County approves deal to preserve 93 acres in Harrison

HARRISON TWP. The county approved an agreement Wednesday with the township preserving 93 acres of open space to most likely be used for recreation purposes. The agreement saves more than 100 homes from being built on the tract, which would have added too much strain on the already traffic-heavy area, county officials said.

"This fits in perfectly to the hub our of recreational facilities," said Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo as he stood in front of the site.

The 93 acres, located off Walter's Road, will also be an integral part of the Route 322 improvement project, as a bypass will go through the land allowing for better traffic flow.

"This is a very positive outcome from a project that could be called controversial at times," said Freeholder Director Stephen M. Sweeney.

The land was purchased for about $7.2 million using funds from Gloucester County's Open Space Tax. After the property goes to settlement, the county will deed it over to Harrison Township and the county will seek 50 percent reimbursement from the state Green Acres program.

Manzo said the township has tossed around several ideas on how to use the land, but nothing has been decided yet. Right now, the 93 acres are being used as farmland. A soccer complex was built near the land a few years ago, and Manzo hopes that the school can use some of the space for football and lacrosse fields. He also hopes a community center will one day sit there.

"We will also be providing passive recreation opportunities with some of this land so that we can continue to maintain the nature of our community," Manzo said.

A major benefit of this agreement with Harrison Township, said Freeholder Deputy Director Bob Damminger, is how much more accessible the township's business district will be. He said that the intersection of Route 45 and Route 322 is one of the most dangerous in the state, and the bypass that will eventually go through this open space will "make a much safer situation." He also said air quality should improve, since idling cars will be less frequent.

"It's a huge day for Harrison Township and its residents," Manzo said.