TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is set to acquire more than 99 acres of land in Berkeley and Lacey Townships as part of the county’s ongoing effort to preserve open space and protect environmentally sensitive areas.
The two acquisitions were recommended by the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee and are scheduled for approval during a public hearing.
Together, the parcels will cost no more than $209,500, with minimal property tax adjustments included.
Key Points
- Commissioners to acquire 99 acres of land in Berkeley and Lacey Townships
- Lacey parcel covers nearly 99 acres off Lacey Road, priced at $200,000
- Berkeley parcel totals 0.11 acres on Bradley Avenue, costing $9,500
Open space program continues to expand
The first property, located in Berkeley Township’s Block 786, Lots 27 and 29, totals roughly 0.11 acres on Bradley Avenue. The county plans to purchase the parcel for no more than $9,500, with an additional $20 for property tax adjustments.
The second acquisition, a 98.89-acre tract in Lacey Township identified as Block 3500, Lot 2.12, will cost up to $200,000, with an estimated $900 in tax adjustments. The land is located off Lacey Road and will be added to the county’s growing inventory of preserved open space.
Preserving natural resources
Both properties will be acquired through the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund, which was established to safeguard forests, wetlands, and other ecologically valuable lands from future development. The program has preserved thousands of acres countywide since its inception, helping to maintain habitat, reduce stormwater runoff, and protect groundwater supplies.
County commitment to conservation
Officials said the acquisitions reflect the commissioners’ long-term commitment to balancing growth with environmental protection. Once finalized, the parcels will be permanently protected and managed for conservation purposes under the county’s open space program.
