Madison Republican Candidates Express Support for Drew Forest

Conversing with voters at the Madison Farmers’ Market on June 30, Lenora Clark and Matt Van Natten, Republican candidates for Madison Borough Council in 2022, heard residents’ concerns over the recent legal motion filed by Drew University. Clark and Van Natten have been vocal supporters of the local efforts to preserve the Drew Forest as Drew seeks to sell some of its vacant land assets.

Drew’s motion, which was filed June 22 in Morris County Superior Court, claims that Madison under-represented its developable land calculations in a deliberate effort to minimize or avoid its obligation to provide for the development of affordable housing units within the borough.

“We have read recent statements from Drew University President Thomas Schwarz, and we understand his disappointment,” Van Natten said. “Madison has recently ceased negotiations with Drew regarding the proposed rezoning of the campus peripheral land and a fair market appraisal, and Madison missed a critical June deadline to apply for funding from the Morris County Open Trust Fund. Drew’s June 22 motion requests that the Superior Court reopen its decision concerning Borough of Madison’s affordable housing obligation.”

“Missing deadlines for the Morris County Open Trust Fund only increase the chances that the Drew Forest will not be saved. Furthermore, ceasing negotiations have led to unnecessary protracted litigation that will cost Madison more money,” Van Natten stated.

Lenora Clark echoed Van Natten’s sentiments and explained that one of the duo’s priorities in their campaign is to protect Madison from overdevelopment. “Matt and I are running for Town Council in order to save the Drew Forest and maintain a good relationship with Drew University, as well as the other colleges and businesses in Madison. If we are elected to the Town Council, we will make sure that deadlines are not missed and that sound planning for Madison will be achieved.”

For more information about the Madison Republican candidates and upcoming Republican events, please visit: MadisonNJGOP.com or follow @MadisonNJGOP on Facebook or Instagram.