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.
Same As
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.
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.
Authorizes counties and County Agriculture Development Boards to transfer farmland preservation installment purchases to State Agriculture Development Committee.
Extends the expiration of provisions relating to including the trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Southampton, trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of East Hampton and the trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Southold as municipal corporations for the purposes of permitting them to receive land at no cost from Suffolk County to be placed under their stewardship.
Extends the expiration of provisions relating to including the trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Southampton, trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of East Hampton and the trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Southold as municipal corporations for the purposes of permitting them to receive land at no cost from Suffolk County to be placed under their stewardship.
Allows counties and municipalities to use open space trust funds for remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on property owned by county or municipality.
Appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for county planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
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.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
Requires disclosure of original purchase price for land to be sold to a county, county agriculture development board, or municipality for farmland preservation purposes.
Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production.
Amends State Constitution to decrease acreage required for farmland assessment with certain requirements for valuing farmland under five acres in area.