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Madison and Drew University announce agreement to preserve 47.3-acre forest; $5 million private fundraising target
Summary
Drew University and the Borough of Madison announced a signed agreement to pursue a conservation purchase of 47.3 acres of the Drew Forest, contingent on a $5,000,000 private fundraising campaign, environmental due diligence and a judge's consent order; council also authorized related redevelopment steps.
Drew University and the Borough of Madison on Monday announced a negotiated agreement intended to preserve 47.3 acres of the Drew Forest while advancing a parallel redevelopment and funding plan.
Dr. Steve Johnson, interim chief academic officer at Drew University, told the council the university and borough signed an accord that aims to “preserve the forest” while maintaining Drew’s financial sustainability. “The forest remains an integral part of the community, of the region, and Drew’s academic mission,” Johnson said.
Mayor (speaker 1) and presenters said the package covers the forest property and the nearby Madison House (just under an acre) with protections for the Madison Avenue streetscape. The deal is contingent on several requirements: completion of environmental due diligence, a consent order from the court related to fair-share housing obligations, and successful private fundraising. “Our number one FAQ is: is the forest now saved forever? And the answer is not yet,” the mayor said, noting the agreement depends on a $5,000,000 private campaign.
Judy Roll, speaking for the Friends of Drew Forest, said a donor has pledged a $2,500,000 match to the funds the group raises, describing that as a key part of reaching the $5,000,000 target. “We’ll raise $2,500,000, and those dollars will be matched for a total of $5,000,000,” Roll said.
Speakers described the broader financing as a mix of private philanthropy, state and federal funding, and development proceeds tied to a settlement package. The mayor and staff said the borough has started due diligence and expects several council resolutions on redevelopment steps (identified as Areas B and C) tied to the Drew settlement; closing on the conservation purchase was described as targeted by Dec. 31, 2026, contingent on the listed conditions.
Neighbors and alumni offered public comment in support and to highlight local concerns. Benjamin Weissman, a Drew alumnus and an out-of-town municipal official, praised the solution as creative and workable. Mark Talmadge, whose property borders the forest, urged preservation of a narrow strip of trees along Bridal Place and asked that planning not allow vehicle access from a future development through that buffer.
Next steps described at the meeting include: continuing environmental testing and due diligence, launching the Friends of Drew Forest public fundraising campaign, securing the donor match, directing the planning board to begin preliminary redevelopment investigations for identified parcels, and obtaining the required court consent order. The council also placed related resolutions on the consent agenda to begin the redevelopment process.
If the fundraising target, due-diligence outcomes and court approvals are satisfied, officials said they will proceed to closing and formal conservation conveyance; if those conditions are not met, officials said the purchase will not complete.
