Community Voices Strong Opposition at Public Hearing

People from Bridgewater, New Jersey have come out in their numbers in opposition to the idea of constructing a self-storage facility in place of the historic Melick’s Farm Stand and the abandoned Tectonic building. This matter was brought up recently during a meeting of the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment where the residents asked for the proposal to be withdrawn as it will bring about a change to a local landmark.

Developer Revises Project Plans

The proposed development would combine two parcels of land located at 351 Route 28 and 322 Route 22. The proposal involves the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of self-storage buildings with 15 parking spaces.

The proposal, as per the attorney representing the applicant, has been modified following discussions between the zoning department and local citizens. Such modifications include the removal of the roll-up doors on the front of the property facing Route 28, reduction in height from 40 feet to 31 feet, creation of a landscaping buffer, addition of an internal loading dock, and restricting the public from accessing the property except Route 22. In addition, an access lane for firefighters has also been added.

Self-storage is not a permitted use under the existing commercial zoning district; thus, the applicant requires various variances including being allowed to construct near Route 22 more than the permitted distance.

Residents Raise Environmental and Community Concerns

Almost all the speakers at the meeting said that the plan will have a negative effect on the community instead of bringing any benefit to it. The issues raised by the people include problems of traffic, flooding, cutting down trees, noise, stormwater management, and effect on surrounding areas.

Some of the people were wondering about the need for such a storage unit, as several projects of this type have already been planned and/or constructed in other parts of Bridgewater.

Melick Family Defends Historic Farm Stand

Rebecca Melick, who has owned the Melick’s Town Farm for many years, noted that the farm stand had been an integral part of Bridgewater’s history. According to Rebecca, the farm had been providing its services to the locals for decades through providing them with fresh produce.

Melick urged the zoning board to consider the future of the town rather than considering the immediate benefits of development of the property.

Final Decision Delayed

Despite the fact that almost all of the speakers were against the idea, there was at least one person who favored the development, citing the underutilization of the land and pointing out that this kind of development would have a minimal impact on business use of the land.

Since the public hearing went on until late in the evening, the zoning board decided to make a decision later. This meeting will take place on September 22.