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Commissioners add Stoutsburg Sourland museum land purchase to April 22 consent agenda
Summary
The board voted to add Resolution 25‑800, to participate in acquisition of the 0.23‑acre Grover property for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, not to exceed $180,000; staff described the parcel as adjacent to existing museum holdings and valuable for education and conservation.
The Somerset County Board of Commissioners voted April 8 to place Resolution 25‑800 on the consent agenda for the board’s April 22 meeting. The resolution would authorize county participation in the acquisition of a 0.23‑acre parcel at 211 Hollow Road in Montgomery Township for the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, for an amount not to exceed $180,000.
County staff told the board the small parcel is adjacent to land already held by the museum, including the site around Mount Zion AME Church and a nearby historic farmstead. Staff said the museum intends to renovate the residence on the Grover property for office space and to free the existing farmstead residence for more public uses. The presentation noted the museum is coordinating stewardship with the Sourland Conservancy and described the site as able to support outdoor education, invasive species removal, trails, birding and interpretive programming.
The museum’s executive director (unnamed in the transcript) — quoted in the staff materials presented to commissioners — framed the site as a place where “the connection between human history and natural history is evident,” and said it offers opportunities to demonstrate environmental and racial‑justice work with local and regional impact.
After a brief discussion about the site’s fit with county open‑space and historic‑preservation goals, a motion to add Resolution 25‑800 to the April 22 consent agenda passed on roll call. Recorded votes listed Commissioner Drake, Commissioner Singletary, Commissioner Tsui, Deputy Director Marano and Director Robinson as voting yes.
Because the commission only approved adding the resolution to the consent agenda, the board did not yet adopt the purchase. The resolution will appear on the April 22 consent calendar for formal consideration and vote.
