Resolution Supporting the Middlesex County Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance of Up To $40,000,000 in Open Space Trust Fund Revenue Bonds By the Middlesex County Improvement Authority

WHEREAS, preservation of open space helps to preserve our air and water resources, provides recreational opportunities, and helps make Middlesex County a desirable place to live; and

WHEREAS, the residents of Middlesex County appreciate the benefits of open space preservation, and have approved ballot measures establishing and then increasing a fund to up to two cents per one hundreds dollars of assessed value on property within the County that includes acquisition of open space as a major component; and

WHEREAS, the recent decline in real estate values presents opportunities to acquire land at attractive prices; and

WHEREAS, additional acquisition of open space properties will help implement the County's Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Middlesex County are considering an ordinance that would authorize up to $40,000,000 in Open Space Trust Fund revenue bonds by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority; and

WHEREAS, these revenue bonds would be used to aquire an array of open space properties, including the Adventure Realty tract in Monroe, Reds Marina in Highland Park, the Pulda Farm tracts in South Brunswick and North Brunswick, the Edrington Property in Piscataway, the two Dismal Swamp tracts of the Quincy Place tract in South Plainfield and the Visco Property in Edison, the Atlantic Realty tract in Woodbridge, the Cottrell Farm in Old Bridge, the Milltown tract, the Our Lady of Peace tract in East Brunswick, and the Jolley Property tract and Brookland Properties in Monroe,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Sierra Club Raritan Valley Group supports the proposed County Ordinance that would authorize the Middlesex County Improvement Authority to issue up to $40,000,000 in bonds for open space acquisition.

2. A copy of this resolution will be sent to the, Board of Chosen Freeholders of Middlesex County.