For Immediate Release – October 8, 2024
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – At the October 7th Township Committee Meeting, the Township Committee introduced an ordinance to finalize the acquisition of 17 acres of property located on the Navesink River behind River Plaza Elementary School.
The Township Committee also introduced an ordinance that provides the $2.1 million of funding needed to facilitate the acquisition of this property, which includes wetlands that will remain a home to wildlife and be preserved forever.
“Being in a financial position to acquire this land highlights precisely why we have a dedicated Open Space Trust Fund,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “Since we began the trust in 1998, the Township has proudly acquired and preserved 275 acres of land with a total investment of over $30 million. This area of open space will not only provide the River Plaza Elementary School community with a safe place to walk and play behind the school, but it will also be a peaceful and passive recreation area for the public to enjoy.”
The Township Committee has been working diligently to protect Middletown’s open space and is in the process of pursuing acreage on Red Hill Road, West Nut Swamp Road, and an additional 23 acres off Chapel Hill Road. The Township has also been utilizing the trust to enhance recreational facilities such as resurfacing basketball courts across town and creating the skate park at Kunkel Park, as well as preserving our historic landmarks such as the Conover Beacon in Leonardo and the Murray Farmhouse and Barn at Poricy Park.
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