15 Acres Added To Open Space Preserved In Marlboro

MARLBORO, NJ — There are 15 more acres added to the inventory of preserved open space in Marlboro, in the Beacon Hill section of Morganville, Mayor Jon Hornik announced.

Working with funding from the state, county and a contribution from the township's open space fund, Blocks 132, Lots 20.08 and 27 are now preserved, the township said.

“The objective of the township’s open space program is to take as much property off-line from development, as cost effectively as possible,” said Hornik. “With land values in Marlboro so high, this acquisition is a bargain by any measure, and protects more property from development.”

The parcels were on a family farm, located adjacent to an existing 34-acre preserved parcel located between Haven Way and Harrington Terrace, the township said.

The township used grants from the Green Acres Preservation Planning Incentive Grant and from a new Monmouth County Land Preservation Incentive Program, the township said.

The total acquisition price is $750,000, with $333,750 coming from the State of New Jersey and $312,500 from Monmouth County. The township’s share of $104,000 for this acquisition was raised through its existing dedicated 1-cent open space tax, the township said in a news release.

“This project required the cooperation of the State of New Jersey and Monmouth County. It showcases what can be accomplished when different levels of government act in pursuit of the same goal—in this case to preserve open space,” Hornik said.

In 2021, the Marlboro Agricultural and Open Space Committee recommended this property to be preserved. Shital Rajan, chairperson of the Open Space Committee wrote to the mayor: “By preserving this land as open space, it will add to the greenway and wildlife corridor and allow access to the ridge with the scenic views of the Sourland Mountains, Raritan Bay and New York City.”

Hornik acknowledged the efforts of the Marlboro Agricultural and Open Space Committee: "I continue to be grateful to these dedicated volunteers who help us protect precious acres from development. I want to extend my thanks and congratulations once again to the committee members for helping deliver another of 15 acres of preserved land,” he said.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is comprised of Chairwoman Heidi Rajan and Elmer Geran. The Open Space Committee includes Chairman Capt. Shital Rajan and members Raymond Gloede, Jillian Sherman, Francine Owitz and James Dwyer.

Monmouth County Board of Commissioners Director Thomas Arnone commented on the project: “We are always excited to continue our partnership with our local municipalities. This Marlboro acquisition will add preserved land continuing the great quality of life for our residents.”

County Commissioner Ross Licitra, also a Marlboro resident, said: “The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners is thrilled to be working in partnership with Marlboro Township on a joint venture preserving the (farm) within the township. Anytime open space is preserved is always a benefit for the community and of course our wildlife.”

Hornik said the new acquisition is part of the township's long-range planning:

"This acquisition meets another important program objective, which is to expand existing open space areas. Residents today, and for generations to come will now have the opportunity enjoy nearly 50 acres of passive recreation area,” Hornik said.