Bridgewater Residents, Councilors Voice Concerns Over Proposed Lakeshore Development
Phase 4 project near Lake Nippenicket would include 110-room hotel, 225-unit residential community, and 80-bed rehab hospital, raising environmental and infrastructure questions.
BRIDGEWATER - June 17 - Bridgewater residents and town councilors are expressing concerns about a large-scale development project proposed near Lake Nippenicket, citing potential environmental and infrastructure impacts on the community.
The Lakeshore Center Phase 4 development would include a five-story, 110-room hotel, a four-story, 225-unit residential community for residents 55 and older, a two-story, 80-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, a 179-seat restaurant, and a one-story cafe with drive-through service. The project would require cutting at least 14 acres of trees in an area of environmental concern near the Nip and surrounding Hockomock Swamp wetlands.
Linda Shmoop of Sunset Lane addressed the Bridgewater Town Council during Monday's meeting, urging officials to monitor the development closely. "They have submitted their final environmental report to MEPA also Notice of Change," said Shmoop. "We do need to keep close watch on this."
The development represents the fourth phase of construction in the area, which already includes two apartment complexes, at least two office buildings, and a hotel. Shmoop emphasized the interconnected nature of the local ecosystem, noting that "the nip and the wetlands, Hockomack swamp that surrounds it. It's all connected and it's going to affect our community if the development is not done right."
Janet Hanson of Pleasant Street also raised concerns about the project during public comment, because "the developer is looking for a lot of things that it's an area of environmental concern and we have to watch that closely."
The proposed development has drawn particular attention from District 1 Councilor Sonya Striggles, whose district includes the area near Lake Nippenicket. During council comments, Striggles said she wanted to "publicly express my concerns regarding the Lakeshore Phase 4 project at the Nip."
"As the District 1 councilor, that is my territory. Those are my constituents, and we have absorbed quite a bit of development over the last decade," Striggles said. "I'm always for responsible development. That's not responsible development. It's too much at one time and needs to be thoroughly vetted and looked at and not just for the environmental concerns, but the infrastructure component and everything that goes into it."
Council President Johnny Loreti also expressed his commitment to scrutinizing the project, noting his personal investment as a lake resident. "I also look forward to working with Councilor Striggles in being a very discerning voice for the lakeshore development," said Loreti. "I live on the lake, so I am personally invested, but also want to look at it from, you know, total. A total impact on our town in regards to infrastructure and environmental impact, of course."
The development's potential impact on Bridgewater's water infrastructure has emerged as a key concern. Resident Stefano D'Amelia of Harvest Lane questioned the town's preparedness for additional water demands, asking about water impact reports for recent projects. "I know we have, someone had mentioned four or five new projects being brought up by the Nip. I know we have some down in the downtown. I know we have some small ones, some big ones, but I don't hear see anything being talked about as far as water," said D'Amelia.
D'Amelia noted that water issues "affects a newborn to someone that's 100 years old. So it affects everybody" and suggested the town establish a committee to address water infrastructure concerns.
The timing of the development proposal comes as Bridgewater continues to grapple with water quality issues, including PFAS contamination. However, the town recently lifted its total water ban due to newly reconstructed wells, according to Loreti.
Shmoop warned that the development's scale could significantly impact the community if not properly managed. "This is going to impact our water situation in town, our traffic situation in town, at least 14 acres of tree cutting," she said. "We need to keep their feet to the fire, so to speak."
The project is currently under review by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA), which requires environmental impact assessments for large developments. The developer has submitted both a final environmental report and a Notice of Change to the state agency.
While the development was not on Monday's official Town Council agenda, the public comments highlighted growing community concern about the project's potential impacts. The Town Council did not take any formal action regarding the development during the meeting.
The Lakeshore development represents one of several large-scale projects under consideration in Bridgewater, as the town continues to balance growth with infrastructure capacity and environmental protection. The project's review process will likely continue in the coming months as state and local officials evaluate its potential impacts on the community.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater.
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