Big Businesses Thrive, Small Ones Struggle, Officials Say

With the start of the new year, large businesses around Bridgewater are continuing to thrive while smaller ones are encountering some limitations, according to Howard Turbowitz, township economic development officer.

“The business environment for large companies is thriving as we continue to emerge from the long protracted recession,” he said. “Small businesses, such as the ones in the Martinsville area, still have challenges with the economy, the limited traffic to their neighborhoods and competition from other like companies and businesses.”

But, Turbowitz said, that does not mean there are not organizations ready to help.

The Somerset County Business Partnership, Turbowitz said, works with small businesses throughout the area, and the newly created Washington Valley Business Alliance has been formed to aid small businesses and help them grow, particularly in Martinsville.

But despite trying times for smaller corporations, Turbowitz said, there are several businesses and companies opening throughout Bridgewater in the coming months.

First, Turbowitz said, the Somerset Valley Rehab & Nursing is expected to complete its 50,000-square-foot addition to its Route 22 West facility, and Gen III Fox Chase is expected to complete construction of its retail complex on Route 22 East at Milltown Road.

At the Somerset Shopping Center, Turbowitz said, New York & Co. will be taking over the FYE store there.

And the former I-Hop on Route 202 North near Milltown Road will be replaced by the Gallup Chinese Bistro, which is currently under construction.

Turbowitz said there are a few open retail spaces available around town, in addition to a few industrial spaces.

“The specifics of all these commercial vacancies is best delineated by the many commercial real estate firms represented in the area,” he said.

Any businesses that want to open Bridgewater, Turbowitz said, can take advantage of working with the zoning office, code official and others to provide guidance.

“The commercial sector continues to evolve in Bridgewater,” Turbowitz said. “The township has diversified office space available at a variety of sizes and costs, which are constantly changing.”