One notable issues addressed during the meeting was the transparency of financial documents related to agreements with Aayor Bridgewater Urban Renewal LLC. A resident requested detailed correspondence between the township and the organization, including information on taxation, special assessments, and payments in lieu of taxes from January 2024 onward. This inquiry stemmed from dissatisfaction with the availability of documents, as the resident believed that such records should have been accessible to inform council decisions.

The annual financial statement was also scrutinized, with a council member emphasizing its necessity for state review and approval before the budget could be considered. However, discrepancies were noted by residents who challenged the completeness of the document posted on the township’s website, urging the township to verify and rectify any issues.

The meeting further highlighted discussions surrounding a recent PILOT agreement, which was criticized for offering significant tax discounts to developers. A resident, Daniel Zalinski, opposed the agreement, arguing it lacked transparency and provided minimal financial returns to the township. He questioned the necessity of the PILOT program, contrasting it with other developments proceeding without such incentives. The council defended the program, noting its strategic use compared to other municipalities and arguing that it helped retain tax revenues within Bridgewater.

Another topic of discussion was the status of the Ethicon parcel, recently acquired by Adwey Pile, a trucking and logistics firm. Although the property is currently embroiled in litigation, concerns were raised about its future development, particularly regarding potential traffic and safety issues near local schools. The council clarified that no formal applications had been submitted for the parcel, leaving its future uncertain.

The meeting also addressed a proposed data center between Adamsville Road and Woodside Lane, clarifying that while the property had been designated for redevelopment, no specific plans were yet in place. The council acknowledged state obligations to identify over 400 new affordable housing units, emphasizing that these requirements were not locally initiated but mandated by state regulations.

Residents voiced strong opinions on these topics, with one resident, Kathy Franco, expressing frustration over the delayed financial audit for 2024, which had not been completed by the expected deadline. Franco criticized the council for a lack of urgency and transparency, particularly regarding discrepancies in financial statements available on the township’s website.

In addition to financial and development concerns, the meeting recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The council issued a proclamation highlighting the efforts of Dance for the Cure, a volunteer organization that has provided over $1 million in financial assistance to breast cancer patients in several counties. Brooke Herps, a Bridgewater resident and cancer survivor, spoke on behalf of the organization, emphasizing community support’s emotional and financial impact on women facing breast cancer.

The meeting also addressed the growing use of e-bikes and scooters in the township, with reminders about regulations requiring licensing and registration for devices exceeding 20 miles per hour. The council stressed the importance of safe charging practices to prevent fire hazards.

In public comments, residents expressed mixed feelings about e-bike usage, with some highlighting safety concerns and drawing parallels to past restrictions on skateboarding. The need for thoughtful community design to create safe pathways for children and teenagers was emphasized, balancing mobility with safety considerations.