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Council OKs Army Corps monitoring wells and Green Acres grant for Kilmer-area soccer fields
Summary
Edison Township granted the U.S. Army Corps access to township right-of-way to install three monitoring wells and approved a $1,050,000 Green Acres grant to build natural-grass soccer fields near Camp Kilmer, council members said May 14.
The Edison Township Municipal Council on May 14 approved two items affecting the former Camp Kilmer area: permission for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install three soil-monitoring wells in township right-of-way and acceptance of a $1,050,000 Green Acres grant to construct natural-grass soccer fields on Kilmer Road.
Sonia, a township staff member, told the council the Army Corps requested access because the wells would be located in township right-of-way. “This is just a public right of way, with regards to the township, and the US Army Corps needs to install 3 monitoring wells for soil monitoring,” Sonia said.
Open Space Advisory Committee member Walt Stoschel praised the Green Acres award and urged the council to refurbish and relocate a Camp Kilmer historic kiosk and monument as part of the project. “Getting this money for these fields is important,” Stoschel said, and he described the site’s World War II history and the disappeared Joyce Kilmer plaque now on Rutgers’ Livingston campus.
Council members noted the demand for natural-grass playing fields among growing local youth soccer leagues and said the project’s new fields and associated parking will benefit residents. Council Member Coyle and Council President Harris both expressed support for the grant and for the township’s work in pursuing state and federal funds.
Why it matters: the monitoring wells relate to ongoing environmental oversight of Camp Kilmer properties, while the Green Acres grant funds recreation improvements that will expand natural-grass playing space and parking. Residents and open-space advocates asked the council to ensure the easement and monitoring results are documented and to preserve local history as part of the work.
What’s next: The council approved the resolutions; staff will coordinate details with the Army Corps and Green Acres grant administrators, and veterans and open-space committees will be consulted about historic interpretation and site amenities.
