Communities unite for greener future It is refreshing to see ordinary citizens come together, conceptualize a plan, rally parties to come together, stick with the effort and finally realize the dream of this historic preservation." - Michael Renzulli BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer UPPER FREEHOLD - Breza Road property totaling 101 acres has been permanently preserved. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a nonprofit land conservation organization, negotiated the $4.4 million purchase of the property, which is located in both Upper Freehold andAllentown, through a partnership with both towns and the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Green Acres Program, the Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), Monmouth County and private donors. The land, located on the northeast side of Breza Road, has been the focus of several development plans over the years, including a golf course community and large commercial warehouses. A group in support of the acquisition had enlisted the assistance of TPL to help protect the property. "Future generations can come and enjoy this beautiful setting, thanks to the protection efforts of this group of partners," Kathy Haake, project manager for TPL, said. "It is very gratifying to see this property protected." The land is adjacent toHeritage Park in Allentown and the 117-acre site recently purchased by the Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education for a newmiddle school. The property is also next to a 50-acre tract that neighboring Robbinsville Township is considering for preservation. Upper FreeholdMayor SteveAlexander said, "We are pleased with the acquisition and I would like to expressmy thanks to all the parties involved." Upper Freehold,whichwill pay $1.2million of the cost, will share ownership of the property with Allentown, which will pay about $900,000, and the state, which will pay about $1.4million.Allentown willmanage the acreage nearest to Heritage Park and Upper Freehold will manage the balance of the tract. The acreage will remain farmland until the owning partners develop other passive recreation plans for the property. AllentownMayor Stu Fierstein said that the conservation effort ranks among the most gratifying accomplishments that he has worked on as mayor. "This open space acquisitionmeans that our children can learn amidst the best agricultural, rural, historical, and environmental setting, with accessibility for people to walk, congregate, and enjoy the serene peacefulness of this preserve," he said. Upper Freehold resident Michael Renzulli, who lives near the property on Potts Road, said, "Where else in New Jersey will you find a middle school in such a beautiful setting?Our childrenwill come to appreciate the preservation efforts made today." Renzulli said closing on the 101 acres is a milestone event that marks the final step in a long process to do the right thing for the future of both Allentown and Upper Freehold. He said the preservation effort is notable for the joint contributions of Allentown and Upper Freehold and is an excellent example of what communities united can achieve. "The dedication of numerous citizens and other entitiesmade this preservation a reality, and they all knowwho they are," he said. "It is refreshing to see ordinary citizens come together, conceptualize a plan, rally parties to come together, stick with the effort and finally realize the dream of this historic preservation." Monmouth County awarded $250,000 grants to both the borough and the township in support of the acquisition through its Municipal Open Space Grants Program.Additional funding was provided from Monmouth Conservation Foundation's capital campaign as well as the NJDEP Green Acres Program. Adele Keller, executive director of MCF, said theMCF was pleased to work on the cooperative effort. "We are happy to assist bothUpper Freehold Township and Allentown Borough in their open space preservation initiatives," she said. Funding for the purchase from the NJDEP Green Acres Program was provided as part of its Crossroads of the American Revolution Project Area initiative. In addition to its historic significance, the property provides critical watershed protection for Doctor's Creek and Indian Run, which traverse the site. TPL is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 2.4 million acres nationwide, including more than 25,000 acres in New Jersey. Haake said that phase two of the preservation entails another 45 acres on Breza Road that are currently undergoing cleanup. She said theDEPisworkingwith landowner Neil Van Cleef on that acreage. She said the transaction would close once the cleanup work is deemed complete. Upper Freehold Township Attorney GranvilleMagee said he could not comment on the matter.