The board’s primary focus was on a preliminary investigation regarding the municipal yard waste site on Foothill Road, assessing whether it should be designated as a redevelopment area. A principal from Clark Koning, the Redevelopment planner for Bridgewater, presented findings on the site’s condition and potential for redevelopment. The planner characterized the site, which spans approximately 31 acres, as primarily wooded wetlands that have remained unimproved for over ten years. The site is currently used as a yard waste facility under a contract with Nature’s Choice Corporation, set to expire in 2025. The planner emphasized that the existing zoning requires a minimum of 25 acres for development, which the site barely meets.

Visual aids were provided to illustrate the site, highlighting the presence of hydric soils and wetlands, which justify the site’s designation as in need of redevelopment under Criterion C. The planner noted that, despite the site’s current use and zoning, private capital is unlikely to develop it due to its wetland conditions. The board discussed the importance of including the municipal yard waste area as part of the redevelopment plan, even though it does not independently meet all necessary criteria. It was emphasized that state statutes permit redevelopment areas to be designated if portions are essential for effective redevelopment.

Public engagement was also notable during this discussion. Resident Dana Caparoso inquired about the fate of the municipal yard waste site amid the redevelopment plans, expressing concerns about potential public dissatisfaction if the service were eliminated. The board acknowledged the need for further public involvement and feedback as the process progresses.

Another topic covered was the proposed addition to the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School. Frank Messo, representing Solutions Architecture, outlined the purpose of the addition, which aims to facilitate a full-day kindergarten program by restructuring grade distributions. This involves moving fourth graders to intermediate schools and sixth graders into the middle school, accommodating a projected student population of approximately 1,750.

Messo described the addition as a two-story structure connected to the existing middle school, featuring 13 new classrooms, three science labs, and renovations to existing facilities. Concerns were raised about the visibility and lighting of the Bridgewater-Raritan School District logo planned for the building. Messo reassured the board that the lighting would be designed to minimize any detrimental effects, stating that it would be backlit to create a halo effect and would not project beyond the building’s facade.

The discussion also addressed bus drop-off and pick-up logistics, utility upgrades, and stormwater management. The proposed stormwater management system is designed to comply with state regulations, managing runoff effectively for significant storm events. This system includes a pipe linking to a headwall at a stream near the school.

The board also reviewed an application for subdivision approval by Leonard Gerardo. Represented by attorney Michael Silbert, this application focused on the creation of lots rather than the specifics of the dwellings planned for those lots. Silbert emphasized that the application did not seek any variance relief concerning the Township’s ordinances related to the proposed homes. The proposal aimed to eliminate a pre-existing non-conforming condition regarding lot coverage, which could represent an overall improvement to the property.

Further discussion centered on the planning testimony provided by the applicant’s planner, Mr. Alexander Doy, who supported the bulk variance relief for minor deviations from minimum lot widths required for the proposed lots. Public comments were solicited, with residents expressing concerns about tree removals, water drainage, and the potential impact on neighborhood aesthetics.

The board emphasized the importance of accurate reconciliations of figures presented in the plans to avoid future discrepancies and maintain neighborhood cohesion.