BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Traffic concerns were raised over 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 Nov. 12 meeting.
The applicants 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.
“This may be the only opportunity that JCC gets to expand their area of operation by this unique arrangement that has been made by someone buying the 15 acres and then conveying the three acres back to the JCC. That’s an essential thing to remember when considering this,” said Kevin Coakley, who is representing the applicants.
Coakley noted that the plan has been revised since it was first introduced in August to reduce the number of residential units from 64 to 60. Additionally, the plan intends to be limited to only age-restricted residents.
“Every unit will be occupied by at least one person 55 and over and there will be no under 18 children allowed in the project,” said Coakley. “That’s the plan here and you can condition this approval on that type of activity.”
During the meeting, Traffic Engineer Eric Keller testified on behalf of the applicants including data collected during rush hour. Keller also suggested the addition of a left turn lane into the development.
Board President Jeffrey Foose raised concerns on the amount of increased traffic that could be generated at the nearby intersection of Route 202/206 and Foothill Road.
“There is a number at which point this intersection becomes unsafe. And I’m disappointed that we can’t come to that number but I think we need to find a way to lock in this analysis and be very sure and be very clear that going forward we have minimized the potential for accidents,” said Foose. “And if that means we’re going to lock this down as a 55 and older community maybe that’s the path we should take.”
The meeting lasted around three hours and will be carried to the Zoning Board’s Reorganization meeting on Jan. 14, 2025, solely for the purpose of being assigned a new date in 2025.
To view the full application click here.
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