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Somerset County to buy 23.5 acres in Franklin Township to fill open‑space gap
Summary
Somerset County commissioners voted to acquire roughly 23.5 acres of largely vacant land on Canal Road in southern Franklin Township to connect adjacent county open‑space parcels.
Somerset County commissioners voted to acquire roughly 23.5 acres of largely vacant land on Canal Road in the southern part of Franklin Township to connect adjacent county open‑space parcels.
The Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 25‑7100 on Jan. 12, authorizing purchase of Block 9, portion of Lot 2.04 from property owner Marcus Knowlton. The resolution set a total acquisition cost not to exceed $669,900; the presenter later stated the agreed purchase price for the 23.5 acres was $638,000. The full parcel is about 32.56 acres; the county will subdivide and retain the undeveloped 23.5 acres and allow the owner to retain a nine‑acre residential lot containing a house, barn and pool.
The county described the acquisition as intended to preserve woodland and partially farmed land, improve connections between existing county open‑space holdings and provide additional road access points between preserved parcels. County staff said the parcel fills a small but important gap in the Millstone Valley open‑space mosaic and noted negotiations with the owner had been ongoing for many years.
The resolution was presented during the meeting's consent/disposition portion and was approved by roll call: Commissioner Drake — yes; Commissioner Singletary — yes; Commissioner Sui — yes; Deputy Director Murano — yes; Director Robinson — yes.
Clarifying details recorded at the meeting note the county will not acquire the residence because of questions about historic status; the owner will attempt to sell the residence separately and may pursue restoration. The county said the 23.5‑acre purchase will “preserve basically all of the vacant land in that particular area” and help check open‑space acquisition goals for southern Franklin Township.
The county did not specify the funding source in the discussion at the meeting. The resolution document filed with the Planning Board was referenced (file no. not specified in the meeting transcript). No amendments to the motion were proposed during the meeting.
Why it matters: the acquisition closes a gap between county‑owned parcels in the Millstone Valley and advances the county’s long‑term open‑space goals for the area.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 25‑7100 — approved by unanimous roll call (5 yes votes).
