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Minutes of the Open Space Committe
August 21, 2006 Meeting
Attendees:
Jack Cocozziello, Chairman
Colleen McGurk, Secretary
Robert Nagler
George Millet
John Dahl
Old Bridge Open Space Committee Chairman Jack Cocozziello called the meeting to order at 8:15 pm.
A vote was taken to adopt the minutes from the July 17, 2006 meeting. All in attendance voted yes.
The need to determine what the Preservation Fund Assessment is remains pending and if we can obtain funds from other sources (i.e. Green Acres, Middlesex County, etc.) was discussed. Further clarification will be required.
Jack discussed the Analysis of Open Space Trust Fund provided by the Mayor prior to the July meeting, with the committee.
The group further discussed the need to recommend making a land purchase.
George provided an overview of two potential parcels, Industrial Drive that is approximately 100 acres and is owned by Cifelli Disposal. (Block 1051 Lot 2.11)
The other property is located by Cheesequake Park and is separated from the park by Township owned property. (Block 3230 Lots 50-53)
Each Committee member is requested to review the information on the two parcels and make an assessment. This process is to be completed using the documentation created as a validation test for the documentation.
Jack suggested that we come up with additional parcels as potential open space and then narrow it down further according to our criteria. Once it is narrowed down to a manageable number of properties we should present it before Council.
Jack mentioned the need to obtain any Open Space code and bylaws that exist.
George Millet will provide a listing of the contacts obtained from his work with the Environment Committee as a starting point to establish a comprehensive listing of Open Space contacts.
Robert Nagler provided an article from the Home News Tribune dated June 20, 2006 related to the Supreme Court ruling on the blocking of wetland acres. This will be distributed to the group at the next meeting.
Colleen McGurk, will attempt to provide the outstanding taxes information the roadblocks and issues related to the two parcels under consideration. I will have that information for the next meeting. I will also attempt to obtain a map from Middlesex County outlining a bike path for the region.
Robert Nagler requested that we obtain or develop a process for getting property assessed for purchase value. Suggestions were made to obtain the listing used for the recent Township owned land sale.
Next meeting is scheduled for September 18th at 7 PM.
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