Site eyed for possible rec uses

BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO — Municipal officials are considering a plan to purchase a former state work farm on Conover Road for possible future use as a recreation site.

On March 19 the members of the Township Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing an amendment to a professional services contract between Marlboro and CME Associates in regard to the land.

The 60-acre property is owned by the New Jersey Department of Human Services and is at 88 Conover Road. Mayor Jonathan Hornik said Marlboro officials would use available open space funds in the possible acquisition of the land.

CME Associates will study the property by conducting Phase I environmental site assessments to determine if there are any potentially contaminated areas of concern. The contract that was approved on March 19 states that the fee for the additional services will not exceed $6,500.

Hornik said officials are considering purchasing the Conover Road property since it lays out nicely for a future recreation complex.

“It’s not something we would spend taxpayer money on today based on the current economic crisis. However, because we have open space funds dedicated to these types of purchases and the opportunity is there for us to acquire the property,” officials are looking into the possibility of buying the tract, he said.

“In keeping with our goal to plan for recreation and not just try to do things last minute, we would hopefully acquire this property today and then come up with a phased plan to expand our recreation facilities when the economy can support it,” the mayor said.