By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
A 34-acre parcel of land on Route 518, near Hollow Road, will be added to Montgomery Township’s open space inventory.
Township Committee approved a $1.2 million bond ordinance to purchase the parcel, which is on the south side of Route 518, at its meeting last week.
Township officials became aware of the property when two for-sale signs appeared on it last month. Township officials contacted the property owner, who was considering selling it to a developer. An offer was made by the township and accepted by the owner.
Mayor Ed Trzaska said earlier that it is a critical tract of land to preserve. It is a wooded lot one of the township’s major roads.
"The view-shed it provides is quintessential Montgomery, and adds to the character of our community," Mayor Trzaska said.
The land is partially in the sewer service area and could easily have been developed for housing, he said. It is also near undeveloped land that is also on the township’s priority list for preservation.
In the past year, Montgomery Township has completed six preservation agreements, totaling more than 200 acres of open space, the mayor said.
