WOBM Pit Could Be Permanently Preserved In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — The empty plot of land known as the WOBM pit could be permanently preserved thanks to a recommendation by the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Program.

The trust is recommending that the county purchase the land, totaling about 46.51 acres with an additional 18 acres donated by Berkeley Township, according to the agenda for the April 19 Board of Commissioners meeting.

The pit, located off Route 9 behind Yesterday's, has long been a popular spot for off-roaders and the subject of controversy in recent years as residents have fought development.

In 2019, developers proposed a 60-home development, called Berkeley Nine Estates, in the area of the pit, which almost immediately was met with backlash. Read more: Proposed Berkeley Housing Development Sparks Outrage From Locals

It was later changed to senior housing, but was postponed, according to Jersey Shore Online.

A petition was formed at the time, asking Mayor Carmen Amato to stop the development.

"Our roads are already over burdened with horrendous traffic," the petition reads. "Our schools already over crowded."

Under the Natural Lands Trust Program, the pit would be open for passive recreation as the goal is to protect native resources and environmentally sensitive areas.

However, ATVs and dirt bikes would be prohibited, according to the Ocean County government.

More than 25,000 acres of land in the county has been preserved under the program.

If approved, the county would purchase the Berkeley land for an amount not to exceed $2.95 million, plus up to $1,925 for property tax adjustments.