Hundreds Of Trees Removed From Protected Parkland, Union County Sues

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County has filed a lawsuit over what it says was the unauthorized clearing of protected public land at Smithfield Park in Union Township, including the removal of hundreds of mature trees.

In a complaint filed in Superior Court, the County alleges that approximately 1.5 acres of county-owned parkland were cleared without permission, along with the removal of about 300 mature trees. The County also says encroachments were placed on the property.

The land is protected under New Jersey’s Green Acres program, which is designed to preserve public open space and natural resources.

The lawsuit names Morais Automotive, LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC, and 2685 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC—entities associated with Open Road Subaru in Union.

Union County Manager Ed Oatman said in a statement that the impact goes beyond the trees themselves, pointing to effects on wildlife and the long-term loss of natural habitat.

“The loss extends beyond the trees themselves,” Oatman said. “The destruction of vegetation and mature tree canopy affects wildlife habitat, including areas used by migratory birds, deer, and other species, and diminishes the ecological value of the park.”

He added that the County has a responsibility to protect public land and ensure accountability when it is damaged.

“The County cannot simply look the other way when public property is damaged on this scale,” Oatman said. “Whether the property involved is one acre or one hundred acres, the rules apply equally to everyone.”

The County is seeking compensatory damages, removal of any encroachments, restoration of the affected parkland, replanting of trees, and other relief determined by the court.

Because the matter is now in litigation, County officials said they will not comment further on specific legal issues raised in the complaint.

Morais Automotive LLC did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment