JACKSON – Members of council noted increases in land preservation in the township during a recent Council meeting.
Council Vice President Nino Borrelli spoke about a resolution that was approved during that meeting concerning Jackson’s Rova Farms property which he said would become a “park and cultural center. This is 32-plus acres of land and history in our town that will be protected forever. Much thanks to those who serve on the Rova Farms committee.”
He noted two other resolutions on the agenda that concerned more than 35 acres of land for Ocean County to purchase and preserve in the township. “I recommended and identified the one for over 27 and a half acres on Miller Avenue and Bowman Road.”
According to Ocean County, that 27.5-acre tract is close to the county’s Patriots Park and also to one of the county’s preserved farms under the Farmland Preservation Program, and over 2,000 acres of county, state, and township open space.
The land is located within the watershed of the Toms River. Approximately a fourth of the property consists of freshwater wetlands. If developed, the parcel could accommodate four one-acre single family lots. However, preservation will keep the oak/pine forest that encompasses the property as open space.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, at the recommendation of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee, approved the acquisition of the property for $715,000 at its June 21 Board meeting. The Township Council supported this acquisition by resolution on June 13.
“With its proximity to so much preserved open space, this acquisition is a good fit, meeting the requirements of the county’s open space program,” Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, liaison to the county’s Open Space program told The Jackson Times.
“We appreciate the support of Jackson Township and we know this purchase will have environmental benefits that will now be preserved forever,” Haines added.
The site is also within a priority acquisition area in Jackson Township known as the Toms River Corridor, identified by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission in the 2004 Toms River Corridor Plan. Because it is within close proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, its preservation fulfills one of Ocean County’s goals to buffer the installation from residential development.
A 27.5-acre tract in Jackson that will be purchased for preservation is close to Ocean County’s Patriots Park. (Photo courtesy of Ocean County)
Thanking Police
Members of the governing body gave thanks to members of the township’s police and fire departments during recent meetings.
Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn congratulated 2022 police officer of the year Kevin Scheuerman. “Your professionalism, courage and integrity has set an example for all of us to follow. You have a tremendous impact on our community. We cannot thank you enough for your selfless service and sacrifice. We are proud to have you as our officer of the year.”
Chaplain and K9-Unit programs re-created
The police department recently noted the official return of its chaplain program through an approved ordinance.
Police Chief Matthew Kunz told The Jackson Times, “Our existing chaplain is Reverend Dan Schafer. The ordinance re-created the position, which has existed for many years, but the provision was inexplicably lost during a revision of the township code.”
“There may be additional chaplains in the future,” the chief added.
The police department is also planning to add a K-9 unit to its operations. “It’s been about 18 years since we have had a K-9 unit. The mayor (Michael Reina) was in agreement and interested in reconstituting the unit, which we have needed for some time. This will require specially outfitted vehicles and other equipment,” Chief Kunz said.
He added, “I expect the process to take about a year before we have it up and running.”
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