Malapardis, Johnson Road Open Space Proposed In Morris Plains

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — The Open Space Trust Fund Committee wants to buy the heavily wooded lot at the corner of Malapardis and Johnson Road in Morris Plains, and plans to use it for "passive recreation."

The lot purchase, which is 1.42 acres, would receive a county grant worth $475,000. It provides wildlife and water recharge to nearby wells. If purchased, Morris Plains Borough suggests using it for passive recreation including walking paths and trails.

This is one of five open space projects that the Open Space Trust Fund Committee has recommended to the county freeholders. Suggested awards range in value from $10,000 to $805,000, and cover things like farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

A final vote on the distribution of funds will be held on Nov. 19. The freeholders have typically accepted and funded the recommendations from the Open Space Trust Fund Committee. Money come from the county preservation trust fund, which is funded by a special tax.

"The committee thanks the freeholders for recognizing the need for continued public support for this program, and understanding the need for towns to be able to preserve land for active and passive recreation and environmental protection," committee chair and former Morris Township mayor Rick Watson said.

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