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Middlesex County and Monroe Township Complete Acquisition and Preserve 35-Acre Zimbicki Farm Along Federal Road

Acquisition secures land for open space through County Farmland Preservation Program

MONROE TOWNSHIP – June 8, 2021 – Monroe Township officials announced today the addition of 35 acres to its open space inventory thanks to another successful collaboration with Middlesex County and the State of NJ through the Farmland Preservation Program.  The acquisition closed on Wednesday, May 26.

“This is a prime piece of Monroe Township real estate that is now and forever saved from development.  We are thankful that Middlesex County and the State took the necessary steps to acquire the land in partnership with us,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina. “The addition of another 35 acres of farmland moves us closer to our goal of preserving half of the Township.  This acquisition would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Zimbicki Estate.  We are grateful for their interest in preserving this land.”

The County, in partnership with the State and the Township of Monroe, purchased the development rights for the farmland located on Federal Road, owned by the Estate of the late Mr. Anthony Zimbicki, Sr., of Monroe Township, for the total of $945,837. The State contributed $567,502.20, the County paid $189,167.40, and Monroe Township paid $189,167.40 towards the purchase.

“The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners has always had a commitment to preserving land within our beautiful County, evident in our thousands of acres of farmland and open space already preserved,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios.  “We look forward to continuing to preserve more farmland properties and protecting them from non-agricultural development as it’s an investment in all of our futures. Farmland preservation is the first step to ensuring food is available for generations to come.”

Middlesex County’s Farmland Preservation Program purchases the non-agriculture development rights on farmland that meets criteria established by the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board and the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee. The value is determined by two independent appraisals, and the farmland is preserved by placing an agriculture preservation easement on the property. The State, County, and municipality share the cost of the farms’ development rights, with the State contributing much of the purchase price. Middlesex County’s program is strictly voluntary; farmland owners interested in participating in the program must submit a formal application to the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board.

All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or skennedy@monroetwp.com.