Soccer fields soon to be a reality in South River

SOUTH RIVER — Borough residents may finally be getting a regulation soccer field, now that the borough has approved a developer’s agreement with Matzel and Mumford.

Last Wednesday, the council unanimously approved the agreement with the Hazlet-based company.

The company is planning on constructing 26 homes on the 12.2-acre property just off River Road between River Edge Estates and East Brunswick.

Under the agreement, Matzel and Mumford will build a soccer field and parking lot facility.

The facility will include a 330-foot by 195-foot soccer field and is expected to accommodate parking for between 40 to 45 vehicles, according to Councilman Shawn Haussermann.

With the construction of a new soccer field, the borough is hoping that a local soccer league can be formed.

The soccer field will be constructed as part of the developer’s agreement in lieu of a monetary donation to the borough.

The wooded 13-acre parcel which Matzel and Mumford has obtained was previously owned by the borough, which then sold it to the developers last year for $955,000.

That money will now aid in acquiring land for open space and recreation throughout the borough. The borough has been looking to convert land such as the two-acre tract on Causeway purchased in February from former Sayreville Mayor John McCormack for $56,171.92.

Borough officials hope to include that land in a future waterfront and boating ramp area for the borough.

Construction of the homes is expected to take about a year and a half to complete, according to David Fisher, vice president of land development for Matzel and Mumford.