Tom Friedman, the township solicitor, explained changes to a lease between the township and a therapeutic services provider that had previously drawn review from Green Acres, an oversight entity referenced in the discussion.

Friedman said the prior lease provided for a 20-year term but that Green Acres wanted a term “no more than 10 years and then extended by agreement provided they are continuing in their mission and doing the things they're supposed to be doing.” He told the committee the revised agreement increases public access to township-owned property used by the provider, reduces exclusive leased area and gives Green Acres more oversight, particularly in light of the provider’s proposed indoor riding center.

Key changes described by Friedman include: the new lease term limit (10 years with extension by agreement tied to continued mission compliance), removal of one township-owned parcel on the opposite side of Leap Street from the leased premises, allocation of roughly half of the existing facility area for joint or public use while the provider retains exclusive use of the other half, and designation of the former Powell Building as space for the township recreation department to use at the township’s discretion. Parking on site was described as public.

Friedman said the provider will advertise that facilities will be available for public reservation, including use by seniors and school programs, and that Green Acres sought more oversight because of the prospect of building an indoor riding center; Friedman noted that the riding center will require additional investigation and property transactions before it proceeds.

Committee action: After Friedman’s explanation, the committee moved to approve add-on resolutions (listed in the meeting as Resolutions 328 and 329) related to the lease revisions; the motions were seconded and approved by roll call.

Why it matters: The changes alter long-term access and oversight of township property used for therapeutic services, expand public access and reserve space for township recreation functions. The indoor riding center concept was raised as a future subject for additional review and potential property adjustments.

What comes next: The solicitor and township administration will proceed with implementation steps required by the revised lease and will carry out any further property transactions and reviews tied to the indoor riding center proposal. The committee record indicates staff follow-up is expected.