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Franklin council approves purchase and funding for Collins Property open-space preservation
Summary
On second reading the council approved acquiring the Collins Property (Block 5.02 Lot 70Q, 4301 State Route 27) for open-space preservation and adopted an appropriation ordinance to fund the purchase with $426,721.40 from the township's Open Space Trust Fund.
The Franklin Township Council voted on June 23 to buy the Collins Property (commonly 4301 State Route 27) for open-space preservation and approved an appropriation from the Open Space Trust Fund to cover closing and related costs.
On second reading the council adopted Ordinance 4511-26 to acquire the Collins Property under the authority cited in the meeting as NJSA 40A:12-13a for open-space preservation. Council discussion was limited; no members pulled the item for public comment and the public hearing produced no speakers.
Council then adopted a capital-appropriation ordinance (4512-26) to appropriate $426,721.40 from the Open Space Trust Fund to pay the acquisition costs. The ordinance language and staff remarks noted this appropriation covers purchase-related expenses in addition to the purchase price. Roll-call votes recorded "yes" from the assembled council members and the ordinances passed.
Town staff described the acquisition as part of a broader open-space preservation program and emphasized the property's significance to the township's land-preservation goals. Two other open-space items (including a proposed 34-acre parcel on Cedar Grove Lane with an estimated purchase price discussed at roughly $5.2 million) were introduced for first reading and scheduled for a public hearing and final adoption on July 14.
The council also authorized going to executive session later in the meeting to discuss an additional potential open-space acquisition (583 South Middlebush Road) and related donation contracts.
