the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bloomingdale NJ, in a major win for open space preservation, Passaic County officials have finalized the $5 million purchase of Spring Brook Acres, a 100-acre tract in Bloomingdale previously targeted for high-density residential development.
Known locally as “the horse farm”, the property at 335 Union Avenue will now become part of the Passaic County Park System, preserving valuable green space and offering new recreational opportunities for nearby towns like Wanaque, Pompton Lakes, and Ringwood.
From Development Threat to Protected Parkland
The property narrowly avoided development in the early 2000s when more than 600 housing units were proposed, including a later plan by developer Charles Kushner for 400 senior living units. Strong opposition from local environmental groups, including Skylands CLEAN and the Bloomingdale Environmental Commission, helped block those plans due to concerns over groundwater impact and infrastructure strain.
Located in the Highlands Preservation Area, the site features a lake-turned-wetland, a main residence, a cottage, two trailers, and a 14-stall barn. It sits adjacent to Passaic County Community College’s Wanaque campus and across from two other protected areas: Federal Hill and Dragonfly Meadows, managed by the Passaic River Coalition.
Green Acres Program and Local Trust Fund Help Fund Purchase
Passaic County’s $5 million purchase is being funded through a mix of sources:
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$2.5 million from New Jersey’s Green Acres Land Preservation Program
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The remaining $2.5 million from the county’s Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund
“This is an incredible opportunity to create a place where residents can come together, connect with nature, and enjoy a variety of community programs,” said Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara, Deputy Director of the Passaic County Board of Commissioners.
Future Plans for Spring Brook Acres Park
County officials plan to transform the land into a public park with hiking trails, natural areas, and community amenities. The development process is expected to take 3 to 5 years, with public input meetings to be held throughout the planning phase.
“This will be a space for everyone,” said Lazzara. “We look forward to engaging with the public as we plan its future.”
While environmentalists celebrate the purchase, some residents and local officials have raised concerns about:
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The loss of $18,000 in annual property tax revenue
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Whether the county has sufficient resources to maintain and patrol a park of this size
Despite those concerns, the Bloomingdale Planning Board expressed formal support for the project.
Preserving Passaic County’s Natural Heritage
The preservation of Spring Brook Acres represents a significant milestone in protecting New Jersey’s Highlands region and preventing overdevelopment. With rising demand for green space and outdoor recreation, the new park will serve as a vital community asset for generations to come.
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