Former Bayville industrial site to be massive, passive park

Ocean County's single-largest open space transaction takes 775 prime acres in Bayville out of tax-roll potential and turns them into the county's next passive recreation haven.

The Board of Freeholders Wednesday authorized $11,225,000 from the county's Natural Lands Trust Fund to buy the New Jersey Pulverizing tract in Berkeley Township.

Officials say the purchase moves the amount of county land protected from development to nearly 60 percent - 16,604 acres of open space and 3,339 acres of farmland among 230,682 total acres of preserved federal, state and county land.

The parcel abuts Hickory Lane and extends to the Beachwood Township border, and sits alongside the Ocean County Utilities Authority's Central Treatment Plant. The OCUA plans to buy 60 bordering acres in a separate agreement.

Sand and gravel mining has not taken place on the acreage in many years, said Freeholder Director John Bartlett, but the company will continue its dry-concrete bagging operation on 45 acres containing sheds and silos.

"In terms of financial cost, this is the largest project we've ever undertaken," Bartlett said. "If the county didn't buy this, it would eventually be built out. It is bigger than the boroughs of Pine Beach and Ocean Gate put together."

One of the attractions for the county, says Bartlett, is the variegated landscape that has evolved through decades, including soft hills, lakes, various forms of wildlife and natural vegetation.

"The previously-disturbed areas of the property have become varied habitats which also include grassland and pinelands vegetation," Bartlett said. "This is a serene and peaceful site."

Freeholders also pointed out that a portion of the still-developing 15-mile linear park from Barnegat to Toms River will be situated within the acreage.

The land had been eyed for development of new homes many times in the past, said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato, but it would not have been a good fit in the densest section of the township where only Route 9 provides ingress and egress.

Amato added that the cost of development for the township would have more than offset any potential ratables."You have to put kids in school...you've got to put in the infrastructure, water, sewers, gas, electric...you've got to pick up the garbage, provide police protection," the Mayor said.

Preservation purchases are financed through a dedicated portion of county taxes. Prices are negotiated with land owners who are willing to sell, and set after at least two appraisals arranged by the county. Transactions are completed with the approval of each community in which acreage is negotiated.