NJDOT Denies Route 202/206 Access For Controversial Bridgewater Affordable Housing Project

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Transportation(NJDOT) has denied a developer's request seeking access through Route 202/206 into its controversial affordable housing project in Bridgewater.

However, the applicant Wheatsworth Properties Urban Renewal, LLC, has filed an appeal to the decision.

Urban Renewal is seeking to split a lot which is located next to the Time To Eat Diner off the Somerville Circle.

The proposal is to then build a four-unit apartment building for disabled veterans and an 11-unit apartment building for moderate- and low-income residents.

The units would be 100 percent affordable and will contribute to the Township's New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) fourth-round affordable housing obligation of 421 units.

The applicant had initially planned to use Cornell Boulevard in Somerville as its access point to the lot.

Both Somerville and a group of residents have filed lawsuits citing the application's plan to use Cornell Boulevard to route traffic through Somerville instead of Route 202/206, and impact the character of the area.

As a result, the applicant was seeking an alternative access onto Route 202/206.

At the Tuesday Bridgewater Township Planning Board meeting, the applicant's Civil Engineer Michael Fischer confirmed their application was denied.

When a resident questioned why it was denied, Fischer said, "I did not make the application so I can't tell you that."

NJDOT spokesman Stephen Schapiro told Patch, "The application was denied because driveways are not permitted to be located along a ramp or jughandle per N.J.A.C 16:47 App. D-2(b)4 'No driveway shall be located along a ramp or jughandle'."

The applicant has appealed the decision and the appeal is currently under review, said Schapiro.

During the meeting, Fischer also responded to a supplemental drainage review letter dated May 18.

Fischer said additional soil testing had been completed in March and April and that the work confirmed the stormwater design would comply with applicable regulations.

Runoff near neighboring lots on Cornell Boulevard was a major issue.

Fischer said he now proposes an inlet at the southerly corner of the property, next to lots three and four, to collect runoff and direct it into the project’s stormwater system.

He said the inlet would help address water that now crosses the site from the Time to Eat diner area.

Asked whether the proposed improvements would improve current runoff conditions, Fischer replied, "That’s correct."

The hearing also included questions about a depressed curb within the state right of way, a triangular encroachment from an adjacent diner lot, tree clearing, emergency access, lighting, sewer connections and a possible privacy fence along the highway side of the property.

The matter was carried to Aug. 4 without further notice. The architect is expected to return for additional questioning.

Previous Reporting:

• Bridgewater Affordable Housing Project Delayed As Route 202/206 Access Sought
• Controversial Affordable Housing Project Seeks Route 202/206 Access In Bridgewater
• Controversial Route 202/206 Affordable Housing Plans Presented In Bridgewater
• Somerville Joins Fight Against Bridgewater, Files Lawsuit Over Affordable Housing Plan
• Bridgewater Rezones Land On Route 202/206 For Affordable Housing Despite Opposition

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