Brick Township has finalized the purchase of a 4.22-acre property at 2416 Hooper Avenue for $930,000, Mayor Lisa Crate announced Wednesday. The land, located adjacent to the Drum Point Sports Complex, will be used in part to expand recreational amenities while the remainder will be restored to natural forest.
The site had previously received subdivision approval for six single-family homes, but Township officials opted to preserve the property instead. Existing structures on the land—including a two-story home, two sheds, and a workshop—will be demolished, and the area will be converted to open space.
“This is a win for our entire community,” Mayor Crate said. “Instead of six new houses, we’re preserving this land and enhancing our recreational offerings for residents.”
The Township expects to receive a 75% reimbursement of the purchase price through the New Jersey Green Acres Program. The acquisition was recommended by the Brick Open Space Savers (BOSS) Committee, a citizen advisory group that evaluates land for conservation and recreation use.
Key points
- Brick Township purchased a 4.22-acre property near Drum Point Sports Complex for $930,000
- The site will be partially used for recreation and partially restored to forest
- The purchase was recommended by the BOSS Committee and may receive state reimbursement
Preservation efforts continue with support from community advisory committee
The BOSS Committee has played a central role in Brick’s land preservation strategy since its formation in 2021. Previous acquisitions based on its recommendations include the 4.60-acre 20 Brower Lane site, a 0.60-acre lot on 2nd Avenue, and the 31.40-acre Breton Woods property, which was spared from a 59-home development project through a partnership with the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust.
Mayor Crate emphasized the importance of engaging with landowners to explore preservation opportunities before development occurs. “We are always looking for opportunities to preserve land and prevent overdevelopment,” she said.
The Township’s ongoing land conservation program aims to protect natural resources, support recreational infrastructure, and maintain the environmental character of the community.
