BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ocean County officials have announced their intent to purchase a 32 acre parcel of land in Brick Township’s Breton Woods section to preserve for open space.
County officials said the property was considered for construction of 59 single-family homes on Laurel Avenue, now “will likely” be preserved as open space under the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund program.
“We are very pleased that this parcel of land in Brick Township could now remain as open space,” said Ocean County Commissioner Joe Vicari. “This property meets the requirements of the County’s open space program and will be a benefit to the residents of Brick Township and Ocean County.”
A final vote on the purchase will be held on March 1st.
According to county officials, the site consists of over 30 acres of mature, upland, oak and pine forest. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has identified the site as an area of special concern for the Eastern Box Turtle and it also serves as a important migratory bird habitat.
The property owner, DR Horton of Mount Laurel, has accepted a negotiated offer of $8,550,000.
According to the deal, Brick Township will partner with Ocean County on the purchase providing $1,710,000 from the Township and $6,840,000 from Ocean County. Both the Township and County will seek grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres program.