Plainsboro Township voted on Wednesday, September 13, to move forward with acquiring 86 more acres of land for its open space preservation plan. The two parcels of land, known as the Schmidt Property and Bulk Farm, are estimated to be worth a combined $3 million.
Township Committee had approved a financial agreement with Middlesex County on July 12 that would enable the township to acquire the land at no cost to its residents.
Mayor Peter Cantu approached the county several months ago requesting support. The amount of money the county will provide is currently unknown, since the acquisition of the rights to the property is still being negotiated with the landowners.
The committee voted unanimously in favor of moving forward. The township’s attorney will now begin to negotiate with the current owners of the land. If the owners are unwilling to sell, the township could condemn the land and force the sale. “”The owners have not yet been approached,”” said business administrator Robert Sheehan.
Acquisition of the land is part of the township’s Master Plan, which is endorsed by the State Planning Commission. The township is currently over 50 percent preserved open space. Bulk Farm is 84 acres of farmland bordered by Cranbury Neck Road and Grovers Mill Road. The Schmidt Property is about 2.5 acres located on Plainsboro Road near the Meadows at Middlesex Golf Course.
The township does not plan to change the current use of the land, and may purchase only the development rights of the properties.
