By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
STOCKTON — Residents still have time to submit comments on a proposed management plan for 63 acres of preserved land.
The tract, formerly called My Ben for the corporation that planned to develop it, was preserved in 2004 with financial help from the state.
The borough is responsible for putting together a management plan that likely will include passive recreation such as hiking. As written now, the proposal also would allow various types of hunting to control a large deer population.
The plan will be submitted for state review after the Borough Council approves it.
Anyone who had planned to comment during the Borough Council meeting Oct. 13 should first confirm with Borough Hall that the topic will be on the agenda, Mayor Stephen Giocondo said.
The mayor said it is likely the committee in charge of crafting the management plan will have to convene again to “rethink the whole thing, taking into consideration the concerns of the citizens. It will be presented back to council for their review and consideration. This is not going to be over in six weeks.”
Although the Borough Council postponed an official discussion of the management plan during its last meeting Sept. 8, about a dozen residents had attended for the sole purpose of airing their concerns.
Some urged the safety of the school and its students should be put before a desire to allow hunting on the property. Others suggested archery hunting only.
Former Mayor Gregg Rackin told the council there should be a specific access site for hunters so neighbors are not disturbed. He also wanted the plan to include a designated parking area for hunters.
The preserved land, now named the Anderson tract for local Revolutionary War hero Capt. John Anderson, is adjacent to Stockton Borough School. The plan calls for a 450-foot buffer for the school.
”We are going to be careful to consider every concern that the citizens have,” Mayor Giocondo said. “We’re not going to ram this through. Those concerns need to be addressed.”
Comments may be submitted to Mayor Giocondo in care of Borough Hall on Main Street.
Councilman Craig Smith said he was interested in hearing residents’ opinions on whether hunting should be limited to archery. Comments to Mr. Smith also should be sent to Borough Hall.

