Passaic County outlines plan for former Bloomingdale horse farm; residents raise access and wetlands concerns

Passaic County commissioners said July 15 they have begun planning a county park on about 100 acres of the former Springbrook horse farm in Bloomingdale and will start public outreach on amenities, trails and site remediation.

Director LaPorte told the Board of County Commissioners that the county used $2.5 million in Green Acres funding and $2.5 million from the Open Space, Farmland and Historic Trust Fund to acquire the property, and that the seller is undertaking remediation work. LaPorte said the county escrowed about $1.5 million for remediation and has awarded or will award a preliminary design contract to T&M Associates.

The county’s plan, LaPorte said, is to run a community-driven design process with Bloomingdale officials and residents to determine park features, hiking trails and other amenities.

Why it matters: The acquisition repurposes a visibly deteriorated property into preserved parkland and commits county funds and grant dollars to acquisition, remediation and design work. Residents bordering the property said they want local input on uses that could affect traffic, lake dams and habitat.

Key details discussed

- Acquisition and funding: LaPorte said the county purchased approximately 100 acres and used $2.5 million in Green Acres funding and $2.5 million from the county Open Space, Farmland and Historic Trust Fund.

- Remediation: The former owner is carrying out remediation; the county escrowed approximately $1.5 million to cover remediation costs, which LaPorte said should be completed within about six months.

- Design contract: The county indicated it will engage T&M Associates for preliminary park design work.

- Timeline and outreach: LaPorte said a public outreach process is expected to begin within three to six months, including meetings in Bloomingdale.

Public comments and local concerns

Bloomingdale Mayor D’Amato and several residents urged the county to involve neighbors in design decisions. Mayor D’Amato said the town favors amenities that support local businesses and suggested preserving equestrian uses if feasible. Resident Hack Miller asked the county to “show the respect” due to two lake communities that border the site.

Resident Sharon Von Euler urged the county to preserve and create a wetlands viewing area with boardwalks for education and field trips. Mark Forrest asked the county to consider pedestrian and bicycle access, noting Union Avenue is narrow and fast-moving. Kevin Lucio, speaking for a lake community, expressed concern that changes to the property could change dam classification or impose costs on nearby residents.

County response and next steps

LaPorte said those local concerns will be part of the community outreach effort and that staff will coordinate directly with Bloomingdale officials. He also noted the county will consider access, roadway changes and other infrastructure issues raised by residents as part of the design process.

Actions recorded at the meeting

- Motion to open a public hearing under the 2025 Passaic County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund for projects of $100,000 or more — moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

- Motion to close the public hearing after comment — moved by Commissioner Cruz, seconded and approved by roll call.

Ending note

LaPorte reiterated the county’s intent to make the park planning process community driven and said the county will notify Bloomingdale officials when outreach begins.