Photo by Boyd Loving
Bergen County voters could be asked to decide in November whether to use open-space funds to purchase property in flood-prone area
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Last updated: Wednesday May 15, 2013, 4:33 PM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Bergen County voters could be asked to decide in November whether to use open-space funds to purchase property in flood-prone areas – and whether to contribute additional money for that purpose – under a proposal being considered by the Board of Freeholders tonight.
The freeholders will consider a pair of possible ballot questions at their 4:30 p.m. work session and 7:30 p.m. meeting.
One would be a binding referendum on whether to expand the use of open-space funds for “blue acres” projects. If voters approved the proposal, the county would acquire and demolish homes in chronic flood zones and restore the land to its natural state or use it for recreation.
Currently, open-space funds go toward preserving farmland and acquiring or improving other land for conservation or recreation, including the upgrading of historic preservation sites.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/207511901_Whether_to_buy_flooded_land_may_be_left_to_voters.html