Town mulls green West

Seeks to preserve municipal parcel

By: Matt Kirdahy
   The Township Committee wants to preserve a portion of the remaining 40 acres of the West parcel for passive recreation.
   But first, it wants to know just how much of it the Board of Education thinks it might need for future school expansions.
   The West parcel, just south of the Cranbury School, was purchased by the township 10 years ago for $1 million with the intention of using it for school expansion.
   Mayor Pari Stave said that even though the township already owns the property, it must look ahead to guarantee that the parcel will remain preserved as open space.
   During a presentation by Mayor Stave on Tuesday, the Board of Education said there is a possibility it may need the space to use for a possible school addition because of new residential developments expected to be completed.
   However, school board President Joan Rue said it is too early to tell how many acres the school might need.
   "I am reluctant to act. We might not use that property to build," said Ms. Rue.
   School board members will meet with Township Committeeman Michael Mayes and Mayor Stave to discuss the proposal.
   Mr. Mayes said the property can benefit the school in two ways, it can be preserved and used for environmental education along the stream corridor, or for a new addition that will help house more students.
   "The location of the property makes it especially appealing as a preserve," said Mr. Mayes.
   The Cranbury Environmental Commission said it wants to preserve a portion of the land for passive recreation so the public can benefit from it as they have on the 20 acres currently preserved along the stream corridor.
   That land is preserved under the state’s Green Acres program.
   Township Attorney Trishka Waterbury is preparing a report that will focus on preservation options for the land. Public hearings will be held on the proposal soon afterward.