Franklin Lakes Working To Purchase, Preserve 12-Acre Tract

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — The borough has contracted to purchase, and preserve, an undeveloped 12.2-acre parcel of land on Franklin Avenue for $2.4 million.

The parcel will be permanently deed restricted to prevent commercial and residential development, officials announced. Only two small barns exist on the property.

The current property owner is stipulating that only passive recreation, such as walking trails, be permitted on the property.

The Franklin Avenue property is located adjacent to the 125-acre Old Mill Woodlands, which already has several nature paths and walking trails. The borough is considering extending the trail network to the newly-acquired property on the west side of Old Mill Road.

Officials have applied for $1.8 million in grants from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund and will apply to the state Green Acres programs for additional funds to finance the purchase.

Officials estimate that closing on the property would take place within in the next six months.

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