Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council backs $125,000 bond to acquire undersized lot for open space after court overturns local ruling
Summary
The council approved a bond ordinance appropriating $125,000 to acquire a small lot targeted for preservation after a judge overturned a prior local determination; the sale and ruling prompted heated public comment and questions about deed transfers and legal strategy.
The Brick Township Council voted to proceed with a bond ordinance that appropriates $125,000 — including $118,750 to be financed through bonds — to acquire Block 1420.16, Lot 1 for open-space preservation.
Council Vice President Ambrosino framed the acquisition as a response to a planning-board and neighborhood concern, saying the severely undersized lot is “ideal for preservation as opposed to residential development.” He told fellow council members the Brick Open Space Savers (BOSS) recommended the purchase.
The measure prompted lengthy public comment from residents who said they were alarmed by a recent court case that allowed development of the lot after the local board had previously deemed it undevelopable. A resident asserted that the parcel was sold privately for $22,500 and raised allegations about questionable deed actions and the buyer; council members characterized the matter as a land-use dispute decided by the courts and noted that the township has since appointed a new Board of Adjustment attorney.
Council members cast roll-call votes in favor of the bond ordinance. Several council speakers acknowledged frustration with the outcome, called for review of township land-use counsel arrangements and said the acquisition is the most practical way to preserve the parcel and prevent potentially incompatible development.
What the record shows: the bond ordinance appropriation is $125,000, with $118,750 to be financed. Residents asked council to examine prior legal handling and deed transactions; council stated the issue remains within the board-of-adjustment and court processes and that the township has engaged a new attorney for that board.
