Defeated: Largest Development In Bridgewater's History Since Mall

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After a 2-and-a-half-year legal battle, Bridgewater and Advance Realty reached a new agreement over the Center of Excellence project at the former Sanofi-Aventis property on Route 202/206.

"This is a defeat of reckless overdevelopment, and a victory for the residents of Bridgewater," said Mayor Matthew Moench at a news conference Monday.

The original project called for building a hotel, supermarket, fitness/wellness center, restaurants with outdoor dining, around 400 luxury apartment units and boutiques. It had been called one of the largest developments in the township's history since the Bridgewater Commons mall.

The new agreement eliminates all housing, the supermarket, and the hotel.

"We are thrilled to celebrate a win for the people of Bridgewater, a win against overdevelopment, and a win for responsible community-driven development that fits our needs," said Moench.

The new settlement agreement instead proposes an expansion in the life sciences/biotech building with a warehouse not to exceed 125,000 square feet per building or 300,000 square feet total in the zone. For comparison, a typical Amazon warehouse is 800,000 square feet.

Additionally, the new plan calls for 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space versus the 200,000 square feet initially proposed. Moench said the retail space will most likely be tailored to employees of the life science and biotech buildings including a coffee shop and a restaurant.

"It's not a perfect plan," said Councilman Howard Norgalis. "The art of negotiation is everybody walks away a little unhappy. Nobody gets everything they wanted but I would tell you Bridgewater got a good deal in this."

The controversial project was first introduced by the former township council in January 2016 with Felipe Pedroso and Norgalis both voting no at the time. Read More: Largest Development in Bridgewater's History Proposed

"This project, I often called it the monstrosity of a development project in Bridgewater Township. It really would have changed the character of our township forever by adding a mass-dense overdevelopment site close to the heart of Bridgewater. You would have seen a domino effect going on for several years. And the town would've forever been changed," said Pedroso on Monday.

In 2019, Pedroso created the Preserve Bridgewater group with residents filling the township chambers in opposition to the plan. Read More: Bridgewater Officials Argue Over Center Of Excellence Project

Despite residents' pleas, the Bridgewater Planning Board approved the controversial project application just before Christmas in 2019. Read More: Bridgewater Passes Center Of Excellence Project: UPDATE

This then lead to lawsuits being filed by Advance Realty against the township in 2020. However, after going back and forth in court the two parties were able to come to an agreement. It is unclear the total cost of legal fees that were incurred by the township in the fight.

"This proposal overall is a huge win for all the residents of Bridgewater," said Councilman Timothy Ring.

The settlement agreement will now be voted on Thursday during the Bridgewater Council meeting. The specifics on the retail space and the new plan will still need to go before the planning board before going into effect.

"I look forward to Thursday to approve this and look forward to brighter days in Bridgewater," Councilman Michael Kirsch said.

One aspect of the initial proposed plan was to include 40 affordable housing units. That obligation still remains in Bridgewater. Moench said the township is looking at other areas to place those units that make better sense for the community.

Looking forward, the council reiterated its promise to keep overdevelopment out of Bridgewater. Moench noted the council is already looking at its master plan to find ways to avoid this from happening again.

"Today is not the end of that fight. We will continue to fight overdevelopment in Bridgewater and make sure plans or proposals that come forward make sense for the Bridgewater community while still allowing developers and business owners to develop appropriately on their property," said Ring.

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