Drake Farm purchase moves forward in Montgomery

Township would save Route 518 property from development

By: Greg Forester
   MONTGOMERY — The purchase of the Donald Drake Farm is moving ahead, with the Township Council passing a bond ordinance for the property’s purchase last week.
   The ordinance approves the issuance of $3.6 million in municipal bonds, giving the township the buying power to acquire the 62-acre farm. The purchase is a significant move in the township’s open space program.
   "It’s a great thing to save this farm," said Montgomery resident Sarah Roberts. "I’ve heard people talk about this, and they’ll be happy the Drake Farm will be saved forever."
   The Drake property, long sought by the township for its open space program, arrived on the market after the Drake family announced it would no longer be farming the property.
   Montgomery began pursuing the property after Bloomberg LLC, which is the farm’s next-door neighbor, declined to purchase it for expansion purposes.
   The expiration of Bloomberg’s rights to the property allowed Montgomery to move ahead to acquire the property as a key piece of its open space and farm preservation program, township officials said.
   "I’m very enthusiastic about this project," said Clem Fiori, chairman of the Open Space Committee. "I hope this goes through without any glitches. This is a real landmark."
   While the Drake family plans to continue living in the house on the property after the purchase, a farmer will have to be found to perform the day-to-day agricultural work.
   In addition to the Drake family house, another piece of the property was excluded from the preserved farmland for living space for the new farmer of the property.
   Besides preserving open space, the township’s purchase of the farm also allows it to control one of the most productive farms in the area.
   "It has some of the most productive soil in the township," said Deputy Mayor Louise Wilson. "This is something the taxpayers would be extremely proud of."
   Montgomery officials said the taxpayers would also be happy with the $3.6 million price of the property, which was appraised by several independent real estate entities, Deputy Mayor Wilson said.
   The $3.6 million in bonds also includes $2.6 million in expected grants and contribution from various state agencies.
   This financial assistance comes at a time when the state of New Jersey generally provides extensive aid in the purchase of open space and farm preservation projects pursued by municipalities.
   Besides the attractive price, residents said they were happy about other perks in the farm’s preservation.
   While one resident at the Township Committee meeting said he was disappointed with this usage of the taxpayer’s money, other residents said the passing of the ordinance was an important step in maintaining Montgomery’s prosperity and affluence.
   "It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s also a financial issue," said Ann Mueller, a Montgomery resident and member of the Open Space Committee. "Montgomery doesn’t look like Hillsborough and Franklin Park, property values are higher, and it’s a more desirable place to live."
   A potential candidate to take over the Drake family’s farming duties has already emerged, coming forward at Monday’s Planning Board meeting.
   Charles M. Huebner came forward and asked for the board’s informal opinion on his plans for the property.
   Mr. Huebner’s plans include rebuilding the Country Gentleman farm stand, and expanding it by about 50 percent.
   Mr. Huebner currently raises grass-fed cattle in Hopewell Township for people who like local beef.
   "I might bring five or six cattle to the Drake farm," said Mr. Huebner. "Any more than that and I would have to file with the state."
   This latest piece in the township’s pursuit of open space and farmland preservation comes at a time of exponential growth.
   The township’s population grew from 9,612 in 1990 to a census estimate of 22,287 in 2004.