The Township Committee on Jan. 22 introduced ordinance O3-25 to accept the deed of dedication from J M F R D N J Properties Urban Renewal LLC for a parcel intended for public park and open-space use, including a replacement ball field required as part of the Colgate redevelopment project.

Town staff explained that as part of the Colgate redevelopment, which included market-rate townhomes and an affordable-housing component, the developer agreed to build a replacement softball field on township property (the Men and Marina property) and to dedicate the open-space parcel back to the township and county. A committee member asked whether developer improvements to the ball field — fencing and field preparation — had been completed; staff confirmed those improvements had been finished.

Why it matters: Acceptance of the deed converts a parcel developed in connection with a private redevelopment project into public open space and formalizes maintenance and ownership transfer steps. A portion of the parcel will be dedicated to the county and a portion to the township, consistent with earlier development commitments.

Next steps: The ordinance was introduced and a public hearing and final adoption were scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. Adoption will complete the transfer and allow the township and county to formalize maintenance plans. The committee signaled that improvements required of the developer were complete.

Ending: O3-25 was introduced on Jan. 22; final adoption after public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 19.