New Jersey Senate Bill S3789

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

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

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

If enacted, the bill would significantly contribute to the preservation of local agricultural land and historical sites in New Jersey. The funds would prevent the construction of a development that is estimated to have a significant traffic impact, with projections of about 790 vehicles entering and leaving the site during a typical weekday. Local residents, especially those neighboring Allentown Borough, have voiced strong concerns regarding environmental impacts, such as air pollution and water contamination from the proposed industrial activity, further complicating existing issues like stormwater flooding in the area.

Summary

Senate Bill 3789 aims to make a supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 from the Property Tax Relief Fund to assist the Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund in purchasing the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey. The objective of this appropriation is to meet part of the $25,000,000 needed to secure the property, which is of historical significance and would otherwise be affected by a proposed warehouse development. Advocates for the bill believe it is crucial to preserve the farmland and the historical site that dates back to the Revolutionary War, where British soldiers camped during their retreat from Philadelphia prior to the Battle of Monmouth.

Contention

Opposition to the proposed development centers around the environmental concerns raised by local residents and advocacy groups. Critics argue that the warehouse would not only threaten local open spaces but would also disrupt natural ecosystems and potentially contaminate water sources with runoff from the industrial site. The efforts to secure the Stein property are supported by preservationists, including groups like the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, who emphasize the importance of maintaining the site for its historical value and as a key element of the community's heritage.