Tag: open space

HOLMDEL – The township committee reorganized with new leadership at the helm, pledging to preserve open space while facing a stiff deadline to meet the state’s affordable housing obligations.

MIDDLETOWN – The township committee has introduced an ordinance aimed at acquiring 17 acres of property along the Navesink River, adjacent to River Plaza Elementary School.

Township officials are interested in what residents have to say about increasing the open space tax levy by 33% (1 cent).

In 1999, the voters of Atlantic Highlands approved a special dedicated municipal tax of $0.01 per $100 of assessed real estate value to fund an open space program. The borough uses that money to purchase and maintain properties as open space and for recreational functions.

Adding to a recent spate of initiatives to protect open space and preserve historic sites, the township committee unanimously passed a resolution at its May 6 meeting authorizing the restoration of the Murray Farmhouse at Poricy Park. The committee also introduced a bond ordinance for $1 million to facilitate the acquisition of the Tretter property.

Putting deliberation to rest, the borough council voted to authorize the acquisition of 21 Fair Haven Road, a vacant waterfront lot abutting the municipal dock.

Monmouth County is known for its green space and two towns are about to get greener: A 62.5-acre forested parcel will be preserved and turned into the newest county park in Holmdel while Rumson has received a grant to renovate Meadow Ridge Park.

Preservation of open space took center stage at the latest township committee meeting as the governing body unanimously authorized the acquisition of four properties near Garden State Parkway Exit 114 and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The Middletown Township Committee addressed a range of topics at its May 15 meeting, from acquiring new open space to budget approval to potential tobacco and smoke regulations.

By Allison Perrine Township committee members from left, Rick Hibell and Pat Snell, joined Mayor Tony Perry and...