Future of Melick’s Farm Market property remains undecided after zoning board delay
Residents packed Tuesday's zoning board meeting as they protested the proposed development, which calls for a 106,000-square-foot self-storage building and a retention pond on the 5.43-acre Route 28 property.
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The future of the property that houses Melick’s Farm Market remains undecided after a Bridgewater zoning board vote was delayed.
The hearing on the proposed Bridgewater Storage facility was adjourned until the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Sept. 22. At that meeting, the board is expected to hear the remaining public comments, complete its deliberations and potentially vote on the application.
Community interest in the proposal has been significant. According to a post by Bridgewater Residents United, attendance at Tuesday's zoning board meeting was so large that the main meeting room and two overflow rooms were filled to capacity.
Residents have been organizing in opposition to the proposed development, which calls for a 106,000-square-foot self-storage building and a retention pond on the 5.43-acre Route 28 property, where the Melick family has operated the farm stand for more than 20 years.
The property consists of two tax lots. One contains the farm stand and a single-family home, while the other is occupied by an 8,000-square-foot office building.
If the redevelopment plan moves forward, both lots would be demolished to make way for a two-and-a-half-story self-storage facility with 15 parking spaces and two loading areas, according to application documents.
The property is currently located in the township's Office and Service Zone, where self-storage facilities are not a permitted use.
Residents have also pointed to Bridgewater's 2025 Master Plan, which states that the township will "actively support the availability of farmers markets and farm-to-table/local food source opportunities."
The Melick family has operated farms in New Jersey for nearly 300 years and is the state's largest apple grower, producing more than 20 varieties.
Before the Melicks leased the property, it operated for decades as Bob's Fruit Stand, according to Rebecca Melick.
Melick's Farm Market sells fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, ciders and other products made at the family's Oldwick farm.
A spokesperson for Bridgewater Township said the township has "complete confidence in the members of the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment to carry out their statutory responsibilities fairly, thoughtfully, and impartially, with careful consideration of the testimony, evidence, and public input presented throughout the hearing process, and in a manner that serves the long-term interests of Bridgewater and its residents."
