Middlesex County preserves 27-acre East Brunswick farm
EAST BRUNSWICK - A 27-acre farm on Dutch Road has been preserved through the Middlesex County Farmland Preservation Program.
Middlesex County, in partnership with the state and the township, purchased the development rights for the farmland owned by the estate of the late Ernest Bergfelder for $525,996, according to a statement from the county.
The state contributed $315,597.60 and the county and township each paid $105,199.20 toward the acquisition.
The closing oln the sale was July 28.
"The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to conserving the natural beauty of our county, as exemplified by the vast expanse of protected farmland and open space spanning thousands of acres," Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said. "By placing land preservation at the forefront, we take the initial stride toward guaranteeing a sustainable and abundant food supply for generations to come."
“With almost 100 acres of preserved farmland already in East Brunswick, I am proud to partner with Middlesex County to add another 27 acres,” East Brunswick Mayor Brad J. Cohen said. "East Brunswick prioritizes and values the preservation of open space to maintain and improve the quality of life now and for generations to come.”
With the addition of this farm, more than 5,527 acres of farmland have been preserved throughout the county, of which 3,814 acres have been preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program. The more than 5,500 acres includes preservation easements purchased through County Farmland Preservation Program funds, as well as acquisitions made directly by the state, the municipalities, a non-profit organization, and state-owned lands.
More: East Brunswick police officer cleared in fatal pedestrian crash
Middlesex County’s Farmland Preservation Program purchases the non-agriculture development rights on farmland that meets criteria established by the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board and the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee.
The value is determined by two independent appraisals, and the farmland is preserved by placing an agriculture preservation easement on the property.
Middlesex County’s program is strictly voluntary; farmland owners interested in participating in the program must submit a formal application to the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Middlesex County preserves 27-acre East Brunswick farm
