N.J. voters OK open space funding, no thanks to locals
Despite the fact voters in the four municipalities that are served by the Tri-Town News rejected a statewide open space funding question in the November general election, those towns will still be able to qualify for open space funding provided by the state.

A public question on the ballot won approval by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent to keep the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) in operation for another year.

According to a press release from the Keep it Green coalition, a group of environmental organizations, New Jersey voters for the 13th consecutive time since 1961 showed their support for open space, farmland and historic preservation programs by approving the public question.

Voters were asked to approve the issuance of $200 million in bonds to be used in making open space and historic preservation purchases. The electorate's approval will keep the program going for one more year until a long-term funding source is identified and dedicated for funding the GSPT.

Although the question was approved statewide, voters in Howell, Jackson, Lakewood and Plumsted all rejected the proposal.

• In Jackson, voters rejected the proposal 4,979 to 3,181.

• In Howell, voters rejected the proposal 4,813 to 2,908.

• In Lakewood, voters rejected the proposal 4,337 to 3,058.

• In Plumsted, voters rejected the proposal 943 to 911.

• In Ocean County, voters rejected the proposal 63,200 to 49,920.

• In Monmouth County, voters approved the proposal 64,976 to 59,531.

In the opinion of Howell Mayor Joseph DiBella, "Howell voters voted on the question on the basis of the statewide impact. People are against higher taxes at every level."

The mayor did note, however, that on two occasions "the voters of Howell have voted to set aside local initiatives and money to preserve farmland and open space."

Although many municipalities maintain open space funds of their own, John Costigan, the chairman of Howell's Farmland Preservation Committee, said the state contributes a lot toward the purchase of open space parcels that are then restricted from residential development.

Costigan said the state funds 60 percent of Howell's open space and preservation initiatives, in addition to 24 percent of the bill being paid by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders. The township funds the remainder of the purchase price with revenues collected through Howell's open space assessment.

He said since 2003, Howell has preserved 18 farms. Costigan said a 15-acre property on Fort Plains Road and a 43-acre property on Georgia Tavern Road have been preserved because of the GSPT fund.

Although there was local opposition to the open space funding ballot question, Costigan was pleased with the outcome on a statewide level. He said he understands the voters' concern, but said, "preserving land just makes sense."

- Toynett Hall