Budgets, Security, More Coming in 2013

The new year is ending and 2013 is just kicking off—and with it will come a whole new set of news stories to report.

As we prepare for the new year to begin, and with reorganization meetings planned for the coming week, we take a look at some of the issues that may top the headlines throughout 2013 in Bridgewater.

• Budgets—This is an ever-present issue, and one that is not likely to go away any time soon. The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has already presented a preliminary 2013-2014 school budget with a proposed 1.76 percent tax hike if no changes are made to the previous year's budget. The township has not released any information yet, but it will approve a temporary budget at its reorganization meeting, with a plan to approve a 2013 budget around May.
• School Security—Following the Newtown, CT, shooting, schools around the country are beginning to take another look at security, and Bridgewater-Raritan is no different. In addition to , the district has said it is planning to look into different measures for the future.
• JCP&L—A Bridgewater resident is still keeping in contact with JCP&L representatives to set up meetings to discuss the response to Superstorm Sandy, and those are expected in January.
• T-Mobile Lawsuit—T-Mobile recently filed a lawsuit against the zoning board because of its denial of a 125-foot cell tower at the Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company. The lawsuit could be heard this year, and a decision made.
• Route 22 Improvements—The New Jersey Department of Transportation is planning to begin its short term improvements on the highway in March, with such work as adding traffic lights, changing medians and more.
• Contract Negotiations—With the contract settled with the Bridgewater-Raritan Education Association, the board of education is moving on to negotiations with the supervisors and principals associations. .
• Sandy Cleanup—Although Bridgewater was not hit as hard as other locations throughout the state, clean-up continues of fallen brush at many homes. Clean-up is continuing with hired contractors and will be going on for the foreseeable future.

Of course the news in Bridgewater will span across a number of different topics as the year begins.

What do you think will be the most prevalent issue in Bridgewater in 2013? Tell us in the comments!