BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Any potential plans for housing at the Bridgewater Commons mall will not be supported by the Township Mayor or Council, said Councilman Filipe Pedroso following the announcement of the sale of the mall.
Bridgewater Commons announced on May 15 its acquisition by Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) – one of the nation’s premier owner/operators of open-air lifestyle and mixed-use centers. Read More: Bridgewater Commons To Transform Into ‘Vibrant Mixed-Use Destination’
PRCP has some other developments that include housing as a component which spurred concerns that a similar plan could be coming to Bridgewater Commons.
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After that announcement, Pedroso said Mayor Matthew Moench sent a letter to the CEO of PRCP stating “there was certainly no appetite in Bridgewater Township for the mall to be converted into any type of apartment development.”
“I too emphasize on that point. I will not support any apartments in the mall,” said Pedroso during the May 18 Council meeting. “I thank the Mayor for continuing to advocate on behalf of the Bridgewater residents against overdevelopment.”
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Bridgewater Township Administrator Michael Pappas confirmed Moench did send the letter expressing the “community’s position that the mall is a commercial site. It was something he wanted to be sure was sent.”
“I would like to emphasize one important aspect that is of utmost concern to our Township. While we welcome the evolution of Bridgewater Commons, we want to make it clear that this Administration does not support the conversion of any portion of the mall into multi-family housing, nor would the community endorse such a plan. Bridgewater is a vibrant community with a robust residential sector, and it is crucial that we maintain the distinct character and purpose of our commercial spaces,” wrote Moench in the letter.
See the full letter below:
Dear Mr. Plenge:
I am the Mayor of Bridgewater, New Jersey, and I write to you regarding the recent announcement of Pacific Retail Capital Partners’ (PRCP) acquisition of Bridgewater Commons. We are excited about the prospect of working together to revitalize our beloved Bridgewater Commons Mall and enhance this vibrant destination for people across the region.
Bridgewater Commons has been the commercial cornerstone of our township for 35 years. We recognize PRCP’s expertise in repositioning retail properties into high-performing, multi-use assets, and we believe that your vision generally aligns with our Township’s hopes for the mall’s future. We appreciate your commitment to engaging with local officials and community members as we embark on this journey together.
However, I would like to emphasize one important aspect that is of utmost concern to our Township. While we welcome the evolution of Bridgewater Commons, we want to make it clear that this Administration does not support the conversion of any portion of the mall into multi-family housing, nor would the community endorse such a plan. Bridgewater is a vibrant community with a robust residential sector, and it is crucial that we maintain the distinct character and purpose of our commercial spaces.
Click Here: cheap Cowboys jerseyWe trust that your team will take into consideration our Township’s position as you develop your plan for Bridgewater Commons. We value open dialogue and collaboration throughout this process, and we are confident that together, we can create a destination that will continue to be an anchor for our market for years to come.
Once again, I express my enthusiasm for this partnership and the possibilities it holds for Bridgewater. We look forward to working closely with PRCP and a reinvigorated Bridgewater Commons. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my office.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Matthew C. Moench
The township’s current administration previously fought against “reckless overdevelopment” and won following a 2-and-a-half-year legal battle with Advance Realty. The two sides reached a new agreement in June 2022 over the Center of Excellence project — that had initially proposed building 400 luxury apartments — at the former Sanofi-Aventis property on Route 202/206. Read More: Defeated: Largest Development In Bridgewater’s History Since Mall
The Sale
The sale of the Commons included the 1.2 million square foot mall located in Bridgewater along with The Village at Bridgewater Commons, a 94,000 square foot open-air shopping district adjacent to Bridgewater Commons.
As part of the transaction, PRCP is assuming Bridgewater Commons’ existing loan and got an extension that will give the company time to execute its plan to “transform the mall into a vibrant mixed-use destination.”
A request for comment by Patch for more details on what a future plan will include at the mall to PRCP or mall representatives were not returned.
Zoning
Currently, the mall is located in the C-2 Regional Retail Business Zone. It is not zoned for housing.
“I know there are many questions about the future of the mall. While I do not know what the new owners will propose for the mall, I do know that the current zoning does not allow for apartments or housing,” said Councilman Tim Ring last week. “While the mall is an important piece of property, we must ensure that future plans for the mall are consistent with the vision for Bridgewater Township.”
In order for PRCP to add housing to the site, they would need to send in their proposed plan to the township planner or engineer for review before going before a Zoning Board of Adjustment that is open to public questions and comments.
The application would need to request a D(1) variance which is when an applicant looks to add a use or structure on the property that is currently prohibited or restricted. This would require at least five zoning board members to vote in approval of this.
It is considered to be the highest level of difficulty of variance to obtain, said Township Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar.
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