The Middlesex County Open Space Committee is recommending that the county help East Brunswick fund the acquisition of the Foerter Farm.
The committee approved a resolution Jan. 21 in support of the purchase, sending it to the county freeholders board for the ultimate decision.
The produce farm consists of close to 30 acres between Riva Avenue and Farrington Lake. The estate of the late Barbara Foerter has proposed building 10 single-family homes there, but the application has been met with opposition from area residents and a local environmental group.
Though the township Planning Board began hearings on the application last year, the past three hearings have all been postponed at the request of the Foerter estate. Stahl said township representatives are in the midst of discussions with the estate, and he is “cautiously optimistic that we can reach an agreement soon.”
Stahl and Leslie McGowan, the township’s director of planning and engineering, gave presentations at the county Open Space Committee meeting last week. Getting the panel’s approval was an important first step in preserving the farm, he said.
“They were excited about it,” he said.
A group of East Brunswick residents and the Milltown-based Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership both sent letters to county officials urging them to help acquire the land.
Stahl said he does not know when the freeholders will make a decision on financial support for the possible acquisition. He said he has met with the freeholders individually and explained why the purchase is important for not just East Brunswick, but also for the county. The discussions “have gone well,” he said. He expected to meet this week with Freeholder Director Christopher Rafano to discuss a number of issues, including the Foerter Farm.
Stahl mentioned the Foerter Farm topic during his State of the Township address Monday.
“This acquisition would prevent the construction of additional homes, protect our environment, particularly Farrington Lake, which is a source of water for other communities, and provide a wide open area for future generations to enjoy,” he said. “Perhaps one day in the future, a walking path could be constructed so that all could enjoy the beautiful lake views and our young students can further their education with an open classroom full of environmental and wildlife studies.”
The mayor said he would never consider acquiring the land through eminent domain.
“We’ve had numerous meetings with the heirs, and they are absolutely willing to continue to explore to see if we can reach an agreement,” he said.
Part of the property is still being run as an active farm. If the land is acquired, there is no plan for how it would be used, or whether the farm would continue to operate. Also unknown is whether the township or county would be the primary owner.