Middletown, NJ governing body approves plan to expand open space
🔵 Middletown Township Committee approves acquisition of properties
🔵 The plan is to preserve open space and enhance economic growth
🔵 It turns down proposal by developer to build apartments
A multi-faceted plan in Middletown will include the acquisition of multiple properties and protection of open space in the township.
There was an ordinance approved at the Middletown Township Committee meeting on Monday night which put the final stamp on a plan the governing body said will help "preserve open space and improve both public recreational opportunities and economic growth."
It's been an ongoing goal by the town to continue preserving space and only allow development where they feel it fits as part of a redevelopment goal in the community and help add jobs in areas including utilities and public transportation.
The township will now acquire properties at 490 Red Hill Road, West Nut Swamp Road, 1114 Nut Swamp Road, and Dwight Road -- all in the same area.
“I’m incredibly proud that the entire Middletown Township Committee has once again moved to protect these undeveloped properties near Exit 114,” Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said in a written statement. “It is unconscionable that a developer felt that this secluded location could support 500 new apartments where there are currently no utilities, unpaved roads, and environmentally sensitive areas.”
There was a ballot question in November of 2020 and the Middletown Township governing body said that most residents voted to increase the tax for the Open Space Trust Fund which allowed the most recent acquisition to take place as well as one last year with Fairview Fields to prevent overdevelopment.
