Township Takes Steps to Acquire State-Owned Land for Open Space & Preservation

MONTGOMERY, N.J. - The township committee received an update on the acquisition of state-owned land at its March 5 meeting. The proposal is to purchase approximately 400 acres of land currently owned by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJ DOC), of which more than 80%, 320+ acres, would be preserved. By the township taking ownership of the land, the municipality would maintain control of all future uses, allowing the public to have maximum input.

The land is owned by the State of New Jersey, and under its current status could be acquired by a public entity, like the township, or sold to a private owner who may be interested. The site was part of the former North Princeton Developmental Center (NPDC) and former Brookview and Skillman Dairy Farms. The former Brookview Farm property includes 188 acres of land, wrapping around Montgomery High School with Rock Brook flowing along the south border. The former site of Skillman Dairy Farm features 207 acres, the confluence of Rock Brook and Bedens Brook, Skillman Village wastewater treatment plant, and the NPDC “hilltop” cemetery.

Mayor Neena Singh met with state officials in February to reaffirm the township’s interest in owning these two properties. This resulted in a commitment to start the official process for land transfer. While the acquisition process is lengthy and final approval is granted by the NJ State House Commission, the township is proud to announce that the state has confirmed the land is no longer needed, marking the beginning of the formal acquisition process.

The township is seeking to fund 50% of project costs through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Green Acres Program. The program is a step-by-step partner and reviewer, beginning with the pre-appraisal checklist, which the township is currently working through. The township committee, staff and Montgomery Open Space Committee are actively collaborating to review the potential acquisition and advise on potential future uses.

Of the total acreage, 18% is marked for possible future uses other than open space, creating flexibility to meet the community’s needs over the next few decades, including for public utilities. These uses could also include additional indoor facilities, including a township or nonprofit partner-owned recreation center, and relocation of the current department of public works (DPW) yard.

Moving the DPW from the current location would eliminate the continued risk of flood waters damaging equipment and restore a natural preserve in Harlingen Village. This would also create operational efficiencies by eliminating the need to rent climate-controlled storage outside of Montgomery. The township has had relocation of the yard in its long-term capital improvement planning discussions for many years.

Indoor recreation has been suggested to include the YMCA, but the organization is already investing resources into studying the potential to purchase the old municipal building on Rt. 206 and convert it to a community facility that would provide recreation programming for residents of all ages.

Any potential project will require further conversations with opportunity for additional public feedback, ensuring the interests of the community are protected over time.

This acquisition will be the largest of its kind in the past 20 years and is a wonderful opportunity for Montgomery to own additional land according to Open Space and Stewardship Director Lauren Wasilauski, who presented the update. Once acquired, the township will have guaranteed control over the large parcel of land within the community.

The township will continue to work closely with members of the Open Space Committee to create well-balanced concept plans that use the site to its full potential while preserving open space. The public will continue to be informed on these plans and the acquisition process.

Montgomery Township is a suburban-style residential community located in the southern part of Somerset County, New Jersey. One-third of acreage in the township is preserved as open space and farmland, allowing the community to retain its rural and agrarian landscape. Nearly 24,000 people live in Montgomery, which is governed by a five-member Township Committee elected to three-year terms on a staggered basis. The township boasts hundreds of historic homes and buildings, clean waterways, scenic roads and trails, and parks.

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