MyCentralJersey.com reported recently that Bridgewater is suing neighboring Warren Township over a dispute of the 50-year old agreement between the two municipalities for use of the Middle Brook Trunk sewer line. Bridgewater is claiming that Warren owes over $300,000 for use and maintenance of the sewage system.

If it turns out that Warren's waste water is, in fact, utilizing more capacity of the Middle Brook Trunk than they are currently paying for, Bridgewater should obviously be fairly compensated. But does it seem suspicious that this dispute shows up at a time when Bridgewater's finances are in fairly precarious shape?

Astute readers might remember the years-long legal battle over redevelopment of the Center of Excellence site. The current leadership of Bridgewater might claim to have been victorious over the developer's proposed mixed-use plan. Instead of building housing, offices, medical offices, and retail space, the result of the legal wrangling is that the site will be turned into warehouses, bringing with them carcinogen-spewing tractor trailers over an unsuitable section of US 202/206 and passing homes, houses of worship, and a school.

Is Bridgewater flushing more money down the drain on another foolish legal action? The validity of the claim remains to be seen but attorneys and their billable hours might be the only winners here.