Parsippany Council To Finalize Purchase Of 13 Acres Of Open Space

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany officials have expressed interest in purchasing 13 acres of open space from a local church.

The space, owned by St. Christopher’s Church, has been eyed by several developers over the years, according to Parsippany officials.

According to Mayor James Barberio, the township’s interest in purchasing the land is to “ensure it is permanently protected from high-density housing and preserved for public use.”

“Once this land is purchased with open space funds, it can never be sold to developers,” Barberio’s newsletter read. “For neighbors, that means lasting peace of mind. For our entire community, it means more green space, protecting our natural beauty, and preserving Parsippany’s character for generations to come.”

The Parsippany Council is set to adopt a resolution that would authorize the land purchase during Tuesday night’s council meeting. The $2.5 million deal is being funded through the township’s Open Space Trust Fund.

“Open space preservation has long been a top priority of mine.,” Barberio said in a statement. “It's a strategic investment in our future, and I am proud that, to date, we have saved approximately 170 acres—about the size of 128 football fields, 1,575 NBA basketball courts, or the entire historic Governors Island in New York Harbor. Together, we are keeping Parsippany a community where people are proud to live, work, and raise a family.”