BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater is investigating another property in the Township to see if it is in need of redevelopment.
On April 4 the Township Council passed a resolution requesting that the Township Planning Board review and investigate if a portion of municipal property at 136 Foothill Road meets the statutory criteria to be designated as an Area in Need of Redevelopment.
“Part of our job as council is making the best use of the resources of the Township,” said Councilman Howard Norgalis. “Here we have a piece of property… it’s a large piece. It’s back off Chimney Rock Road and we need to do our best to understand if there is a future use or potentially a future sale.”
Norglais noted that the Township is not seeking residential housing on the property.
“I totally wholeheartedly support this as a mission of the Township to fully understand a valuable piece of property,” said Norgalis.
A portion of the site, located near Costco and Chimney Rock Road, includes the Township’s Yard Waste Collection Site.
At the meeting, Councilman Allen Kurdyla asked that as the investigation on the property moves forward the Township keep the yard waste site in some function for Bridgewater residents.
“There will be no change in the use of that portion of the site,” according to the Township in a release.
The focus of the investigation will be on a segment of the 31-acre lot to evaluate what potential the site holds for possible redevelopment and eventual sale.
Officials noted that along with the approval for the investigation of the former Ethicon site, the Township expects to increasingly employ the Area in Need of Redevelopment process to help guide decisions for Bridgewater’s future.
“The investigation into the site at 136 Foothill Road, in particular, is motivated by potentially supplementing the Township’s revenue. As economic conditions, particularly related to the commercial real estate market, continue to impact the Township’s ratable base, it is the Township Council’s responsibility to explore avenues to lessen the burden on residential taxpayers,” according to a release from the Township.
Officials reminded residents that this investigation has multiple steps and will require public hearings before any final decisions are made on the property.
Councilman Michael Kirsh, who is the Council-appointed liaison for the Planning Board, said he would also be willing to serve as a Community Liasion on this issue as he has offered on the Ethicon property.
He reiterated that residents can reach out to him with any questions at [email protected].
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