BRIDGEWATER, NJ – “We appreciate Judge Suh’s willingness to review this critical matter on an emergent basis, as well as her setting such a short time frame for the issue to be heard again. Unfortunately, the County continues to remove huge amounts of soil and sediment from the area every day, even further destabilizing a slope already known to be prone to dangerous flooding during storms. This ongoing operation may require us to return to the court soon."

“While we look forward to a judicial hearing in the next few weeks, we know this issue can’t wait that long for action. That’s why, as of today, Bridgewater has launched a petition, demanding immediate action and reparation from the Somerset County Board of Commissioners,” said Mayor Matthew Moench.

The petition demands that Somerset County and the Somerset County Park Commission immediately:

1) halt their ongoing destruction of the local environment,

2) organize an effort to repair the damage they've caused,

3) analyze the stormwater effects of what they've already done in a totally transparent way and

4) release to the public all environmental documentation related to this project

5) provide assurances that this will not occur in other County parks and open spaces.

Mayor Moench continued: “This petition is open to all Somerset County residents. While this issue certainly had its genesis in Bridgewater, its importance stretches well beyond our Township borders now. Washington Valley Park is certainly used by residents throughout the County and even the State. Even more critically, our concerns about historical preservation, environmental integrity, and stormwater management are universal to residents everywhere.”

“If Somerset County and the Park Commission are unable or unwilling to lead on this, then Bridgewater will have to.”

###