Trustees approve Bridgewater Church BPUD amendment with screening and conditions

Trustees approved a zone change and a major modification to the Bridgewater Church BPUD on March 10 (resolution 26-32). The applicant sought to rezone about 10.92 acres at 3100 Princeton Road to a business planned unit development, to allow flexibility for future commercial uses while preserving the church’s ability to expand customary uses through an incorporated waiver.

Staff summarized recent approvals and the zoning commission’s recommendation. The PUD amendment would extend the existing BPUD footprint east, incorporate additional land previously conditioned in 2020 and 2022 approvals, and includes design measures to reduce impacts on nearby homes: an extension of a wooded conservation easement to the east, a tapering buffer down to a 55-foot minimum, and a planting plan proposing 20 ornamental trees along the northeast property line. Staff and the zoning commission recommended approval with conditions that the landscaping plans be approved by zoning staff and that the 20% open space requirement be shown on the plan.

Drew Wilkerson, pastor of Bridgewater Church, said the church is growing after the pandemic, runs a daycare and community events, and requested the BPUD to provide marketability and flexibility for a small future user parcel while retaining the ability to expand church operations. The trustees asked about access (no access from the northern portion to Princeton Road) and confirmed final development approval for any new user would return to trustees.

The board adopted resolution 26-32 by roll call, with all trustees voting “yes.” The resolution includes conditions noted by staff; final development plans for any future user must be approved by the trustees.