E.B. plans more open space purchases
Delay in state funding not likely to delay
deals, officials say
EAST BRUNSWICK — The Township Council has made up its mind to proceed with the acquisition of 49 acres of land for open space, regardless of whether the state comes through with promised aid.
During Monday night’s council meeting, officials introduced an ordinance giving them the green light to purchase the 39-acre Lapinski Farm, Cranbury Road, despite the fact that they are still waiting on $1.5 million in promised aid from the state.
In June, Bruno and Clara Lapinski, along with daughter Barbara Tangel, agreed to sell development rights on their farm to the township for $7.8 million (or $200,000 per acre).
"Of that amount, the township’s open space fund is prepared to supply $1 million and the state’s Green Acres fund another $2.5 million," said Mayor Bill Neary.
"The delay thus far has been due to us trying to acquire another $1.5 million from the state, which we are optimistic to get through the next round of funding," he said.
"We were led to believe that the state would fund $4 million of the total cost," he added.
How the remainder of the purchase is to be funded remains uncertain.
"We just don’t want to delay this any longer than we have to," said Neary.
Another land acquisition nearing its final stages involves a 10-acre parcel near Farrington Lake that belongs to the East Brunswick Elks.
"The county has agreed to pay $548,000 toward this purchase, which equates to about 70 percent of the total cost," said Neary.
"So this transaction should be completed fairly soon," he said.
Once completed, these acquisitions will increase the township’s total number of acres preserved to approximately 155 acres.
The council is expected to vote on the Lapinski ordinance during its Jan. 22 meeting.