(EAST WINDSOR)--Governor James E. McGreevey today announced the permanent preservation of nearly 245 acres of farmland in East Windsor Township, Mercer County, as part of New Jersey’s ongoing efforts to tackle sprawl and strengthen the State’s agricultural industry.
“This sizeable acquisition of farmland underscores New Jersey’s strong commitment to protect the quality of life here in East Windsor and across the State,” said McGreevey. “By preserving our farms and open spaces, we are ensuring that greener, more livable communities will continue to be enjoyed throughout New Jersey for generations to come.”
The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) earlier this month purchased the farmland for $2,394,749.79 from Cedarland Associates I. The land – located in three tracts along Windsor-Perrineville Road – had been leased in the past to farmers for corn, soybean and vegetable production. The land is adjacent to the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area.
“We are pleased to add the Cedarland farmland to the growing list of preserved farms in East Windsor Township,” said Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus, who chairs the SADC. “Along with last year’s purchase of the nearby 124-acre Lenox farm, the SADC has made a substantial investment in retaining farmland in East Windsor. Farmland preservation – along with our efforts to increase economic development opportunities for farmers – is key to strengthening New Jersey’s agricultural industry.”
“East Windsor has worked pro-actively to preserve open space and farmland, and to discourage development from extending into this part of East Windsor,” added Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov. “This major State initiative by Governor McGreevey and the State Agricultural Development Committee is greatly welcomed in support of our local efforts in East Windsor to preserve these valued farmlands and to preclude undesired growth in this area of the Township.”
The SADC purchased the Cedarland and Lenox farms under its fee simple program. Under this program, the SADC purchases farms outright from willing sellers, then resells them with deed restrictions that permanently preserve the land for agricultural use.
In addition to permanently preserving farmland, this program also helps make farmland available at more affordable prices for beginning farmers and those looking to expand their operations.
The Lenox farm on Cedarville Road was purchased by the SADC in July for $933,760. The SADC sold that farm at public auction in January for $500,000 to a cut-flower operator based in the Boston area.
The Cedarland property will be auctioned for sale on March 14th as two preserved farms. The minimum bids are $255,000 for the 77-acre farm and $585,000 for the 166-acre farm. Potential bidders interested in more information should visit the SADC website at www.state.nj.us/agriculture/sadc/sadc.htm or call 1-800-474-5314.
The SADC administers New Jersey’s Farmland Preservation Program. More than 680 farms covering approximately 102,000 acres have been permanently preserved statewide. This amount is approximately 12 percent of the State’s estimated 830,000 acres of available farmland – a higher percentage than any other state.
A total of 844 acres of farmland – including the Cedarland and Lenox farms – have been preserved in East Windsor Township.
Continued commitment to smart growth and farmland preservation:
In his State of the State address last month, the Governor outlined ways the State can help target new development to urban centers and older suburbs, control sprawl, and protect the State’s most valuable natural resources, including:
· Preserving 20,000 acres of farmland a year to preserve rural areas.
· Creating or upgrading 200 local parks and adding at least two state parks in the next three years and planting 100,000 new trees across the Garden State.
· Devoting at least an additional $100 million over the next three years—a 15 percent increase—to open space protection in areas such as the Highlands.
· Creating an incentive for conservation by implementing a limited time capital gains tax waiver for landowners who sell their property to the State’s open space program.
The Governor also stated his unequivocal commitment to combating overdevelopment and sprawl by giving local governments the power they need to fight developers and protect their residents, including:
· Empowering towns with the legal and zoning tools to control and manage future development.
· Allowing municipalities to impose a one-year building moratorium.
· Establishing impact fees so that developers, not taxpayers, bear the burdens for the cost of new roads and schools.
· Making county and regional planning authorities more effective and professional since the negative impacts of development are not limited to the boundaries of individual towns.
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