<div><strong>URGENT UPDATE:</strong> Bridgewater Storage Returns September 22 With Revised Plan
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<div>Bridgewater Residents United is asking our community for urgent support to protect Melick’s Farm Stand, nearby homes, and the character of our neighborhood.
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<div>The applicant behind the proposed large-scale self-storage development at Melick’s Farm Stand will return to the Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bridgewater Municipal Building, 100 Commons Way.
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<div>The applicant is presenting a revised proposal described as a plan to “coexist with the Farmstand.” <strong>However, the revised submission does not resolve the fundamental concerns that residents have raised throughout this process.</strong>
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<div><strong>Media coverage</strong>: <a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/sections/business-and-finance/articles/bridgewater-storage-returning-to-zoning-board-with-amended-proposal-for-melick-s-farm-stand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/sections/business-and-finance/articles/bridgewater-storage-returning-to-zoning-board-with-amended-proposal-for-melick-s-farm-stand" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/sections/business-and-finance/articles/bridgewater-storage-returning-to-zoning-board-with-amended-proposal-for-melick-s-farm-stand</a></a>
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<div><strong>Why This Still Matters</strong>
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<div>The proposed development continues to raise serious questions about:
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<li>Excessive floor-area ratio (FAR) and the scale of the proposed facility
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<li>Substantial tree removal and the loss of natural buffers near homes and the Farm Stand
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<li>Inconsistency with Bridgewater’s Master Plan and the intended character of the area
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<li>Increased commercial traffic, congestion, and potential safety impacts on local roads, pedestrians, and school-bus routes
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<li>The broader impact of introducing an industrial-scale self-storage use next to a cherished local business and established residential neighborhoods
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<div>We support responsible, appropriately scaled development. But the revised proposal still appears to rely on significant zoning relief and does not adequately address the project’s impact on the Farm Stand, surrounding homes, traffic conditions, trees, and the long-term future of this part of Bridgewater.
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<div><strong>Why We Need Professional Support</strong>
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<div>Community participation is essential, but public comments alone do not create the technical and legal record needed in a zoning case.
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<div>The applicant is represented by experienced land-use professionals, including attorneys, engineers, and planners. To ensure the Zoning Board receives a full and independent analysis of the revised proposal, our community needs qualified professionals who can review the record, raise technical questions, and protect residents’ interests.
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<div>Funds raised will support community advocacy and, as needed, the engagement of qualified professionals, including:
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<li>Licensed Professional Planner: To evaluate zoning relief, the project’s claimed site suitability, and consistency with the Township Master Plan
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<li>Traffic Engineer: To assess the applicant’s traffic analysis and identify potential impacts on local roads, safety, pedestrians, and school transportation
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<li>Land-Use Attorney and Legal Support: To review the application materials, cross-examine witnesses where appropriate, and help preserve a complete legal record
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<div>Planning, engineering, document-review, and community-outreach expenses: Needed to prepare residents for the hearing and respond to new materials submitted by the applicant
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<div><strong>Our Fundraising Goal</strong>
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<div>Our goal remains $10,000, which will help cover critical professional review and advocacy expenses:
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<div>Professional planning review: approximately $3,500–$5,000
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<div>Traffic and transportation analysis: approximately $2,500–$3,500
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<div>Legal counsel, hearing preparation, and document review: approximately $2,000–$3,000
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<div>All funds will be managed transparently by Bridgewater Residents United and used solely for legal, planning, engineering, technical-review, and community-outreach expenses related to this zoning matter. Any remaining funds after final resolution of the matter will be donated to a local Bridgewater charity.
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<div><strong>Three Ways to Help</strong>
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<li><strong>Donate what you can</strong>. A contribution of $25, $50, $100, or more helps make professional expertise accessible to the community.
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<li><strong>Share this fundraiser</strong>. Please send this page to Bridgewater neighbors, friends, family members, and local community groups who care about responsible development and preserving the character of our town.
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<li><strong>Attend the September 22 hearing</strong>. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. on September 22 at the Bridgewater Municipal Building, 100 Commons Way. Your attendance, questions, and respectful public comments matter.
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<div>Thank you for standing with your neighbors and for helping ensure that Bridgewater’s future is shaped through thoughtful planning, transparency, and meaningful community input.
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<div>— Bridgewater Residents United
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Michael S

Anonymous

Sirisha Kalli

Loyal Farm Market Customer

Giannina Seaman

ATMANANDA MULLEKATTE

Edward Bellew

Sri Bikkumanla

Melick’s Bridgewater Customer Donation

KETAN THAKKER

Ajay Acharya

Nesi Calderon

Phyllis Kalmback

Allyson C  Schmidt

Virginia Donnelly

Save Our Neighborhood: Bridgewater Legal Defense Fund

Save Our Neighborhood: Bridgewater Legal Defense Fund

Il reste encore $9,640. Aidez-nous à créer une dynamique.