E. Brunswick to preserve five more acres of land

E. Brunswick to preserve
five more acres of land

EAST BRUNSWICK — An additional 5-acre parcel of land will be joining the 106-acres already preserved or nearing preservation via the township’s Open Space Preservation Program.

The Township Council introduced an ordinance on Monday night authorizing the purchase of the Halka property, located at 103 Dunhams Corner Road.

What assessors once tried to pass off as landlocked property with no frontage, said Business Administrator Jim White, has proved to be a beautiful piece of property with accessibility from both Dunhams Corner and Sycamore roads.

"Preserving this parcel will also help maintain a natural buffer behind many of the homes that exist in that area," said White.

The land was appraised by Otteau Group Inc. in March, who determined the fair market value to be $150,000, or $30,000 per acre.

The reason the cost is so low is drainage easements located on the property which reduce its value.

Had the owners wanted, they could have asked a court to investigate the removal of those easements. Had they done so and the court found them to be too restrictive, the land would have been declared suitable for development.

Since that was not the case, however, the municipality’s purchase of the land will ensure it remains preserved for municipal use, such as parks and recreation.

There will be a second reading and public hearing on the ordinance at the Sept. 25 council meeting. If approved, a contract for sale will be executed.