Council approves $125,000 bond for small lot to preserve neighborhood; some members decry lack of transparency

The Brick Township Council voted to approve a bond ordinance authorizing a $125,000 appropriation (with $118,750 to be financed through bonds) to acquire an undersized lot identified as block 1420.16 lot 1 for open-space preservation.

Council Vice President Amberino said the Brick Open Space Savers committee recommended the purchase, citing the lot’s size and previous neighborhood opposition to development. "The size of the lot makes it ideal for preservation as opposed to residential development," she said while describing the committee’s recommendation.

Several council members welcomed the preservation outcome but criticized the timing and process. One council member said they were surprised the purchase appeared on the agenda the night of the meeting and called that lack of prior notice "not transparent government." Councilman Cohen supported the purchase to protect the neighborhood but framed the situation as "a failure of the system" after a court overturned a zoning-board denial and forced the township to choose between accepting court-mandated development or buying the parcel. Cohen said the lot had sold two years earlier for $22,500 and said the required payout created an unexpected taxpayer expense.

Mayor Lisa Crates and other officials described a point-based evaluation process used by the Brick Open Space Savers committee that prioritizes willing sellers and appraised values, noting that the committee has sought donations and acquisitions over time. "A willing seller presented himself and it was an opportunity they wanted us to pursue," the mayor said.

What the ordinance does: The council voted by roll call to adopt the bond ordinance and proceed with the open-space acquisition; the ordinance was introduced, seconded and approved during the meeting. Council members noted the lot’s prior zoning history and said preserving it would honor neighborhood concerns about overdevelopment. Several council members said they want clearer communication about future open-space acquisitions and greater transparency around when such items appear on the agenda.

Next steps: The purchase and bond issuance will proceed under the ordinance's terms. Council members indicated they will review committee communication practices so other members and the public receive earlier notice when potential acquisitions surface.