Neighbors Seek To Save 34 Acres Of Open Space In Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, NJ — After seeing a for sale sign pop up on a 34.29 acre property, Nancy Castelino and other Montgomery neighbors have come together to try and save the open space from development.

The property at 48 Fairview Road in Montgomery was listed for sale at the end of February for $1.55 million.

"As residents of Skillman, Montgomery, NJ, we are deeply concerned about the future of the wetlands on Fairview Road . This area is not just a piece of land; it's home to diverse wildlife including tree frogs, foxes, large woodpeckers and various birds. The potential development of this property threatens their habitat and disturbs the natural balance," said Castelino in her change.org petition.

Castelino noted the property is a vibrant ecosystem with areas of wetlands.

According to the real estate listing, the property "features a breathtaking series of rapids and waterfalls along the wooded edge of the property, 22 acres of pasture, hedgerows, grasslands, and herbaceous plants, and approximately 13 acres of forest. There are remnants of an original 19th-century farmstead, adding to its allure. Stocked with trout, Rock Brook flows along the parcel's west end and there is a man-made pond that lines the long, gated gravel driveway in the center."

This property is neither preserved nor in a conservation easement. However, it is in a wildlife and conservation management program, according to the listing.

Castelino and neighbors worry that if the property is developed it would create more flooding issues.

"It is in my neighborhood. I live in this area because it still has a rural feel but we have been having flooding issues," said Castelino. "I am trying to tell the Township to save the little bit of Montgomery or what is left."

This past February, Somerset County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase 402 acres in Hillsborough, expanding the 6,000-acre Sourland Mountain Preserve in Central Jersey’s largest forest.

Castelino spoke with Montgomery Township and Somerset County in hopes they would do the same with the Fairview property and purchase it to preserve it.

"This Township Committee prioritizes preservation of open space, parkland and farmland, and is actively engaging with landowners across the Township on potential acquisitions. The Fairview Road property is one of dozens of properties identified in the Open Space Master Plan as a candidate for preservation. To date, our negotiations with the property owner have been unsuccessful, but the Montgomery Township Committee is very interested in adding the land to our open space inventory if we can come to an agreement on terms with the property owner," said Mayor Neena Singh to Patch.

Somerset County Public Information Officer Nathan Rudy told Patch that the county "has an active and aggressive land preservation program that has protected more than 14,500 acres of open space, including 1,200 acres in Montgomery. We have an extensive review and acquisition process in place and are always interested in reviewing potential new Somerset County properties that are consistent with our goals, objectives, and procedures when they are brought to our attention."

Castelino launched her petition in March to send to Township and County officials in hopes that with "enough exposure, enough signatures maybe they will do something."

"This is an uphill battle and the neighbors are getting together on saving the property and fear the already flooding problems in the area will only get worse if the property is developed and want the officials to take our concerns seriously," said Castelino.

For more information or to sign the petition click here.

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