Montgomery Township officials are moving ahead with plans to acquire roughly 400 acres of state-owned land, with the majority of the property targeted for permanent open-space preservation.
At its March 5 meeting, the Township Committee received an update on efforts to purchase parcels currently owned by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The land includes former portions of the North Princeton Developmental Center as well as the former Brookview and Skillman dairy farm properties.
If the acquisition is completed, more than 80 percent of the site — about 320 acres — would be preserved as open space, according to township officials. Municipal leaders say ownership would allow Montgomery to retain long-term control over how the remaining acreage is used while ensuring opportunities for public input.
Mayor Neena Singh met with state officials in February to reiterate the township’s interest in the properties. The state has since confirmed that the land is no longer needed for its purposes, beginning what officials described as a lengthy formal transfer process that will ultimately require approval from the State House Commission.
The Brookview Farm tract encompasses about 188 acres surrounding Montgomery High School, bordered in part by Rock Brook. The larger Skillman Dairy Farm site covers approximately 207 acres and includes the confluence of Rock Brook and Bedens Brook, the Skillman Village wastewater treatment plant, and the cemetery associated with the former developmental center.
Township officials plan to seek funding through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program to cover up to half of acquisition costs. Municipal staff and the Montgomery Open Space Committee are reviewing the proposal and considering potential long-term uses.
About 18 percent of the land could be reserved for future municipal or community needs, including possible relocation of the township’s Department of Public Works facility, which currently faces periodic flood risks at its existing location. Other concepts discussed include indoor recreation space that could be developed in partnership with nonprofit organizations.
Officials said additional public discussion will take place as planning continues.
Open Space and Stewardship Director Lauren Wasilauski described the proposal as the township’s largest potential land acquisition in two decades.
Township representatives said residents will receive updates as the acquisition process advances.
