'It Screams Overdevelopment': Bridgewater Rejects Senior Housing Project On Route 202/206

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A proposal to build a 64-unit age-restricted townhome development off Route 202/206 in Bridgewater was rejected by the Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment last week.

"It’s a massive project," said Board member Andrew Fresco. "It's too big. The FAR[Floor Area Ratio] is too high, the tree count is too high, and the flood risk damage is too high."

The proposed plan was 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.

The 64-unit townhome development, to be called the Venue at Bridgewater, would have included 51 market-rate units and 13 affordable.

"I want to say right up front that this is one of the most egregious, flagrant examples of overdevelopment that I've seen in nearly 20 years on this board," said Board member Donald Sweeney at the Nov. 25 meeting of 821 Bridgewater LLC's application.

The application was seeking three variances for the property, including:

• D1 variance to permit the multi-family dwellings where single-family homes are currently permitted
• D5 variance to permit 64 dwelling units where 12 units are currently allowed
• D4 to permit a Floor Area Ratio(FAR) of 42 percent, where 15 max is permitted

Sweeney pointed to the variances being sought, with the D5 being five times the amount allowe,d and the FAR would be three times greater than allowed.

"This tells us it is just too big, too massive, and it's just too much," said Sweeney. "And it screams, it screams overdevelopment and over intensity."

The vote ultimately came down to four members in favor of the project and three against. However, the application was denied because it needed a supermajority to pass.

Those who voted in favor of the project, including Board President Jeff Foose, pointed to the Township's affordable housing obligation.

"The reality is the new normal of living in New Jersey is affordable housing. Whether you like it or not, this property is going to be developed," said Foose.

The application was also seeking a variance to expand the Jewish Community Center of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren(JCC). The D1 variance for the JCC was unanimously approved.

"I think the JCC is an asset to the community. I love the idea of expanding the open space," said Board member Chris Gabbett.

Previous Reporting:

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