Proposed High-End Age-Restricted Community Reduces Number Of Units In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Changes are being made 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 May 26 meeting.

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

Three of those acres would be used for an expansion of the JCC.

"The main change is a reduction in density and a reduction in FAR(Floor Area Ratio)," said Coakley. "We started out with a project for 64 units. It became 60. We had to address a lot line change and its been reduced to 52 units."

Peter Steck, the planner for the applicant, said this change drops the density down to 4.36 dwellings per acre and the FAR from 0.45 to 0.39. However, this is still higher than what the Township allows of up to 0.15.

The applicant has 10 variance request with FAR as one of them.

Steck added the change in units also reduces the percentage of impervious coverage from 48.6 percent to 45 percent.

Board President Jeffrey Foose pressed Steck on why the applicant made the decision to reduce the number of units based on a previous hearing.

"All I know is the applicant reacted to the proceeding… There was, for example, that there was no area on the plan that allowed for recreational use. There was talk about traffic but in my opinion that was at least technically solved," said Steck.

"This started with 64 units, it went to 60. It’s now at 52. The applicant is for whatever reason making the judgement that this is a better development for the property," said Steck.

Concerns were raised by the Zoning Board over whether these high-end age-restricted units would sell and if they would be the right fit for Bridgewater.

Foose specially mentioned a senior community built off Chimney Rock Road which he said still has vacancy.

"So your units will sell better and they are more in demand than the units sitting vacant currently on … Chimney Rock Road?" asked Foose.

"If there is a level of accoutrements that is comparable to the price, this applicant has made the judgement that he can sell them," said Steck.

Board member Claudio Vescio questioned whether this project would be a benefit to Bridgewater residents.

"I’m trying to understand why a Bridgewater resident 55 years and older who currently lives in Bridgewater would want to move to this development just because its 55 and older," said Vescio.

"Because they don’t want to maintain the property anymore. They don't want to be responsible for cutting the lawn. They enjoy an environment with people that are in the same age bracket that they are," said Steck. "There are people who have multiple homes. They have a home in Florida, they have a home here. This is for people who can afford both and its only a segment of the population. For whatever reason this developer has made an educated judgement that there is demand for these types of units."

The application was ultimately carried to the Zoning Board's June 24 meeting.

To view the full application click here.

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