New Jersey Assembly Bill A4895

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/17/24
• Refer: 10/17/24

Caption

Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 to Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey.

Impact

The bill has implications for state laws regarding land use and environmental protection. By facilitating the purchase of the Stein property, it enhances the state's efforts to maintain open space and farmland, which align with broader state policies on environmental conservation. Furthermore, legislators have highlighted the potential negative impacts of the proposed warehouse development, including increased vehicular traffic, air pollution, and disrupted ecosystems. This appropriation underscores the state's commitment to preserving rural landscapes amidst ongoing development pressures.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4895 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 to the Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for the purpose of purchasing the Stein property located in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey. This funding aims to support the total cost of $25,000,000 needed to secure the property, which is significant due to its historical relevance as a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War. By preserving this land, the bill seeks to prevent the development of a warehouse that threatens to disrupt the area's rural character and historical integrity.

Contention

Despite the stated goals of the bill, the proposal has not been without contention. Local residents have expressed concerns that the planned warehouse construction would lead to increased traffic and environmental degradation in the area, specifically mentioning issues like stormwater flooding and industrial runoff that could contaminate local water sources. Additionally, the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has advocated for the preservation of the land, indicating that historical considerations are also a critical factor in the discussions surrounding this bill.