Petition to the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment

We, the undersigned residents and property owners of Bridgewater Township, respectfully oppose the proposed 60-unit age-restricted townhouse development (Venue at Bridgewater) at Block 477, Lots 45 & 46, and urge the Zoning Board of Adjustment to deny the requested D variances.

Why We Oppose This Project

• Violates R-40 Zoning: The land is zoned for 1 single-family home per acre. The proposed development seeks to build five times that density—60 multifamily units on just 12 acres.
• Increases Traffic and Endangers Safety: Nearby intersections, especially along Route 202/206 and Talamini Road, are already congested and hazardous. This development would significantly increase vehicle volume, posing safety risks for drivers, children, and pedestrians.
• Damages the Neighborhood Character: The introduction of high-density, multifamily housing in a single-family residential zone threatens the quiet, low-density character that defines our community.
• Presents Environmental Risks: The site contains wetlands, steep slopes, flood zones, and a tributary of Peter’s Brook. Stormwater runoff and flooding are real concerns for nearby homes—and the developer admits that full compliance with stormwater and groundwater recharge rules will not be completed until a later phase.
• Circumvents Full Review Through Bifurcation: The application requests major use and density variances now, while postponing full site plan details. This undermines proper planning and limits public input on critical design, drainage, and traffic issues.
• Expands Institutional Use by the JCC: In addition to the 60-unit residential project, the application proposes expanding the JCC’s institutional footprint on residential land, increasing activity, traffic, and runoff—without full review.

What We Ask
We respectfully request that the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment:
- Deny the D(1), D(4), and D(5) variances associated with this application,
- Uphold the existing R-40 zoning, and
- Protect the integrity, safety, and livability of our neighborhood.