Hunterdon Farmland Preservation Tops 32,500 Acres

Hunterdon Farmland Preservation Tops 32,500 Acres

With Alexandria Farm Approval

Hunterdon County Freeholders, at the Board meeting on September 18, added another 66 acres to the County’s farmland program by approving the preservation of an Alexandria Township farm, the 412th farm preserved in the County, that brings the total acreage preserved to over 32,500 of farmland.

Freeholder Director Matt Holt stated, “The two parcel Miller Farm is significant because it straddles Rick Road in Alexandria, thus maintaining the viewshed on both sides.

Furthermore, each parcel is adjacent or close to already preserved farms, creating a farm corridor into perpetuity. That is a key reason why the County’s Agriculture Development Board (CADB) recommended the preservation of the farm.”

The County partnered with the State Agriculture Development Committee and Alexandria Township, through the Municipal Planning Incentive Grant program, to fund the purchase of development rights at the farm, with the State picking up 60% of the $506,000 cost. Open space tax funds were used by the County and Alexandria, each contributing 20%.

Freeholder John W. King, liaison to the Planning and Land Use Department, said “Having cost sharing partners helps to extend the availability of County and local open space funds.

We appreciate the State Ag Development Committee’s continued support and recognition of Hunterdon County’s commitment to preserving our farms, which are integral to the County’s culture and community.”

By purchasing the development rights, the farmstead remains on the tax rolls as a farm. A single-family dwelling on the property was not included in the sale of development rights and remains on the tax rolls.

The County has preserved seven farms totaling 338 acres in 2018. The CADB accepts preservation applications in the Spring and the Fall. The deadline for the current round is October 29, 2018.