridgewater," said Moss.

Councilman Michael Kirsh reminded the audience that the Planning Board was incapable of commenting despite "some pretty inflammatory commentary made."

"This is a subjective of both ongoing litigation, which prevents us from commenting, as well as this planning board does not have jurisdiction over this project at this time," said Kirsh.

Some residents mentioned there was construction equipment at the site.

Bridgewater's Public Information and Outreach Officer, Suzanne Maeder, said that any work ongoing at the site is being completed by the property owner as investigatory site work.

"No permits have been issued by the Township for the site, and no construction has been authorized. Any actual construction would need to be approved via an approved application that goes before the Planning (or Zoning, depending on the nature of the application) Board, and memorialized via resolution, said Maeder.

As far as the lawsuit, Maeder said, "The Township does not comment on ongoing litigation, so we have no comment regarding that."

Cornell Boulevard Lawsuit by Alexis Tarrazi

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