Howell Council OK's $3.42M Bond To Advance Open Space Goals

HOWELL, NJ — The Township Council has approved bonding $3,420,000 to acquire more open space, in particular a parcel on Lakewood-Allenwood Road.

The Cornerstone Calvary Church at 3071 Lakewood-Allenwood Road is relocating to a new building on Route 9, the township manager says, and the township hopes to purchase the 13-acre site for open space and potential use for active recreation.

Township Manager Joe Clark said the township is working with both the state Department of Environmental Portection's Green Acres Division and the County of Monmouth for grants relating to the purchase.

"The parcel is intended to remain as open space, but that term also includes active outdoor uses. We have been developing a number of plans for the site, but before we commit to any, we want to ensure that the taxpaying residents get the most bang for the buck," Clark said.

No plans have been made as yet regarding any demolition of structures at the site, he said.

"As part of the purchase, we will undertake due diligence so that we have a broad understanding of what the infrastructure is, what shape it is in, whether there are any environmental issues, and the like. Only then will we be in a position to make a firm decision about the on-site structures," he said.

One resident at a council meeting questioned the price of the parcel since its tax assessment was much lower than the purchase price.

Clark told the resident at the meeting, which was July 18, that the action being taken was "acquisition by negotiation." There was not yet a formal contract.

Clark also noted that the assessed value is determined by a different metric, given the current use of the property, and the township had an appraisal of the property that supports the price.

He said the township "plans currently to do due diligence, enter into a contract of sale and then determine what we will do with the property."

The town is not committed as yet to putting in costly turf fields, he said, saying the project "needs analysis before we have formal plans."

He said the township wants to figure out what the public wants, and what does not exist already. The township would also work with Shade Tree Commission, Clark added.

"There are a lot of moving parts," Clark said at the meeting.

But he said it is rare that such parcels come up for sale.

"There is a desire in the township to acquire open space. . . . Our plans are to work within the budget we have to do the very best for citizens," he said.

Overall, the ordinance, which was adopted by the Township Council at the meeting, calls for the appropriation of $3.6 million, and the authorization of $3.42 million in bonds, which is less the $180,000 down payment under the state Local Bond Law.

The down payment is "now available by virtue of provision for down payment or for capital improvement purposes in the Capital Improvement Fund of one or more previously adopted budgets," according to the ordinance.