Mendham Committee introduces $1.1M bond ordinance to buy 3 Tingley Road for open space

The Township Committee introduced Bond Ordinance 07‑2026 on May 11, authorizing up to $1.1 million in bonds, including grant funding, to acquire real property commonly known as 3 Tingley Road and to demolish existing structures for open-space preservation. The ordinance text lists expected grant sources including a Green Acres Program grant ($546,000), a Morris County Open Space Program grant ($214,000) and a Highlands Program grant ($250,000), plus $50,000 from the Mendham Township Open Space Trust Fund.

During the public hearing on the ordinance, adjacent property owner Rich Brusco asked about Township plans for the property. Committee members and staff responded that the Township intends the site for passive recreation, that the County is expected to serve as steward to maintain the site, and that existing structures would be demolished. No final sale or closing occurred at the meeting; the ordinance was introduced and a public hearing is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Ordinance 06‑2026 (authorization to purchase Block 141 Lot 43, 3 Tingley Road) was also on the agenda; its text authorized acquisition by negotiated purchase and capped the purchase price at no more than $1,025,000 subject to available funds and governing-body approval. Committee members discussed funding sources listed in the ordinance (capital improvements, open space trust fund, bonds and grants) and confirmed that acquisition and future stewardship details will be clarified in subsequent steps.

No formal vote to close acquisition or to expend funds occurred on May 11; the ordinances were introduced and scheduled for public hearings later in the month.