July 2025
THE BRIDGEWATER BULLETIN
EachyearonthemorningofJuly4th,residentsandvisitorsgatheratthe MiddlebrookEncampmentinBridgewaterforatraditionthatdatesbackto1895:the publicreadingoftheDeclarationofIndependence.
This ceremony, held on the very grounds where General George Washington and the Continental Armyonceencamped,remindsus thatfreedomisnotjustaconcept in our history books: it’s a living legacythatwearecalledtouphold and pass on. We invite you and your family to join us this IndependenceDayforthismoving tribute to our founding ideals, which has taken place every July 4thforoveracentury.
Aswehonorthepast,wearealsobeginningtolookahead.Thismonthmarksthe officialkickoffofLegacy2126-BridgewaterTownship’sinitiativetocommemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation by creating a 100-year time capsuletobesealedonJuly4th,2026.
Overthecomingmonths,you’llseelocalorganizationshighlightedinthisnewsletter andonoursocialmediapagesastheypreparetheitemstheywillcontributetothe capsule. Their selections will represent who we are today our values, challenges, stories,andaspirations fortheresidentsof2126touncoverandunderstand.
Together,werememberwherewe’vecomefromandtake thoughtfulstepstoshapethememoryofwhowearefor generationstocome
A photo depicting residents listening to the Declaration of Independence being read aloud at the Middlebrook EncampmentonJuly4
Township Calendar
PhotodepictstheraisingoftheHopkinson flagattheMiddlebrookEncampment
Leavethefireworksdisplaystotheprofessionals.
Know Before You Glow Know
Before You Glow
Fireworks in NJ: What’s Legal and What’s Not
Potholes, Pavement & Progress
As part of the Township’s 2025 Roads Program, over $6.1 million in road rehabilitation is planned,fundedinpartbyarecord$1.8millioninNJDoTgrants.Thisfifthyearofinvestment continues Bridgewater’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure while leveraging outside fundingtoreducetheburdenontaxpayers.
Joinusaswebegincelebratingourcountry’s250thanniversary Thisfirst event,hostedbytheSomersetCountyHistoricalSociety(SCHS),isaparty whichwillfeaturemanyofthehistory-focusedorganizationsinSomerset County.TicketsincludeadiscountedmembershiptoSCHS,aphotobooth pass,andaraffleticket(winnersannouncedinNovember2025)
This first annual membership drive party will feature historical sites, activities,plentyoffood,TheVintageVibeTribeband,specialguestsGeorge &MarthaWashington,andmore!Comeandlearnaboutthehistoryofour area!
Attendeesareencouragedtoweartheirfavoritevintageoutfitfromanyeraof Americana.RegisteronlineearlytosecureyourticketsusingourQRcode orthroughourwebsite,somersethistorynj.orgunderoureventssection!
As temperatures rise this summer, Bridgewater Township is here to help residents stay safe and beat the heat Cooling Centersarepubliclocationswhereindividualscangotoescape extremeheatandcooloffinanair-conditionedenvironment.
These spaces are especially important for seniors, young children, and those with health conditions that make heat moredangerous
Bridgewater has three cooling centers that are open during periods of excessive heat, as determined by the National WeatherService.
If you or someone you know is without air conditioning during a heatwave, don’t wait - come cool down in a safe, comfortable space. Water and seating are available, and no registrationisrequired
Forupdates,visitwwwbridgewaternjgovorcalltheOfficeof ConstituentRelationsat908-725-6300extension5888.
Ask the Tax Assessor: Why Did My HomeValue Change?
Q:Tony,whatisareassessment,andwhydoesBridgewaterdoit?
A:Areassessmentistheprocessofupdatingallpropertyvaluessotheyreflect100%offullmarketvalue whatyour propertycouldreasonablysellforinafairandopenmarketWedothistoensureeveryresidentispayingtheirfairsharebased onaccurate,up-to-datepropertyinformation.
Q:Whodecideshowassessmentswork?
A:Bridgewaterdoesn’tmaketherules theStateofNewJerseydoes.Statelawrequiresthatassessmentsbebasedonmarket valueasofOctober1stoftheprioryear.TheTaxAssessor(me)isresponsibleforcarryingouttheselawsuniformlyandfairly.
Q:Whatsortsofthingscausemyhome’svaluetochange?
A:Propertyvaluescanchangeduetomarketconditions(likesupplyanddemand),upgradesorchangestothehome,likethat kitchenrenovation,orevenshiftsinneighborhoodtrendsThesechangesarecapturedthroughacombinationofdata analysisandin-personinspections.
Q:Whathappensduringaninspection?
A:Inspectorsmeasuretheexteriorofyourhomeand,ifallowed,willinspecttheinteriortonotethingslikefinished basements,numberofbathrooms,orcentralairIfaccessisdenied,theinteriorfeaturesmaybeestimatedThisinformation helpsmaintainequityacrossallpropertiesthroughoutBridgewater.
Q:WhenwillIbenotifiedofanychanges?
A:PropertyownerstypicallyreceivenoticeoftheirupdatedassessmentinearlyFebruaryeachyear.
Q:CanIaskquestionsorappeal?
A:Absolutely.Youcanreachouttomeatanytimewithquestionsortotalkabouttheassessmentprocess.Ifyou'restill concerned,youmayfileaformalappealwiththeSomersetCountyTaxBoard
WerecentlymetwithAnthonyDiRado,Bridgewater’sTaxAssessor,toaskhimsome importantquestionsabouthomeassessments. ScantolearnmoreorcontactAnthony:
Summerhasstarted!OurYouthFootball,Cricket,Kickball,andfirstsessions ofBaseballcampandMultiSportMorningsgotusofftoa“hot”start!
Itisnottoolatetosignupforseveralofourotherpopularsummeractivities, includingMurdockBasketballClinics,SoccerSkillsClinics,FieldHockey Camp,LadyPantherSoftballCamp,FlagFootballCamp,TouchRugby Camp,TennisMiniCamp,andthesecondsessionsofourMultiSport MorningsandPantherBaseballCamp.Youcanfindmoreinformationand registrationontheCurrentProgramspageofourwebsite.
Checkoutallofourgreatopportunitiesat https://brdleagueappscom/camps
Spaceislimitedandonafirstcome,firstservedbasis
TaxReductionPrograms:
PropertyTaxRelief
VeteransPropertyTax DeductionClaim
DisabledVeteranPropertyTax ExemptionClaim
SeniorCitizenPropertyTax DeductionExemptionClaim
PropertyTaxRebatePrograms
As temperatures rise, it's important to take simple steps to prevent heat stroke a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.Stayhydratedbydrinkingplentyofwater,evenif you ’renotthirsty,andavoidcaffeineoralcohol,whichcan dehydrateyou Wearlightweight,light-coloredclothingand limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Never leave children, pets, or vulnerableindividualsinaparkedcar,evenforafewminutes. Ifyoubegintofeeldizzy,confused,orextremelyoverheated, seekshadeorairconditioningimmediatelyandgetmedical attentionifsymptomspersist
Here to serve you:
Bridgewater Municipal Complex 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-725-6300 extension 5888
OCR@bridgewaternj.gov
TownshipAdministratorMichaelPappas twpadmin@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5000
DeputyTownshipAdministratorScottStephens sstephens@bridgewaternj.gov908.725.6300x5001
TownshipClerkGraceNjuguna gnjuguna@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5025
TaxAssessorAnthonyDiRado taxassessor@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5125
TaxCollectorBlancaLyons taxcollector@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5143
DirectorofMunicipalServicesThomasGenova tgenova@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5515
ConstructionOfficialJohnTillotson bwtcode@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5565
mayor@bridgewaternj.gov
PublicWorksandSewerUtilitySuperintendent RichardShimp publicworks@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x6000
DirectorofHealth&HumanServices
ChristineMadrid cmadrid@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5045
RecreationSuperintendentRachelBarrett recreation@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5300
SeniorServicesCoordinatorJenniferOsterberg seniors@bridgewaternjgov9087258020
CourtAdministratorJenniPeterson jpeterson@bridgewaternjgov9087256300x5404
PoliceChiefJohnMitzak jmitzak@bridgewaterpdcom9087256300x4034
WhatisanOPRARequest?
An OPRA request short for Open Public Records Act request is a formal way for the public to access government records in New Jersey. Through OPRA, residents, journalists, and other interested parties can requestcopiesofdocuments,emails,permits,contracts,andotherofficial records maintained by public agencies, including municipalities like BridgewaterTownship.
The goal of OPRA is to promote transparency and accountability by making government information more accessible.Requestsmustbesubmittedin writingorusingtheonlineportal,andare typicallyansweredwithinsevenbusiness days, unless the records are exempt or requireadditionaltimetogather
hnorgalis@bridgewaternj.gov
fpedroso@bridgewaternj.gov
tring@bridgewaternj.gov
mkirsh@bridgewaternj.gov
akurdyla@bridgewaternj.gov
Mayor Matthew C. Moench
Councilman Michael Kirsh
Councilman Allen Kurdyla
Council Vice President Filipe Pedroso
Councilman Tim Ring Council President Howard Norgalis