Stahl: Township stuck if state fund goes broke
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - A local official is raising concerns that the township could be left in a multimillion-dollar lurch if the state does not replenish its open space fund.

The township was expected to receive a generous helping of state and county aid for its 2004 purchase of the Heavenly Farms tract for just over $12 million. But much of the state's share is in jeopardy because it remains unclear if the state open space program will continue to be funded, according to Township Councilman David Stahl. The fund is nearly bankrupt, though there are numerous municipalities like East Brunswick counting on aid.

In purchasing Heavenly Farms, the township was to use about $2 million of its own money, $4 million from the county, and $6 million from the state. The county paid its share at the time of closing, but the state grant was to be paid out over a number of years.

But Stahl said the state granted the money with the caveat that funding would come as long as there is money in the account.

"From our standpoint, it was a good deal," he said, even though the township had to pay the interest on the mortgage.

The state so far has paid about $1 million toward the purchase through installments of $600,000 and $400,000. The state was supposed to put out $600,000 last year, but gave only $400,000 due to the funding problems. The state still owes the township about $5 million toward the purchase.

State legislators are considering placing a question on the November general election ballot that would ask New Jersey voters if they want to replenish the fund through taxes. Approval of the question would allocate $175 annually to the state open space fund.

"Without the fund being replenished, I don't think we'll see any other money," Stahl said.

Stahl has broached the issue at two recent Township Council meetings, but other officials did not respond to his concerns at the time.

The governing body voted unanimously in 2005 to purchase the 147-acre Heavenly Farms property at Cranbury and Dunhams Corner roads. The land is being used for recreation and open space, and will eventually house a community arts center.

Stahl first brought up the funding issue when he was discussing the amount of debt the township is incurring, making note of the year's capital budget. The nature of the state's open space commitment is one reason Stahl said he wanted the township to cut back on expenditures.

"We may be looking at additional debt," he said. "We have the potential of being left with the debt of Heavenly Farms."

Even if the state fund is replenished, there is no guarantee the township will receive the full $5 million, and it may have to wait longer to receive the money. Meanwhile, Stahl is hoping the state will at least inform East Brunswick of what to expect.

"At least tell us what it will be," Stahl said. "Don't make us guess. We need to look at the future years."