Half to school, half preserved.
By: Matt Kirdahy
The Township Committee voted unanimously to split 40 acres of the West property in half, using 20 acres for passive recreation and saving the rest for future use by the township or by the Cranbury School.
The township purchased the 58- to 60-acre West parcel, just south of the Cranbury School, for $1 million 10 years ago. Approximately 18 of those acres are already preserved under the state’s Green Acres program.
Mayor Pari Stave said the committee is now exploring where the boundary lines would be to delineate township parcels from Green Acres parcels. The committee is interested in keeping those parcels together, she said.
Even though the township already owns the portion of the property in question, the committee wanted to guarantee that some of it will remain preserved as open space.
The other parcel would be designated for municipal uses and for possible school expansion.
Mayor Stave said it was important to include the school because it could need the property for an expansion some time in the future.
At Monday’s meeting, Board of Education President Joan Rue agreed.
"Who would’ve ever expected the growth that we’re having," Ms. Rue said. "If anything comes along, it’s nice to know that everyone can make use of it."
On Monday, David Stout and John Persico of the Cranbury Environmental Commission told the committee why it is important to designate the land along Cranbury Brook for passive recreation.
Mr. Stout said the tract is important historically, for student and resident education and for the well-being of the environment.
"There has been a swell of people wanting to do things there," he said about the activities available for residents on the property.
Local organizations are frequently hosting nature walks along the West property. In March, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association in conjunction with Cranbury residents led a tour in search for early signs of spring.
According to Mr. Stout, the tour was limited to 25 participants, but many more wanted to come.

