Pitney Farm Park Work Continues, Parcel Sale Finalized: Township

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Progress on the Pitney Farm property continues moving along, with the partial sale finalized and park plans well underway, the Township said in an update.

The future of the farm has been under discussion since an early-2016 fire destroyed the historic farm home. Over 7 acres will become a park, and the sale of just over 5 acres was recently finalized, with the township receiving $625,000.

"It is our expectation that the new owner will be making application to address the current structures on the property and we look forward to a more detailed application for future development," the township said.

Work on the park remains under work as well. The Historic Park at Pitney Farm will be used in perpetuity for passive recreation, and a task force created last year has created a conceptual plan for the space. The task force has applied for $377,500 in matching funds from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program.

"We will be making an additional grant application to the Morris County Trail Grant Program in an effort to secure additional funding for the Park. We expect to hear back from the State by mid- summer on the Green Acres Grant and the County Trail Grant by year-end," the county said.

While funding is being shored up, the DPW is working on addressing old and dangerous trees and related structures, the township said.

A chance for the community to get involved could be coming up soon. "The brick wall of the Walled Garden and the Seed House and associated greenhouse knee wall, will remain on the property. We may be looking for volunteers to help address the Seed House, as we would like to protect this structure and improve its visual impact as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for the call!" they said.

The goal is to have the park accessible for passive recreation by the late spring or early summer.

The main home on the Pitney Farm property was destroyed in a fire in Feb. 2016. The home suffered a partial collapse, and was considered a total loss. It dated back to the early 1700s; no one was living in the home at the time of the fire.

Officials said the fire was caused by a "human act," but its unclear what happened with the investigation. No charges have been filed.