As they advised,
while there is a significant amount of open space currently preserved [in Middletown Township], protecting the remaining parcels of land will help to reduce the potential for additional development that would contribute to the traffic congestion, threaten the suburban esthetics of the community and place additional stress ont he Township's budget and human resources.
The group suggests the Township should work toward "creating a comprehensive 'system' of parklands which is evenly distributed throughout the Township..."
Criteria suggested in choosing the parcels to consider for acquisition include land that:
- Links to or is contiguious with exisiting open space or parkalnd
- Is environmentally fragile, including wetlands and steep slopes
- Has potential for public recreation
- Acts as a buffer between conflicting uses
- Is along a stream or creek
- In its undeveloped state maintains the character and beauty of the Township
- Left undeveloped will control traffic congestion and environmental stresses
- Is 5 acres or more
- Is currently or potentially farmland
They identified 6 parcels that are available and meet this criteria. The final plan must be submitted by December 31, 2014, which in the scheme of things isn't really that far off.
There is a lot to consider, not the least of which is the requirement that the municipality match 25% of the grant. This could mean that the Township will have to put up more than $250,000, but that seems like a pretty good bargain to protect more than $1 million worth of open space. What do you think? I am sure the supervisors are very interested in how our residents view this issue.
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