JACKSON, N.J. — Jackson Township officials and the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority have opened negotiations over the future of more than five acres of publicly owned land that was originally transferred to the MUA in 2010 for future utility infrastructure but is now being considered for sale.
They are asking over $2,000,000 for the five-acre lot that was “gifted to them by the township,” according to residents opposed to the deal. The township charged the MUA just $15,500 for the property under the conditions that it would be used to expand MUA services and capacity.
Interim Mayor Jen Kuhn announced Thursday that Township Council President Mordechai Burnstein, Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri and Business Administrator Charles Terefenko recently met with MUA Chairman Todd Porter, Executive Director Roman and Assistant Executive Director Diaz in an effort to reach what both sides described as a “mutually agreeable resolution.”
The details of that meeting have not been released.
The announcement comes after weeks of public debate over whether the property should be marketed for development or returned to the township for preservation and future public use.
- Jackson Township and the MUA have begun negotiations over a proposed land sale.
- The property was originally transferred to the MUA in 2010 for future utility infrastructure.
- Township officials say both sides believe a mutually agreeable resolution is possible.
- Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri says the township should have the first opportunity to reacquire the land.
- The proposed sale comes as the MUA continues expanding water and sewer infrastructure throughout Jackson.
Township wants first opportunity to reclaim land
At the center of the dispute is a parcel that Jackson Township conveyed to the Municipal Utilities Authority approximately 16 years ago to support future water and sewer infrastructure needs. It is not known whether the MUA will simply hand over the land it was given by the township or force the township to pay for it to reclaim it.
The property sits adjacent to the Pine Barrens Golf Course.
While the MUA is now exploring the sale of the property, township leaders argue the land should first be offered back to Jackson before any sale to private developers is considered.
Councilman Palmeri publicly urged the authority to negotiate in good faith with the township and suggested financial compensation.
“Property originally purchased from Jackson Township in 2010,” Palmeri said. “Regardless of the details of the original transaction, I believe property that has remained in public hands for the past 16 years should first be offered back to the Township before being sold for potential development.”
He continued, “I would ask the MUA to work in good faith with the Township to return the property so it can be preserved as open space. If a purchase is required, I believe the Township should have the opportunity to reacquire it for the same amount the MUA paid in 2010.”
Palmeri said preserving the property for public use would be “a positive outcome for Jackson residents.”
Township says negotiations are progressing
According to the township’s announcement, officials from both organizations expressed optimism following their meeting.
The township stated that both parties believe “a mutually agreeable solution can be reached in the near future,” adding that the interests of Jackson residents remain the top priority.
No details have been released regarding potential purchase terms or whether the MUA has agreed to suspend marketing the property while discussions continue.
If negotiations are successful, the township could regain control of land that was originally transferred for public infrastructure purposes.
MUA expansion continues across Jackson
The negotiations take place during a period of significant infrastructure expansion by the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority.
The authority has continued extending water and sewer service into developing portions of the township, a process supporters say is necessary to modernize utility infrastructure and accommodate approved growth.
Those projects have involved extensive excavation of local roadways as utility lines are installed.
Residents have frequently complained at Township Council meetings about road conditions following utility work, with some describing sections of Jackson’s road network as rough and uneven after trench restoration projects.
Road restoration responsibilities can vary depending on the roadway owner and project agreements, and reconstruction often occurs in phases after underground work has been completed.
Road conditions remain a political issue
Road conditions have become an increasingly visible topic during Township Council meetings.
During an August council meeting, Council President Mordechai Burnstein criticized the Ocean County Board of Commissioners over the condition of certain county-maintained roads.
Many of those roadways have also experienced recent utility construction associated with water and sewer expansion projects.
The condition of those roads has become part of a broader public discussion regarding infrastructure investment, growth management and coordination between the township, county and utility authority.
Todd Porter returns to MUA leadership
The negotiations also place renewed attention on MUA Chairman Todd Porter.
Porter previously served as chairman of the Jackson Republican Organization before leaving that position amid internal political disputes.
Porter faced criticism when he said he would personally drive through Jackson parks blasting “Slayer” and satantic music to chase Jewish families out of the parks.
He later returned to a leadership role at the Municipal Utilities Authority following changes within Jackson’s political landscape.
- Why is the land controversial?
- The property was originally transferred to the MUA for future infrastructure needs, but the authority is now considering selling it.
- What does Jackson Township want?
- Township officials want the land offered back to Jackson before it is sold for potential development.
- Has a deal been reached?
- No. Officials say negotiations are ongoing and both sides believe a mutually agreeable solution may be possible.
- Who is involved in the negotiations?
- Township Council President Mordechai Burnstein, Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri, Business Administrator Charles Terefenko, MUA Chairman Todd Porter and MUA executive staff.
- Why has the MUA been receiving public attention?
- The authority is undertaking major water and sewer expansion projects throughout Jackson, which have generated discussion about infrastructure, development and road restoration.
