The following is taken from High Ground (Autumn 1998)- a publication of ANJAC
While Governor Whitman's Open Space Referendum is regarded as the most ambitious preservation effort in New Jersey history, less heralded are the dozens of municipalities and counties that are either starting their own open space initiatives or increasing existing dedicated trust funds.
In the Highlands, several counties and municipalities are banking that with their own stable sources of funding for open space, they may be at an advantage for more state funding if Public Question #1 (see "Save a Million") passes in November.
BERGEN TESTS THE WATERS
With the Ramapo Mountains girding the eastern edge of the Highlands in Bergen County, this last stronghold of open space is fast disappearing to housing subdivisions.
Realizing that more money is needed for land acquisition, the Bergen Open Space Coalition (BOSCO), a grassroots coalition of environmental and civic organizations, successfully persuaded County Executive William "Pat" Schuber and the Board of Chosen Freeholders to place a referendum on the ballot this fall to establish the Bergen Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The compromise agreement calls for a 1/2 cent tax per $100.00 real assessed value on all property in Bergen County (which would raise $4 million per year) plus bonding for an additional $4 million. Altogether, the Bergen County Trust Fund would raise $40 million over a 5 year period to acquire open space.
MORRIS GOES FOR MORE
With more municipalities lining up to buy open space in the Highlands, Morris County decided to ask voters to approve an increase in their dedicated tax from 2 cents to 3 cents. If voters agree, Morris County can raise over $13 million in 1999. Also, Morris County for the first time will place a referendum on the ballot strictly for park improvements. At 1/4 cent on $100, they hope to generate $1 million. Meanwhile, Morris County municipalities like Jefferson, Mendham Boro, and Wharton want residents to support referenda on the ballot to create their own open space trust funds. Mount Olive is ambitiously requesting voters to affirm a hike in their dedicated tax from 1 cent to 3 cents.
WARREN SEEKS INCREASE
In the western portion of the Highlands, development is claiming more forests and farms. Because of this, Warren County is gearing up their farmland and open space preservation efforts by asking voters to support an increase of their dedicated tax from 2 cents to 4 cents.
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Last updated: 02/20/01