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Center of Excellence Lawsuit FAQ
On January 31, 2020, the developer for the Center of Excellence filed suit against the Bridgewater Township Planning Board. The intent of this document is to help answer some of the questions we have been getting from residents on this matter.
Center of Excellence Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Kirsh – Councilman
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Representative to: Alternate Liaison to: Councilman Kirsh can be reached at mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov |
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1. How long have you lived in Bridgewater? 17 years 2. How long have you been serving on the Township Council? 3. What is your favorite thing about living in Bridgewater? Being the host community of TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots. Major League and Minor League ballparks are truly my “happy place”, based on all the wonderful times I’ve had with family and friends over many years. I’m so proud we can be the direct source for cherished memories for local residents and those beyond our borders. 4. What part of your work on the Council are you especially proud of? Our productive partnership with Mayor Moench and the Administration to help guide our ship of state through the choppiest of waters, which over the last two years has included a devastating global pandemic along with a historic, deadly storm. 5. What do you look forward to most of the coming year in Bridgewater? Pivoting away from being so Covid-19 focused and continuing to deliver on many of our promises to local residents. These include the ongoing rebuilding of our roads, making transactions and interactions with our government easier, and as a member of the Budget Committee making sure that we continue to deliver outstanding services at an affordable price. |
Call Before You Dig
The federally mandated, national phone number, 811, helps prevent you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. Before you begin projects that involve digging, dial 811 to locate underground electric, gas or other utility lines. Digging without this information can cause power outages, and it’s extremely dangerous. Simply tell the 811 operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and your local utility companies will be notified. Within a few days, they will mark the location of underground lines.
Please call at least three days in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to your project. Know what’s below – Call before you dig!
For more information, visit http://www.call811.com.
Links: Local Non-Profit Organizations
American Children’s Cancer Association
American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
Bridgewater Lions Club
Cooperative Housing Corporation
Domestic Violence Help
Easterseals New Jersey Disability Services
Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan
Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County
Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish New Jersey
Links: Government
United States Federal
Health Information
House of Representatives
Senate
White House
Medicare
Medicaid
US Census Bureau
United States Postal Service
New Jersey State
State of New Jersey Home Page
District 7 Congressman Tom Kean
Senator Douglas Steinhardt
Assemblyman John DiMaio
Assemblyman Erik Peterson
Courts
New Jersey State Departments, Agencies
Department of Education
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Health and Senior Services
Department of Transportation
Division of Motor Vehicle Services
Vital Statistics
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County Home Page
Somerset County Library
Regional Center Partnership of Somerset County
(click here to sign up for their newsletter)
Route 22 Sustainable Corridor Long Term Improvements
Military / Veterans
Army-National Guard
Fort Dix
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Mesothelioma Guide
NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
Veterans Help Line
Connect with us on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgewaterTwp
Twitter:https://twitter.com/Bridgewater_Twp
Links: Emergency Services
Become An Emergency Services Volunteer
There is a long tradition of volunteering in Bridgewater and we are asking you to help your friends and neighbors by considering the time and commitment of being an Emergency Services Volunteer in Bridgewater Township.
Who are the volunteers? They are people just like you, men and women of all ages, from all walks and positions in life. They share the common desire to give something that money alone cannot buy … themselves, their time and effort, their care and concern.
In addition to personal rewards, the following Township benefits are available to active volunteers for Bridgewater rescue squads and fire companies:
1. Tuition reimbursement up to $600 per year ($2400 maximum lifetime benefit) to volunteers, and their spouse and dependent children, making a four-year commitment to voluntary services in either rescue or fire per N.J.S.A. 18A:71-78.
2. Waiver of fees for Planning Board applications for a volunteer’s personal residence.
3. Waiver of fees for Board of Adjustment application fees for a volunteer’s personal residence.
4. Waiver of fees for active members and their family members (including husband, wife, children, father, mother, grandparents, grandchildren, and any stepchild or legally adopted child living in the same household) for recreation programs, and municipal construction permits for a volunteer’s personal residence.
In addition, many rescue squads and fire companies participate in the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) that provides retirement benefits for their volunteer members.
It takes a special person to volunteer as a firefighter or rescue squad member. Someone with the desire to do something important for his or her community. Someone with courage and dedication who isn’t afraid of hard work and is willing to accept the challenge of a difficult job.
If you are this kind of person, you are needed as a volunteer. The hardest part to answering this call is taking the first step. Make a phone call or visit your local squad building or firehouse at the telephone numbers and addresses listed below. All training and equipment are provided by Bridgewater Township and the rescue squads and fire companies.
| RESCUE SQUADS Bradley Gardens First Aid and Rescue Squad 106 Linden Street P.O. Box 6522 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-0761 www.rescue39.org Finderne First Aid and Rescue Squad Green Knoll Rescue Squad Martinsville Rescue Squad
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FIRE DEPARTMENTS Bradley Gardens Fire Department 24 Old York Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 725-1250 http://www.bgvfc.org Country Hills Volunteer Fire Company Finderne Engine Company Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company Martinsville Fire Company North Branch Volunteer Fire Company |
Bureau of Fire Safety
The Bridgewater Fire Marshal is responsible for reviewing fire safety elements of development site plans and new construction plans and Annual, semi-annual, and quarterly fire prevention inspections are performed on commercial properties as required by the State New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. In addition, smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher compliance inspections are performed prior to change of occupancy by sale, lease or rent. If it is a rental the property owner is required by state law to register with the township clerk with contact information.
The mission of the Bridgewater Fire Marshal Office is to help prevent the occurrence of fire, protect lives and to preserve property through:
- Enforcement
- Education
- Permitting and inspection
- Plan review
This office also conducts fire investigations, and conducts fire safety training for civic organizations, industries and businesses. This office now has a Mobile Fire Safety House which can also be used for teaching fire prevention. We act as a liaison between the Township administration and volunteer fire services in Bridgewater, and review and inspect special events such as the 4H Fair and local fireworks displays. All local businesses that are not required to register as a State Required Life Hazard Use is required by Chapter 99 of BWT Ordinance to register with this office.
For all Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide alarms, and Fire Extinguisher inspection, you will either need to come in to the Fire Marshal office, or you can mail the check in with your application or you can apply online with a credit card at the link below. Once paid for and processed, our office will call you to schedule the appointment.
Fee for inspection cost
THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS FOR EACH DWELLING UNIT
- Requests received more than 10 business days prior to the change of occupant is $60.00
- Requests received four to 10 business days prior to the change of occupant is $90.00
- Requests received fewer than four business days prior to the change of occupant is $170.00
- For each subsequent Re-inspection due to a failed inspection: an additional fee of $25 per inspection.
- Requests for waiver of CSDMACFE for house demolition/extensive construction permits shall be accompanied with application, affidavits from seller & buyer attorney’s offices and a $20.00 administrative fee.
Fire Safety Permits
The fees for fire safety permits established by the N.J. Uniform Fire Code; N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7, shall be as follows:
TYPE 1 $60.00
TYPE 2 $215.00
TYPE 3 $430.00
TYPE 4 $645.00
Copy of Fire Investigation report – $25.00 Thumb drive of digital photographs pertaining to fire investigation report (cost of thumb drive)
The Chief/Fire Marshal, Thomas Scalera, can be reached FOR ANY QUESTIONS at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5555 or by email at tscalera@bridgewaternj.gov
Click here to login to SDL Portal
BRIDGEWATER FIRE SAFETY PERMIT FEE LIST
APPLICATION FOR MOBILE FOOD TRUCK FIRE PERMIT
HOT ROOF WORK –REQUIREMENTS-FIRE SAFETY
NEW BUSINESS AND MULTI-FAMILY FIRE SAFETY REGISTRATION APPLICATION
BUSINESS FIRE REGISTRATION FEE SCHEDULE
EXIT EMERGENCY LIGHTS TEST LOG
FIRE SAFETY FALSE ALARM BROCHURE
2023-Permit Conditions Requirments
Common-Fire-Safety-Fire Code Violations
Department of Engineering
Overview
The Engineering Division deals with a wide range of activities. Our main function is to assist and protect the public by reviewing development applications and monitoring construction for compliance with township codes and conditions of approval. We also work on township improvement projects, investigate and respond to a wide variety of questions and concerns such as construction, drainage, property surveys, street light outages, traffic, utilities, etc.
Available in our office are the official tax maps and zoning maps for your review or purchase. Soil Disturbance permits for disturbances greater than 5,000 sq ft and Road Opening permits are also available in our office or online.
Click here for the Soil Disturbance permits or click here for the Road Opening permits.
Tree removal on private property is governed by Township Ordinance.
• Click here to view this ordinance
• Click here to access and download the Tree Removal Application
Please contact the Engineering Department by phone at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5500 if you have any questions.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
The federally mandated, national phone number, 811, helps prevent you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. Before you begin projects that involve digging, dial 811 to locate underground electric, gas or other utility lines. Digging without this information can cause power outages, and it’s extremely dangerous. Simply tell the 811 operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and your local utility companies will be notified. Within a few days, they will mark the location of underground lines.
Please call at least three days in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to your project. Know what’s below – Call before you dig!
For more information, visit http://www.call811.com.
Senior Citizens Services
The Bridgewater Township Senior Citizen Center
455 Somerville Rd.| Bridgewater, NJ 08807| 908-725-8020
Open Monday-Friday
9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Please check the Senior Citizens Events calendar to view all the activities.
Bridgewater Township Senior Citizen Center welcomes you to a journey of fitness, health, and socialization through our virtual and in-person activities. Please know that we value you and are concerned about the “whole” of you. Our classes are free of charge providing an incentive to join these beneficial activities. Our classes promote a relaxed atmosphere with a “sense of family.” We hope this journey will help meet your needs physically, mentally, and socially while bringing enjoyment and refreshment to your lives.
Bridgewater Senior Citizens are urged to take advantage of the many programs offered through the Bridgewater Senior Citizen Center. Among these programs offered are Computer Class, Weight Training, Aerobic classes, Tai-chi, Dance Fitness, Strength Training, Stretch Bands, and Yoga.
In addition to these weekly activities, the center offers classes on health and wellness, financial stability, healthy cooking, and art programs. Fun, celebration parties are also a big highlight on the monthly schedule.
The Bridgewater Senior Club, a separate group, which has 100 + members, holds its weekly meetings at the center on Tuesdays at noon. Among the activities offered at the Bridgewater Senior Club are Bingo, entertainment programs, 50/50 drawings, and various bus trips. There is a minimal annual due and seniors must be a Bridgewater resident to attend these meetings.
Transportation to the BWT Sr. Center is available for Bridgewater residents based on a limited schedule. We do not provide transportation to doctor’s appointments. For more information about senior citizen activities or transportation, call our Senior Citizen Coordinator, Jennifer Osterberg, at (908) 725-8020 or email Jennifer at seniors@bridgewaternj.gov.
BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP SR. CITIZEN CENTER TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Please note that the Senior Bus is currently unavailable until further notice. Thank you for your patience at this time.
Department of Health and Community Services
Wildlife Issues
BATS
Bat activity typically increases from May through September. For further information on bats, click here
Click here for Lyme Disease Prevention Message
BEARS
Bears are becoming a greater problem with humans here in the Garden State. This is due to the increased numbers of humans in wilder areas, increasing the chances of contact with the natural bear population. Within the past few years, bears have been observed in surrounding communities to Bridgewater, including Manville, Peapack, and Readington, and other more populated places to the east such as South Brunswick, North Brunswick, and New Brunswick. More recently, aggressive behavior from bears has been reported in New Jersey. In 2003, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded two aggressive contacts with humans. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported in these instances.
These interactions between wild animals and humans are certainly not new, but they can be prevented. The three most important methods of preventing injuries to either yourself or an inquisitive bear are:
- NEVER place yourself between a mother bear and her cub(s);
- DO NOT run. Bears can run as fast as 30 mph, and they can climb trees.
- ALWAYS make as much noise as possible. Yell as loud as you can, bang pots, and scream.
Following these simple rules will allow chance encounters with bears to have a positive outcome. Bears are not vicious creatures. If one happens to find its way into your backyard, it is either being inquisitive, or is simply trying to find a different place to live, since it probably got kicked out of the place where it was before. By scaring it away from your house, it will know not to go back there. In addition, the NJ DEP suggests that keeping garbage, pet foods, and bird feeders secured from bears can reduce the number of problem incidents
Click here for more information on bears.
DEER REPELLENTS
The proper use of repellent sprays along with deer-resistant landscaping techniques may help to significantly reduce the impact of deer browsing on residential properties in the Township. There are many brands of deer repellents commercially available. Click here to learn how to reduce your risk of deer collisions.
HUNTING
Interested property owners can allow deer hunting on their property by having a licensed hunter complete the “Hunt Smart Courtesy Card” (click to download) from the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife. This card must be completed by both the property owner and hunter. Each party should keep their half of the card, which serves as a legal document allowing temporary use of the property for hunting.
Sports hunters are required to comply with all state laws and local ordinances. Furthermore, all safety procedures must be applied as outlined in the New Jersey Hunter Education Program. Further details on sports hunting regulations may be found at the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/
COYOTE SIGHTINGS ON THE RISE
Coyote sightings are on the rise in Somerset County. These predators have been known to attack dogs, cats, and other small pets. Residents are encouraged to learn more about coyote habits by clicking on the following link
AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird Flu)
Information on Bird Flu | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)
For more information on any of the above topics, please contact the Bridgewater Health and Community Services office at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5200 or by email at health@bridgewaternj.gov .
Please log into our new SDL Portal to view public data including permit information, complaints, violations, licenses & certificates and to place requests for Zoning, Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention and the Tax Assessor.
