Dear Residents,

As the leaves begin to change and fall is upon us, I wanted to share some important updates and news from our wonderful community.

Leaf Bag Pickup: Our Department of Public Works (DPW) is gearing up for the season, and they will soon be making leaf bags available for pickup. This is a convenient way for you to manage your yard waste during the autumn months. Starting October 1st, drop by the Public Works Garage at 411 Chimney Rock Road for your free leaf bags. Our DPW crews will begin to pick them up curb-side starting on November 1st.

Back to School and Fall Activities: With the start of the school year, our community is bustling with activity once again. Students are back in the classrooms, and fall activities are in full swing. It's an exciting time for our young learners, and we wish them all the best in their studies and extracurricular pursuits. Be sure to check out all that our amazing Recreation Department has going on for the fall.

November's Election: As we look ahead to November's election, I want to remind you that mail-in ballots have started to arrive. We are committed to making the voting process as accessible as possible for our residents. Right here at the Municipal Complex, we have a convenient drop-off box for your completed ballots. Your voice matters, and your vote counts.

Master Plan Mondays: Our Master Plan Mondays educational video series has been a tremendous success, and we're thrilled to continue sharing valuable insights into our community's future. Once the series is complete, we eagerly anticipate receiving your input and ideas to help shape our community's master plan.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in making our town a fantastic place to live, work, and play. As we embrace the beauty of fall, remember to stay engaged, stay informed, and enjoy the season's vibrant colors and crisp air.

Have a great day, and please don't hesitate to reach out to our Office of Constituent Relations if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we make our community thrive.

Warm regards,

Matthew C. Moench

Mayor

• A Message From Mayor Moench: Gearing up for Fall
• Master Plan Update: Element 4: Circulation
• Additional Saturday for Bulky Trash (this Saturday!)
• Thank you Sunrise Senior Living
• Moench and Kirsh Welcome GPI to Bridgewater
• Senior Brush Pick-ups
• Department Updates

Our Master Plan video series has continued with an additional video:

Element 4: Circulation- this element details the basics of the Circulation Element of Bridgewater's Master plan, which encompasses all the various ways that residents and visitors travel around Bridgewater.

We hope that you find these videos informative and empowering so that you can give feedback to Bridgewater's vision for the future.

Due to the rain this past weekend, we are adding one additional bulky trash drop-off Saturday to our fall schedule. Come to 15 Polhemus Lane from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (last car must be in line by 12:30 PM) to drop off your furniture, mattresses, carpeting, grills, and small appliances. Saturday, September 30th.

Mayor Moench visits Sunrise Senior Living

Mayor Matthew Moench paid a visit to Sunrise Senior Living right here in Bridgewater, where the community came together to honor the first responders whose dedication ensures the safety and well-being of the Sunrise residents. It was a festive occasion, with fantastic food, music, and even better company.

Councilman Tim Ring wants to ask:

Are you ready for a storm?

Mayor Moench and Council President Michael Kirsh welcomed Greenman-Pedersen Incorporated (GPI) to their new office right here in Bridgewater. GPI is a engineering and consulting firm, known for their technical knowledge and committment to excellence no matter the project.

Mayor Moench said at the ribbon cutting ceremony, "We are always so thrilled when businesses decide to relocate and grow here. We are so happy that GPI is now a part of our community and we can't wait to see you expand and succeed."

Click the graphic above or go to https://ourbwroads.com for the most up-to-date info.

RECREATION

Fall and Winter Fun

Fall programs have begun and we hope our registrants are enjoying all of the programs we are offering this season. It’s not too late to register for many of our Winter programs, including In Town Basketball, High School Basketball, and Wrestling. To view all available programs and to find details & registration please go to the Current Programs page of our website. 

Attention Girls in Grades 6 – 8!

Girls Empowerment through Mindfulness (G.E.M.) is offering a class designed to lower stress, increase self-confidence, and more! You can learn more about G.E.M. presents Mindfulness & Meditation Techniques for 6^th – 8^th Grade Girls on the Current Programs page of our website.

Don’t Forget to Scroll…

When registering or browsing our site, you must use the gray scrollbar to the immediate right of the program listing in order to view all programs.

Bridgewater Night at Red Bull Arena

Saturday, September 30th is Bridgewater United Night at Red Bull Arena! Bridgewater United Travel and In Town players, families and friends are invited to purchase tickets to see the Red Bulls take on the Chicago Fire at a special discounted rate! To purchase tickets please use this link. No code is necessary.

Disney On Ice – Special Discount

The Prudential Center is offering the Bridgewater Recreation community the opportunity to purchase discount tickets to select shows of Disney on Ice in November.

Discounted tickets are available for the following shows only:

Thursday, November 2^nd @ 7:00pm

Friday, November 3^rd @ 11:00am

Sunday, November 5^th @ 7:00pm

To access our special offer please use this link. Choose your show, click on “Unlock”, and enter our special code, BWATER.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

TOWNSHIP CLERK 

The Township Clerk’s Office is open to assist the public and are available in person, via telephone, email and fax to conduct licensing including but not limited to dogs, cats, raffles, bingo and other games of chance and other duties as imposed by statute, regulation or municipal ordinance, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. 

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL 

Bridgewater Township Council regular meetings are now being held in-person and via live broadcast. To access the Livestream, click the link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/@BridgewaterNewJersey/streams  

Then, click on the livestream labelled Bridgewater Council Meeting. 

OPRA REQUESTS: 

Requests for Open Public Records are requested through this office. By law, the Township has seven (7) business days to respond to the requestor.  

OPRA requests will now be submitted online through Next Request at bridgewatertownshipnj.nextrequest.com. 

DOG & CAT LICENSES: 

State Law requires the owners of all dogs and cats seven (7) months of age OR with permanent teeth to apply for a license annually. While Licensing is conducted throughout the year, Dog Licenses are generally issued in the month of January and Cat Licenses are generally issued in the month of June. 

Licensing Options: 

1. Visit the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. We are open Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm 
2. Mail to 100 Commons Way – Bridgewater, NJ 08807 ATT: Animal Licensing 
3. Use the Township Drop Box (available beginning June 8th) ATT: Dog Licensing 

For Options 2 and 3, please enclose a check or money order (NO CASH) payable to “Bridgewater Township” and enclose a Self- Addressed STAMPED envelope for us to mail your license and tag back to you. Additional postage is required when mailing back more than one license. PLEASE ENSURE THE CORRECT POSTAGE. 

• Cost for Dogs: $15.00 Altered or $18.00 if NOT Altered. 
• Cost for Cats: $5.00, No late fees 
• Note: Late Fees (for Dogs) are an additional $3.00 after February 1st and $10.00 after June 1st per license. IF PAYING BY CASH, EXACT CHANGE IS REQUIRED 

RABIES VACCINATION MUST be good for the licensing period which means it must be good through November 1ST (Dogs) & May 1ST (Cats) of the licensing year. Proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided if new to our system, near expiration, or expired.  Proof of spaying/neutering is required unless previously provided. 

Dog and Cat Application Form Can Be Found Here. If a dog/cat is already in our system, an application is not required. 

2023 ELECTION NEWS 

UPCOMING ELECTIONS: 

• Primary Election - June 6, 2023 
• General Election - November 7, 2023 

VOTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• A United States citizen 
• At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18 
• A resident of Somerset County for 30 days before the election 
• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States. 

The registrant must complete a Voter Registration Application then mail/deliver the form to the Somerset County Commissioner of Registration at 30 Grove Street, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876. You may also register to vote online using the NJ Voter Registration website.  

The Voter Registration Deadline is 21 days before the election. The 2023 Registration deadlines are as follows:  

• Primary Election May 16, 2023 
• General Election October 17, 2023 

Click Here to download a copy of the Voter Registration Application. 

Click Here to vote online using the NJ Voter Registration Website. 

Click Here to check your Voter Registration Status  

SOMERSET COUNTY BALLOT DROP BOX  

The Somerset County Ballot Drop Box (located in the Municipal Complex Parking Lot across from the Police Station) was opened on Monday, April 24, 2023 for the return of Vote by Mail ballots for the June Primary Election. 

EARLY VOTING 

This new option allows registered voters to cast their ballot in person, using a voting machine. You can now choose to vote, in person, when it’s most convenient for your schedule. No appointment is necessary! 

Early Voting Locations in Somerset County are as follows: 

Bernards Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge 

Bridgewater Municipal Court, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater 

Franklin Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset 

Hillsborough Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough 

Montgomery Municipal Building, 100 Community Drive, Skillman 

North Plainfield Community Center, 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield 

ELECTION BOARD WORKERS NEEDED 

You can participate in the electoral process not only by voting, but by serving as an Election Board Worker at the polling places. The Somerset County Board of Elections is seeking qualified district board workers to staff the polls in Bridgewater Township and throughout the County during the 2023 election cycle. The hours on Election Day are from 5:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. A two-hour training class is required for new board workers. 

Interested parties should fill out and submit this application to ElectionBd@co.somerset.nj.us as soon as possible, and will be directed to an online training program they must complete before being assigned a polling location. 

Training 

All poll workers are now required to attend a class every other year. Failure to comply will reduce the Election Day compensation to $50.00. Click here for a brief summary of the poll worker training. 

Application 

Please complete the Poll Worker Application, sign and return to Somerset County Board of Elections, PO Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876,1262 

If you are planning on working for the Republican Party, please send the form to the attention of Regina. 

If you are planning on working for the Democratic Party or if you are Unaffiliated, please send the form to the attention of Robin. 

HEALTH

The Health Department continues to work with health officials to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, to keep the public as informed as possible, and to help residents to navigate their vaccination options. Routine inspections of retail food establishments are ongoing, and include review of Coronavirus- related compliance. If you encounter an issue that requires immediate attention, you can reach us by phone or email. Please click here for contact information.

SENIOR CENTER

The Bridgewater Township Senior Citizen Center is located on 455 Somerville Road. In order to attend, individuals must be a 55 and older Bridgewater resident or a municipal tax payer to Bridgewater. 

View the Senior Citizens Events Calendar on our website

Open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM-2:30 PM

 WHAT TO BRING:

Drink

Lunch/Snack (optional)

 Bridgewater Township Sr. Citizen Center is an active social club that helps meet the physical, mental, and social needs of our adult community. Bridgewater Township Senior Citizen Center welcomes you to a journey of fitness, health, and socialization through our Zoom and in-person activities. Our classes are free of charge providing an incentive to join these beneficial activities. Some of the physical fitness activities being offered are Sit & Get Fit, Healthy Bones, Chair Aerobics, Aerobics, Dance Fitness, Stretch Bands, Tai Chi, Weights, Strength Training, and Yoga. In addition to physical fitness activities, special themed parties, Health & Wellness presentations, Art, and Cooking classes are offered.

Free transportation to the BWT Senior Center and its activities is available to Senior Center members only based on a limited schedule.

Click here for the current Bus Schedule.

Click here for more information on the Senior Bus.

  If you are interested in participating in Bridgewater Township’s Senior Citizen Center’s activities, want information about transportation to the center, or have any questions about membership, please contact

Jennifer Osterberg at seniors@bridgewaternj.gov.

You may also call the Senior Center at 908-725-8020. 

MUNICIPAL SERVICES

CODE ENFORCEMENT

With the increase of recent real estate transactions, the Code Enforcement Department has seen an influx of property owners coming in to schedule inspections for open permits that were never closed out. In some cases this delays the closing of the property because of open permits.

It is always good practice to have permits inspected in a timely manner. Property owners can sign up and log onto the SDL portal https://www.sdlportal.com to confirm that there are no open permits on their property. Any open permits can be scheduled by calling 908 725-6300 ext. 5563.

ZONING UPDATE

Zoning is the establishment of standards across our neighborhoods in an orderly pattern to protect our community's health, safety, and welfare. It determines how our town's land is used and what operations or activities may be permitted when and where.

The Zoning Officer reviews permit requests to ensure all projects and proposals conform to our ordinance standards. In addition, Zoning also investigates property maintenance issues.

Before starting any home project or development, you should check with Zoning to determine if the work requires a permit. Depending on the project, you may also require construction, plumbing, and electrical permits, but a Zoning permit is your first step.

Permits are required for the following:

• New house construction, additions
• Detached garages
• Decks, porches, or patios
• Sheds, fences, retaining walls
• Pools (above and in-ground), hot tubs, spas
• Standby generators
• Signs

If you have questions regarding the permit process or other zoning matters, please contact Roger Dornbierer at 908-725-6300 x5541.

PUBLIC WORKS and PARKS

Beginning October 1st, leaf bags will be available for residents to pick up at the Public Works Garage at 411 Chimney Rock Road - residents may bag their leaves using these bags and then place them curbside. Public Works will begin to pick up leaf bags beginning November 1st.

The final Senior brush pick-up will be October 26th.

Call 908-725-6300 Ext. 6300 to schedule a pick-up.

Bridgewater Township has several thousand catch basins in our roadways to collect storm water, Public Works is requesting that you “adopt” the catch basin in front of your home and make sure the top of the grate is kept free from leaves and sticks. This will keep the water draining freely into the basin. 

If you should have a catch basin filled with debris below the grate, email publicworks@bridgewaternj.gov, ocr@bridgewaternj.gov,

or call (908)-725-6300 Ext. 5888

and we’ll create a work order to clean it out.

PARKS

All of our Parks, trail systems and playgrounds are open for use.  Some portions of the Middlebrook Trail are closed between Mt. Vernon Road and Crim Road due to damage caused by Ida. If you observe any issues in these facility’s that need to be brought to our attention, contact Public Works at (908) 725 – 6300 x6000 or email SafeParks@bridgewaternj.gov 



POLICE DEPARTMENT

Want to host the Command Staff?

If your business would like to host the Bridgewater PD Command Staff, please reach out to Chief John Mitzak at jmitzak@bridgewaterpd.com or 908-722-4111 extension 4141 to set up a date.

Community Sub Station Coming Soon to the Bridgewater Commons Mall

The Bridgewater Police are proud to announce that a new Community Sub Station will be coming soon to the Bridgewater Commons Mall. We anticipate the sub station to open in late October or early November. More to come in the coming weeks, stay tuned!

LOCK YOUR VEHICLES!

Due to recent vehicle burglaries, the Police Department want to remind all residents to lock your vehicles when unattended. Take this easy step to avoid unnecessary valuable losses!

See Something, Say Something

If you see any suspicious activity in your area that makes you feel unsafe,

please call 911 immediately.

Child Safety Seat Inspections

Child safety seat inspections are done by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 908-526-1977 or email the Traffic Safety Bureau at traffic@bridgewaterpd.com. Please include your name, phone number and dates/times of availability.

Beware of Scams

The Police have seen an uptick in scams targeting the elderly and families. Chief John Mitzak has provided the following links so residents can be informed:

https://fraud.org/grandparent-scams/

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0204-family-emergency-scams

Incident Reports

Anyone requesting a copy of an incident report can call our Records Bureau at 908-725-4044 or email Records@bridgewaterpd.com. A copy of the report can be emailed back to the requesting party. Make sure to provide your name, phone number, email address, and case number.

Crash reports can be obtained by utilizing https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/

Body Cams

Bridgewater Police are utilizing Body Worn Cameras (BWC). The BWC is attached to the officer’s chest area.

Firearms

Please note that the process to apply for a Firearms Identification Card or Permit to Purchase a firearm is completely online.

​

Firearms Registration and Application System (FARS):

​

Step 1: Log on to www.njportal.com/njsp/fars

​

Step 2: The Bridgewater Police Department's ORI # - NJ0180600

​

Step 3: Complete the online application. You may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. When completing the application you will need the email addresses of two (2) reputable references. Your references can be family members.

​

Step 4: You must appear at your police department to pay for your initial Firearms Identification Card (FID Card) and/or Pistol Purchase Permits. Your application will not be processed until you have paid for the FID Card/Pistol Permits. Non-refundable payment is required to be made prior to the completion of the background as per NJSC 13:54.1.4.

​

* You will be receiving automated email updates throughout this new process.

​

* Once your application is complete, a station representative will contact you to retrieve your FID card and/or Pistol Purchase Permit documents.

​

* Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered. Your references can complete the questions using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. Please advise them to complete the questions immediately to progress your background application. 

​

* The online application is applicant driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best phone numbers for yourself and references as well the best email addresses for you and your references.

​

License Bureau Contact:

Robert Hanlon II

908-722-4111 ext 4026

permits@bridgewaterpd.com

FIRE SAFETY



Play it safe in the kitchen.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, so it's important to know what you can do to help keep your friends and family safe while entertaining during the winter season. The primary cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended stovetops and ovens. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen and use a timer for reminders. When cooking for longer periods of time, don’t forget to use the exhaust fan or vent above your stove to help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) from collecting inside your home.

Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe home for you and your family. When seconds count, having a fire extinguisher nearby is crucial for rapid response. Fire extinguishers should be stored where they are easily reachable and in key rooms where there is a higher risk for fires such as the kitchen and garage. For general protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated fire extinguisher

FINANCE

Tax Collection Due Dates:

February 1

May 1

August 1 (the grace period has been extended to August 31, 2023)

November 1

The Finance Department is continuing its full operation. Residents can submit tax and sewer payments online with the ACH fees waived.

Bridgewater residents, please keep in mind that the quarterly tax due dates are February 1st, May 1st, August 1st (grace period through 8/31), and November 1st. Each date comes with a 10-day grace period. 

Pay online:

TAX BILL PAYMENT:

https://www.cit-e.net/bridgewater-nj/Cit-e-Access/TaxBill_Std/TaxAmount.cfm?TID=116&TPID=11646

Sewer Tax Due Dates for 2023:  March 1 and September 1.

** There is a 10-day grace period. If the 10th day falls on a weekend or a holiday, the following business day is the last day of the grace period.**

SEWER BILL PAYMENT:

https://www.cit-e.net/bridgewater-nj/Cit-e-Access/Vital_UtiBill/TaxAmount.cfm?TID=116&TPID=11647

Payments can also be mailed to the Township Lock box in Newark.

Bridgewater Tax Collector

P.O. Box 24005

Newark, NJ 07101-0406

To reach Township Finance, Tax Collector or Tax Assessor offices you may send them an email. Please click the button below for contact information.

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