Green Brook May Acquire Washington Rock Ranger House

Green Brook Township may lease a state-owned house at Washington Rock Park, for use for meetings or a possible display of historical artifacts.

The Township Committee discussed the plans recently, with Township Administrator Kelly Cupit reporting the site could be used for meetings of township groups, such as the Recreation and the Environmental commissions, and the Cultural, Heritage and Historical Preservation Committee.

Cupit, Deputy Mayor Jerry Searfoss and Township CFO Raymond Murray toured the site ahead of the Feb. 20 Township Committee meeting and reported the property needs very little work to be suitable for township use. 

The first floor of the house has a large room suitable for meetings and possibly for use as a local museum, for display of artifacts.

The committee did not discuss any cost projections for the lease or any needed work at the property during the meeting, and Cupit said to costs to remove a fallen tree on the property and replace broken windows will have to be discussed with the state.

Negotiations are expected to take some time before a lease can be signed, Cupit said, but the state is offering possible use of the property under a special use permit.