An undertaking that would transform 15 acres of land into townhomes while tearing down a popular farm stand will officially be ruled on during 2025 as officials in Bridgewater nonetheless debated the merits of a major redevelopment plan.
During their November 12 meeting, Bridgewater’s Zoning Board heard testimony from a subsidiary of JMF Properties regarding their proposed development along Route 202-206. The land is located between Foothill and Talamini Roads and currently hosts a farm stand occupied by Chester-based Alstede Farms.
Plans for the site emerged over the summer and include 64 townhomes that would be restricted to residents ages 55 and over. Dubbed Venue at Bridgewater, the project would consist of nine total buildings and create several new roadways.
The plans additionally call for ceding three acres on the west side of the property to the nearby Jewish Community Center of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren. The organization would utilize an existing house on the land for office purposes and a barn to be used for storage.
During the meeting, officials noted that the project would help partially satisfy Bridgewater’s outstanding affordable housing obligations, as the age-restricted units would qualify as such per state regulations.
The application as currently constructed needs relief for the proposed project density of 5.58 units per acre and also requires a variance for the townhomes themselves, as they are not currently allowed in the zone. Turning over a portion of the property to the JCC additionally triggers another variance, as religious uses are not allowed in the zone as well.
If approved, the Venue at Bridgewater project would displace the Alstede Farms shop. The farm stand, which opened in 2021, sells produce that the family-run operation grows at their Chester facility.
The family behind the farm have publicly shared that they hope to remain in Bridgewater but were aware that the property owner was looking to redevelop and sell the parcel. They have a lease at the land to operate the farm stand.
Bridgewater’s Zoning Board adjourned the townhouse application last week without taking any vote on the project. The proposal will next be discussed on January 14 during following the board’s re-organization meeting, where a new hearing date will be assigned.
