Founded in 2010, Fincredit Inc. is a business solutions company focusing on merchant services and marketing.

In late 2010, our company started the development of the Property Tax Reward ProgramTM  (PTRP). Under the PTRP, homeowners shopping at local participating merchants, receive rebates on sales and services in the form of property tax credits. The more homeowners shop in their town, the more property tax credits they accumulate.

Early on, our company realized that the road to developing an effective property tax reward program for the benefit of the individual resident and the business owner alike, could not be achieved without the involvement, in a leadership capacity, of local townships and their economic development entities.

For years townships have been advocating for local spending. The benefits of a thriving local economy go well beyond the obvious reasons. Lower vacancies, higher ratables, new jobs, lower property taxes are just a few reasons for shopping in town. It soon became clear to us that what prevented townships from developing a strong Shop Local program was lack of attractive incentives to town residents.

The challenge was to create a special business reward program that would be a true asset to the local business community and, at the same time, provide a strong motivation for residents to shop in town. For us, there was only one solution. Property tax credits earned on purchases of goods and services from local merchants was the best way to create an ongoing, vialble Shop Local economic program.

The response of homeowners looking for ways to lower their out-of-pocket expense of property taxes has been overwhelming. Add to this, the need of local merchants to increase their business volume and of townships to keep existing businesses from leaving while attracting new business initiatives.

For us, combining existing and proprietary, patent-pending, software was the winning formula for creating a sound infrastructure for townships to build and launch their property tax reward program.

This is a true ‘win-win’ solution for town residents, local businesses and townships. By using a township-issued property tax card, residents enjoy a direct relief on their property tax bills; the business enjoys a higher local awareness/revenues, and the township benefits from lower vacancies, more local jobs and happier residents.

To register for this program: Shop Bridgewater

FOR CONSUMERS:

Q. What is the Property Tax Card (PTC) program?
A. PTC is a Township’s economic development program which provides property tax dollars as an incentive for residents to shop in town.

Q. How does the program work?
A. A PTC (similar to a reward card) will be made available to all township residents. After they enroll in the program, residents may use the PTC and accumulate property tax dollars.

Example: The cost of a dinner for four at a restaurant participating in the PTC with a 20% property tax rebate is $200. When paying for the check (either cash or credit), just present your PTC. The tax card is then swiped and a $40 tax credit (less program fees) is generated. Rewards will be credited to your property tax bill before your next tax bill is issued.

Q. How do I obtain a PTC?
A. Please contact your township for information on how to obtain your PTC.

Q. Is there a cost to obtain the card?
A. The card is free to the participant.

Q. How do I enroll in the PTC program?
A. You can register your card online at http://www.propertytaxcard.com.

Q. I rent my house. Can I benefit from the program?
A. Yes. When you register your card, check the “Renters” box and provide your information. The Renters option will appear in the online registration form only if your township program allows renters to participate. Yearly, a check for the total rebates you have accrued will be mailed to you. A $7 check handling fee will be deducted from your accumulated rebates.

Q. I work in town but I live out of town. Can I still benefit from the program?
A. Yes. Provided the township extends the program to people that do not live in town. At registration, you would choose the option “RENT OR LIVE IN A DIFFERENT TOWN”. A yearly rebate check will be mailed to you (see answer above).

Q. Can I obtain and register multiple cards?
A. Yes. You can register as many cards as you need. If for example your household includes four shoppers, you may obtain four cards and register them all under the same address and block and lot number. Therefore your property tax bill will be credited every time any of the four cards is used.

Q. What establishments participate to the PTC program?
A. You can find a list of local participating merchants at www.PropertyTaxCard.com/Bridgewater/participants

Q. Can I use a coupon in conjunction with the PTC?
A. As a general rule, businesses do not accept multiple discount offers. However, the merchant will make that determination when joining the program. It is possible that they will allow only a portion of the discount from the coupon and honor the PTC. Again, the merchant will unilaterally make that decision.

Q. Can I return an item and get full credit?
A. Yes. Store return policies do not change. You will need to submit your rebate receipt and the PTC when returning an item for full credit.  If a return takes place after funds are transferred to the Township, you will be entitled only to full store credit or to a refund of your purchase amount less the property tax rebate paid by the merchant. However, the above is subject to the store return policy.  If the PTC and the rebate receipt are not produced, only store credits will be provided by the store.

Q. How do I keep track of my credits?
A. After you register your card online, you will be able to check your card(s) activity and property tax savings on  www.propertytaxcard.com .

Q. What is the property tax rebate that I will be getting from stores?
A. The rebate percentage will be indicated next to the name of the participating establishment on www.propertytaxcard.com .

Q.  What happens if I am registered but do not have my card at the time of purchase?
A. Our system allows you to provide your registered phone number and obtain the credit. However for partial returns and voids, you must have your card or your card number available.
 

FOR MERCHANTS:

Q.  What is the Property Tax Card (PTC) program?
A. The PTC is a Township program which provides property tax dollars as an incentive for residents to shop in town

Q. How does the program work?
A. A township distributes a Property Tax Card (similar to a reward card) to its residents. When shopping at a local store, together with the normal payment for goods and services, the cardholder will submit their PTC. You will swipe the PTC in a dedicated processing machine that Fincredit Inc. (Program Manager) will provide. The swipe will result in a rebate on sale. The rebate is credited to the shopper’s PTC account. You, the merchant, will determine the rebate percentage when enrolling in the program. Every week, the accumulated rebates will be collected by the Program Manager from your checking account. Yearly the rebates will be applied to your customers’ property tax bill.

Q. How do I enroll my business?
A. You will be asked to fill out a 2-page form. You may also register your business on line www.propertytaxcard.com/(nameofprogram) >Business Registration on menu bar . After we process your application, we will provide you with a welcome kit including user guide on how to process transactions.

Q. What is my cost to participate in the PTC program?
A. After the initial purchase of the processing machine, if required (approx. $160 for dial-up terminal,
$230 IP terminal, $50 for a card reader, if you use our web terminal), your monthly cost is $10.

Q. What is my responsibility as a participant?
A. Your only responsibility is to honor the rebate you choose to provide to the cardholder. Rebates are collected weekly. To avoid bank fees, we require that a sufficient amount to cover the rebates is kept in the account.

Q. What is a good rebate to offer?
A. What you offer to the cardholder is entirely up to you. Rebates vary widely from business to business. A grocer may have a 35-40% gross profit, and offer 10%; an exclusive restaurant 300-400% and offer a 30% rebate. Each business will determine their rebate percentage when enrolling in the program.  We require that your rebate be in line with what you normally offer in your marketing campaigns.

Q. I accept coupons. What if a cardholder presents both his card and a coupon?
A. Generally, the card as well as coupons cannot be used with any other offer. This will be expressly stated in the terms and conditions of the program when registering the card. However, you may want to offer a lower discount on the coupon and still honor the card rebate. Remember, the idea is to retain the customer.

Q. What is the advantage to participating businesses?
A. Thanks to the appeal of property tax rebates, local businesses should enjoy a higher business volume. Furthermore, continued support by the township should provide a high awareness for  local businesses. An additional feature is that you will have access to email addresses of customers that used the card at your business. Finally, your business banner and website link will be featured at www.propertytaxcard.com at no extra cost.
If your township opts to get a ShopYourTown mobile App, you will have a free mobile presence. App upgrades are possible (eg reservations; take-out orders; merchandise inventory, etc)

Q. How are returns handled?
A. Your normal return policy applies. When returning an item, you will ask for their rebate receipt and card. If the return qualifies for a full cash return, you will then swipe the card in your dedicated processing machine and apply the credit that will be reimbursed to your account.

IF THE PROPERTY TAX CARD AND THE RECEIPT ARE NOT PRODUCED, ONLY A STORE CREDIT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER.

Q. When a customer returns merchandise, how do I know that the PTC was used?
A. At the point of sale, you will write the name of the program on the sale receipt.

Q. Can a professional business (e.g., non-retail) owners participate in the program?
A. Yes. It would work the same way. Example: At a property closing, the lawyer participating in the program collects the card information from the client. Back at the office, the information is processed and, say, a rebate for $250, less program fees, is created and credited to your customer. The same procedure applies to a larger trade companies that have several service people going to residents’ homes.

Q. Can I offer a flat dollar discount i.e., $100 off a prepared tax return, $25 off a doctor’s visit, $500 off real estate closing, etc.
A. Yes.

Q. Can I use my existing POS system?
A. It depends on the system. If the POS system is not locked and is serviced by our processing company, it will work just fine. Some systems will work only with certain programs.

           TO BEST SERVE YOU, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE FORM PER POT HOLE       

As potholes continue to appear, if you should come across a pothole on a road in town, please report it to our Public Works Department by calling (908) 725-6300 Ext: 6000 or fill out the form below . Please give us the location of the pothole so that we can repair it as soon as possible. When driving, please be careful near puddles and standing water, as a pothole may lurk beneath the surface.

The melting snow makes it difficult to fill all potholes at times. Public Works is out each day filling the potholes as they come in. There may be some areas that crews must visit several times in order to address the spots where the blacktop has popped out due to the weather and traffic. Over the next month or two the crews will be dedicated to filling all potholes on Township roads. Your assistance and patience is greatly appreciated.

If the pothole is on a county road, please call Somerset County at (908) 541-5021 or click on this link to complete an online roadway complaint inspection form: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/roads-bridges/road-complaint

If the pothole is on a state highway, please call the New Jersey Department of Transportation at (609) 292-4347 or click on this link: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/potholeform.shtm

OVERVIEW
This Department administers all construction within the Township. It issues building permits for residential, commercial and industrial construction within the Township.
After plans have been reviewed and accepted and the appropriate permits have been issued, inspections are performed to insure that all construction is in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) of New Jersey and its adopted codes. It is also the responsibility of this Department to issue violations and fines when warranted and Certificates of Approval and Occupancy upon final inspections and approval of all projects. All these activities are recorded, tabulated and reported to the State on a monthly basis.

The Construction Official, John Tillotson, may be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5574 or by email at bwtcode@bridgewaternj.gov

PERMIT APPLICATIONS

• Construction Permit Application

The following applications require four copies

• Building Subcode Technical Section
• Electrical Subcode Technical Section
• Plumbing Subcode Technical Section
• Fire Protection Subcode Technical Section 
• Mechanical Inspection  Technical Section
• Elevator Subcode Technical Section
• Chimney Certification for Replacement of Fuel Fired Equipment
• Zoning Permit Application – revised 2020
• Application for a Variation
• Application for Certificate
• Fire Sprinkler Hydraulic Data Plate
• Framing Checklist
  
• Digital Alarm Comm. Trans./Managed Facility Voice Networks
• Air Barrier and Insulation Checklist
• Important Information Concerning your Construction Permit App.
• Use and Occupancy Classification
• If you are adding new or additional gas appliances, please contact PSE& G first

   

WHAT IS A PERMIT?
A construction permit represents legal permission to begin a construction project. The issuance of a permit indicates that plans for a project have been released by Bridgewater Township officials and have complied with the UCC and Township ordinances.

WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
A permit is generally required if an individual wishes to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure. Included in this category are those projects, which change any existing structure or add to the structure, such as the following:

–    Deck
–    Pool
–    Addition
–    Shed (over 100 sq. ft.) – (Sheds under  100 sq. ft. require a Zoning permit)
–    Garage
–    Privacy Fence

A construction permit is also required to do the following:

–    Siding
–    Roofing
–    New or replacement of electric service, water heater, furnace, boiler, air conditioning or fireplace
–    Rearrange plumbing system
–    Finish basement
–    Install new electrical receptacles or outlets
–    Repair or replace any structural member, such as increasing or decreasing the size of a window –    Installation or removal of a fuel tank

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

–    Permit application
–    Construction plans
–    Plot plan

An application for permit is available from the Code Enforcement Department located in the Municipal Building. The office hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit two (2) copies of the construction plans. These drawings may be done by the applicant for his own single-family dwelling or by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer.

A building contractor is not permitted to do the drawings unless he is licensed by the State as an architect or engineer.

An applicant must also submit a plot plan for new construction, an addition, deck, fence, shed, garage, and pool. The plot plan should indicate:

–    All existing and proposed structures on the property
–    The distances to all lot lines
–    The location of any easements

THE PERMIT PROCESS
All permit applications are brought to the Code Enforcement Department. Code Enforcement will forward any application to the Zoning Officer if required. After zoning approval, if necessary, the documents are reviewed by the building, electric, plumbing and fire subcode officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to 20 working days. Minor work, such as roofing and siding, require minimal plan review. Usually, the permit for minor work is issued within 10 working days. If the documents do not comply with the UCC, the applicant will be notified of the violations and will be required to correct and resubmit the documents for further review.

The permit is issued indicating that legal approval has been given to begin the construction project.

State law mandates that the Construction Official issue a fine of up to $2000 per violation and penalty to any person who performs work without a permit.

INSPECTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION
Building Subcode Inspections

Note: No building inspection will be made prior to any required electric or plumbing inspection approval.

–    Bottom of footing prior to placement of concrete
–    Reinforcement prior to placement of concrete
–    Foundations and all walls prior to backfilling – new single family construction must have foundation elevation compliance from the Engineering Department before this inspection is scheduled
–    Floor slab(s) prior to placement of concrete
–    Frame inspection which includes all structural walls, floors and roofs prior to covering with finish or infill materials. Rated assemblies. This inspection shall be called for after rough electric and plumbing approvals have been obtained
–    Insulation inspection prior to installation of finished materials
–    Final inspection which includes equipment, final connections and all finish materials

Electric Subcode Inspections

–    Rough electric under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
–    Rough electric which includes outlet spacing, type of box and size, wire size and grounding prior to covering with finish or infill materials
–    Service which includes panel(s) wire size, grounding and over current protection
–    Final inspection which includes devices, fixtures, appliances, GFI requirements after installation of finish materials and utilization equipment

Plumbing Subcode Inspections

–    Rough plumbing under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
–    Rough plumbing which includes sanitary piping, water piping, storm drains and radon piping
–    Water service from building to property line or curb line
–    Sewer service from building to property line or curb line
–    Final plumbing which includes piping, trim, fixtures, cross connections, backflow preventors, radon, condensate lines and water meters
–    Rough gas piping – requires gas test
–    Final gas piping to all appliances requiring gas
–    Final on hydronic heating systems and hot water heaters
–    Final air conditioning on all units manufactured for domestic and commercial cooling

Fire Subcode Inspections

–    Final inspection which includes a performance test to demonstrate its efficiency of operation and alarms

For renovations and projects other than new construction, contact the Code Enforcement Department for inspection requirements.

OBLIGATION DURING CONSTRUCTION
Code inspections can be scheduled on an am/pm basis. The applicant may request the day and time window (8 am – 12 noon, or 1 pm – 5 pm). In some cases, due to the nature of the inspections, those scheduled for morning might need to be performed in the afternoon. Also, if there is no access for the inspector to conduct his/her inspections, a sticker will be left notifying applicants to reschedule their inspection.

Inspectors must have a minimum of 24 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected.

Any work that does not conform to the approved plans will require re-inspection. If the work continues without resolving the problem, the applicant will be fined and the job stopped.

Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site.

When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electric, plumbing and fire inspections. The applicant must also apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. If the work is approved, a Certificate will be issued indicating permission to use the area for the intended purpose.

Property must be properly identified – House number conspicuously displayed for viewing from the street and construction placard conspicuously displayed on the building.

DEMOLITIONS
The demolishing and removal of a building or structure and the removal of all the debris from the parcel of land require a permit from the Township Department of Code Enforcement.

The following documents must be completed and submitted in order to file an application for the demolition of any structure:

A copy of the property survey showing the location of the structure(s) to be removed.

• Certificate stating the structure has been properly baited.
• Letter from Utility Company stating electric and gas has been disconnected.
• Letter from Telephone Company stating service has been disconnected.
• Construction Permit Application.
• Building Subcode Form.
• Plumbing Subcode Form (Signed and Sealed by a Licensed Plumber for the capping of the sewer and water lines.)
• If a septic tank is utilized, it must be located and abandoned in accordance with N.J.D.E.P. regulations.
• If there is a well, a letter from a Licensed Well Contractor is required stating the well has been capped.
• Debris Disposal Form.
• Compliance with U.C.C. Subchapter 8, Asbestos Abatement, if applicable.
• Compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:17, Lead Hazard Abatement, if applicable.

When the Permit is ready to be issued, you will be notified by phone. You will be told the amount of the permit fee, which you will pay when the Permit is picked up.

For building inspections, a separate inspection is required after the basement has been excavated and removed prior to backfill. All debris must be removed from the excavated site and properly disposed of prior to the first inspection. The final inspection will be performed after area is fine graded and stabilized.

For plumbing inspections, the final inspection for capping of sewer and water lines must be completed prior to building demolition.

THE OFFICE OF VITAL STATISTICS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

The Office of Vital Statistics is up and running. We are here to assist with the majority of our daily functions via mail, email or fax.  

The best way for you to reach us is via email as follows:
Connie Delrocco cdelrocco@bridgewaternj.gov 
Vilma Day vday@bridgewaternj.gov

To reach us via mail:
Attention: Office of Vital Statistics
100 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

To reach us via telephone:
  (908) 725-6300
Connie Delrocco: Ext. 5551
Vilma Day: Ext. 5201

THE OFFICE OF VITAL STATISTICS

SERVICES:

• Register Vital events including Births, Marriages & Deaths
• Issue Marriage Licenses
• Issue Certified copies of Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates
• Issue Amendments to Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates
• Maintain copies of all vital records where event occurred in Bridgewater Township

• Corrections to vital records can be submitted to the State Department of Vital Statistics and Registry (where applicable)

MARRIAGE LICENSES:

• Applications for marriage/civil union are taken in the Municipality where either applicant lives
• Applications are by appointment only (908) 725-6300 ext. 5201, 5551
• A witness, 18 years or older must be present, proper ID is required (Valid driver’s license/ Passport/ State/Federal ID

Required Documents when applying for a Marriage/Civil Union License

• Proof of Identity:
  • Valid driver’s license/ Passport/ State/Federal ID
• Proof of Residency:
  • Valid driver’s license / utility bill /  lease / tax return
• Name and Birth place (country or state) of both sets of parents (Maiden name of Mother)
• Name, address and phone number of the person performing the ceremony
• Name of place, and city where event will take place
• $28.00 payable in cash, check, or money order
• Death certificate or divorce papers, if applicable
• Social Security Number

Additional information regarding marriage of civil unions can be found here

• Click here to download “Application for Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union, Raffirmation of Civil Union” form

CERTIFIED COPIES OF A VITAL RECORD

This office, upon request, supplies certified copies of non-genealogical vital records of all births, deaths and marriage/civil unions where the event took place in Bridgewater Township.

Each copy is $25.00 and $2.00 for each additional certified copy.

Cash (exact change) check or money order made out to “Bridgewater Township”. We do not accept credit/debit cards.

To request a certified copy of a vital record by mail, fill out an application, include driver’s license with current address (cannot send to P.O. Box) and include a check or money order for $25.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope and mail to:

Bridgewater Health Department/Vital Statistics
100 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Click here to download “Request for Certified Copy of a Vital Record” form.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

WHAT IS A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AND HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR ONE?

A domestic partnership is for couples of the same sex OR couples that opposite sex and who are both 62 years of age or older. Couples must meet certain requirements.

The Affidavit of Domestic Partnership is not available as an electronic form. It is a carbon copy form that must be obtained from our offices.

View all Domestic Partnership requirements and information here.

Bridgewater Commons
Commons Way
Bridgewater
908-218-0001
www.bridgewatercommons.com

Bridgewater Commons features a robust department store lineup that includes Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. The center boasts an impressive collection of over 150 brands including AMC Theatre, Apple, lululemon, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Swarovski and Williams-Sonoma and popular dining options such as California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Redstone American Grill, Seasons 52, Shake Shack and Uncle Julio’s Mexican From Scratch. Also, Best Buy and TJMaxx and more are right across from the mall on Commons Way.

TD Bank Ballpark
Somerset Patriots Professional Baseball
1 Patriots Park
Bridgewater
Phone: 908-252-0700
www.somersetpatriots.com

Home of the Somerset Patriots, a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Six-time Atlantic League Champions!

The Somerset Patriots play Professional Baseball played in beautiful award-winning TD Bank Ballpark, providing affordable, family entertainment to the community, with ~70 games played in April-September of each year! It is Home to the Somerset Patriots, a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Six-time Atlantic League Champions.

Middlebrook Trail
 

The Middlebrook trail, located mostly in Bridgewater, NJ. The site is home to many fantastic plants and animals, but the biggest contributions which have made the trail increase in popularity are the many projects done by Eagle Scouts and other contributors. Without the help of eagle scouts and volunteers, including building bridges, boardwalks, and stairs on steep hills, the trail would not be what it is today