Monument Display Hearing At Bridgewater Planning Board Is Postponed

BRIDGEWATER, NJ ? The Planning Board hearing for the application looking to erect an electronic monument billboard on Bridgewater Township property, has been canceled for Tuesday night and tentatively rescheduled for June 13.

The applicant Catalyst Experimental informed the township on Tuesday it would need to reschedule its hearing, according to Deputy Township Administrator Wells Winegar.

As Planning Board consideration is a pre-requisite for Township Council action, this issue will also not be addressed at the Thursday, May 4 Council meeting.

As a result of the rescheduling, the Township Council public hearing, second reading of the ordinance, and vote will now most likely be held at its June 22 meeting.

Previously, at the March 2 meeting, the township council unanimously voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to award a lease to 100 Commons L Bridgewater LH, LLC to construct the display on the municipal complex site visible to Route 202/206 near the Interstate 287 merge. Related: Electronic Monument Billboard To Be Erected In Bridgewater

The display would have Bridgewater Township's name on the top and not only feature advertisements but also township messages - such as for town events, activities, etc. - as well.

Along with the one-time lump sum payment of $1 million to the township, Bridgewater Township Attorney Christopher Corsini said the township would also receive $1,000 a month over the 30-year lease.

Concerns over light pollution and driver distraction have been raised by residents over the proposed electronic "billboard" monument display. Read More: 'Are We Up For Sale?' Residents Oppose Bridgewater Electronic Display

"Are we up for sale? Are we up for rent? I don't want to live in a town that rents ourselves out. I thought that we wanted to preserve our quality of life," said resident Cathy Franco at the April 20 meeting.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.