JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Following up from the purchase of land by Jackson Township to prevent several private schools from being developed, Mayor Michael Reina on Tuesday announced the township would be purchasing ten more acres in the Leesville section of town.
That purchase will preserve the land for open space prevent it from being developed, and increase the township’s assets in that area to 43 acres.
Councilman Nino Borelli objected to the purchase, saying he was upset because he did not know about the idea before the meeting. The item was placed on the agenda by Council President Steve Chisolm, a close political ally of Borrelli.
“I had to read it online last Thursday,” he said. “That [the council and mayor] negotiated the purchase of the land on Leesville Road.”
Borelli said he was not informed of the purchase, nor was he involved in the negotiations to make the purchase.
Chisolm, who placed the item on the agenda did not share in Borrelli’s objections.
Mayor Reina announced that he had successfully negotiated the preservation of 10 additional acres in critical open space on Leesville Road last week in a social media post.
“This significant addition to our open space program will preserve these acres for generations to come and marks another positive step forward in our commitment to maintaining the character of Jackson for all residents,” Reina said. “Promises made, promises kept.”
The property is located at 234 Leesville Road.
Despite his objection to the purchase, Borrelli did not say whether or not he requested the details of the purchase from the township prior to the meeting.