Lebanon Committee allocates $1.396 million in Open Space Trust Fund and authorizes museum grant application

At a public hearing on April 8, 2026, the Lebanon Township Committee apportioned the Open Space Trust Fund balance of $1,396,260.80 among eligible purposes under Township Code §67-1. The committee approved allocations not to exceed: $700,000 for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation, $266,260.80 for farmland preservation, $200,000 for maintenance of lands acquired for recreation and conservation, $50,000 for development of such lands, and $180,000 for historic preservation. No funds were allocated for debt service or Blue Acres projects. The allocations are “not to exceed” amounts and do not require full expenditure of each allocation.

During the public hearing, a commenter asked how the allocations were determined and how funds would be used; committee members explained the apportionment process per the township code. The committee then adopted Resolution No. 69-2026 to memorialize the allocations.

Separately the committee authorized submission of a grant application (Resolution No. 68-2026) to the New Jersey Historic Trust for design and contract documents for exterior restoration of the Lebanon Township Museum. The project cost was listed at $31,350 with a committed local match of $7,837.50 if the grant is awarded. Mr. McKee provided details on the grant application and the committee approved the application and directed staff to sign and submit the necessary forms.