Andover Township implements open space tax, no increase

Andover — Township property owners will see no increase in their tax for municipal purposes, although the township committee has implemented a one cent per $100 of assessed valuation for an open space preservation fund. The township’s open space commission is working with Lois DeVries of the township environmental commission to secure a Smart Growth grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissioners. This planning grant will automatically qualify the township for Green Acres money should a piece of property become available for purchase as preserved open space. Township Attorney Fred Semrau said a conversation with Barbara Davis of the Morris Land Conservancy revealed the open space commission can contact landowners who might wish to sell their property for open space even before the township has the money for the purchase. The open space commission will invited a representative of the MLC to the April 23 township committee meeting to discuss what can be done in the six months or so before the grant comes in. DeVries noted Andover is surrounded by municipalities in the Highlands preservation area and “it’s no secret developers are gunning for us,” because land in the township could potentially be developed. Even though the township is not in the preservation area, it does have hundreds of vernal pools, she noted. Vernal pools hold water in wet seasons and dry up for the rest of the year and they serve as breeding habitat for sensitive reptile and amphibian species. DeVries noted a new member of the environmental commission is a herpetologist who builds habitats for zoos. His expertise is relevant because of the habitats that exist in the township, she added. Because of the environmental constraints and the concern of the commission, the governing body is willing to meet with the MLC to discuss action that can be taken now. The township is also interested in farmland preservation. Semrau noted the Fritz farm is in the process. In addition, the Kirby Farm went through the process of applying for farmland preservation, but pulled out after the three appraisals of the property came in.