Negotiations ongoing for undisclosed tract

EAST BRUNSWICK - Another major open space acquisition could be in the township's near future, but where and when remains a question.

Mayor William Neary mentioned an ongoing effort to preserve more land in the township during his recent State of the Township address, but he did not offer specifics on the tract in question.

"In 2007, our constant efforts in preservation of open space may result in another significant addition to our inventory," he said in the annual address Jan. 23. "It is a little premature to announce the particulars, but there is a major open space purchase potentially on the horizon."

Neary also declined to reveal the location in a later interview with the Sentinel, saying that doing so could jeopardize the township's negotiating ability.

Neary did state that if initial talks are successful, the next step would be to have appraisals done to determine the property's worth.

"We'd hope to get help from the county and state [for the purchase]," he said. "But it's like all other open space purchases - it takes time."

Past processes have varied in length. The township negotiated for about three years for the 45-acre Lapinski Farm, less than a year for the 27-acre Kelemen Farm, and eight years for the 147-acre Heavenly Farms. Negotiations for the 42-acre Giamarese Farm were fairly short, though.

Neary said it is always hard to tell how long such negotiations will go on, and the amount of time is based on the buyer's desire to sell and other factors that are outside the township's control.

The negotiations in this case have been taking place for over a year, he said, and the township is much closer to a purchase being a real possibility.

But the mayor preferred to hold off on divulging further details.

"Talking [to the media] would jeopardize our position," he said. "It's way too premature to talk about it."

- Vincent Todaro