Middlesex County Farmland Preservation Program completes acquisition of 27-acre farm located in East Brunswick Township
Middlesex County Farmland Preservation Program completes acquisition of 27-acre farm located in East Brunswick Township
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County safeguarded a 27-acre farm located in East Brunswick Township through the Farmland Preservation Program on Friday, July 28.
The County, in partnership with the state and the Township of East Brunswick, purchased the development rights for the farmland located on Dutch Road, owned by the estate of the late Ernest Bergfelder, of East Brunswick Township, for the total of $525,996. The state contributed $315,597.60, the County paid $105,199.20, and East Brunswick Township paid $105,199.20 toward the purchase.
“The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to conserving the natural beauty of our County, as exemplified by the vast expanse of protected farmland and open space spanning thousands of acres,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “By placing land preservation at the forefront, we take the initial stride toward guaranteeing a sustainable and abundant food supply for generations to come.”
“In Middlesex County, we understand how important land preservation is,” said County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, chair of the County’s infrastructure management committee. “With vast expanses of farmland and open space already safeguarded, our commitment remains steadfast. We eagerly anticipate further preservation efforts, safeguarding additional farmland from non-agricultural development. This investment secures a prosperous future for us all.”
“With almost 100 acres of preserved farmland already in East Brunswick, I am proud to partner with Middlesex County to add another 27 acres,” said East Brunswick Mayor Brad J. Cohen. “East Brunswick prioritizes and values the preservation of open space to maintain and improve the quality of life now and for generations to come.”
Overall, with the addition of this farm, more than 5,527 acres of farmland have been preserved throughout the County, of which 3,814 acres have been specifically preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program. The more than 5,500 acres includes preservation easements purchased through County Farmland Preservation Program funds, as well as acquisitions made directly by the state, the municipalities, a non-profit organization, and state-owned lands.
Middlesex County’s Farmland Preservation Program purchases the non-agriculture development rights on farmland that meets criteria established by the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board and the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee. The value is determined by two independent appraisals, and the farmland is preserved by placing an agriculture preservation easement on the property. The state, County, and municipality share the cost of the farms’ development rights, with the state contributing much of the purchase price. Middlesex County’s program is strictly voluntary; farmland owners interested in participating in the program must submit a formal application to the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board. Farm owners interested in the program can contact Laurie Sobel, supervising planner, of the Middlesex County Office of Planning at 732-745-4014 or Brady Smith, senior environmental planner at 732-745-3843.
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
