Mendham Twp. Kennels Leased to Randolph

Written By Nancy D’Uva 

Mendham Township has entered an agreement that will enable Randolph to utilize the township’s kennel facilities in India Brook Park for animal control and sheltering services. 

The Mendham Township Committee passed a resolution authorizing the lease at its June 25 meeting.

Randolph can use the north kennels in the park to provide animal control, sheltering, nurturing, rehabilitation and adoption services for Randolph and the municipalities for which it provides animal control and sheltering services, according to the lease agreement.

The kennels were subject to open space restrictions until the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program approved the township’s application for a diversion in India Brook Park. This enables buildings in preserved land to be used.

“Randolph would be able to operate out of that location,” said township Administrator Steve Mountain. “They are required to upgrade the kennels to an operating standard at their expense and will pay for utilities associated with the use. The township will keep landlord status over the property.”

Green Acres also approved the release of an additional 2.4 acres of land within India Brook Park that contains low- and moderate-income rental units that will be utilized by Mendham Township.

“The freedom of utilizing those buildings in a way that can produce revenue is the return,” Mountain said.

The 20-year lease will go into effect on July 1 with the option of renewing it at the end of the 20 years.

“I know this lease has taken some time to negotiate, it’s gone back and forth with input from this entire committee,” Mayor Rick Merkt said. “It’s a good example of how communities can work together to be cooperative and share services.”

Randolph provides animal control and sheltering services to Rockaway Borough, Dover, Mendham Township, Mendham Borough and Randolph.