Byram hopes to preserve important property

Byram - The Westby Farm, an 830 acre estate that straddles Byram and Andover townships is targeted for preservation by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The Byram Township Council adopted a supporting resolution Monday night and a sister resolution is being considered by Andover Township, Byram manager Greg Poff said. Councilman Earl Riley said the township’s Open Space Committee had reviewed the proposal and favors preserving the 500 acres of the estate that are in Byram. The resolutions from the townships will go to the Sussex County Freeholders. The NJCF applied to the county for a grant to help fund the purchase. Calling it “a critical piece,” one of the two most important open space tracts in the township, Mayor Eskil Danielson said the estate was partially farmed, but is primarily woodland. It is in the Highlands preservation area, he said. Smaller vacant properties in the township were the subject of resolutions as well. Poff has been compiling a list of properties the township owns that have a chance of going back on the tax roles. In the case of non-conforming lots, those that do not meet the requirements for development, adjoining properties are offered the chance to purchase them first. There are several conforming lots, but most are in West Brookview, and are not suitable for building because of wet areas. Three lots may be buildable. All of the conforming lots will be auctioned, Poff said. He noted that even though most of the lots cannot be developed, they can be used by the adjacent property owners for such things as septic repairs. Because the lots existed as independent parcels prior to the Highlands Act, they are not subject to any of its restrictions, Poff said.