n an effort to keep farming activity alive on the Bulk Farm, township officials are looking to authorize public bidding for agricultural lease for the site.
On June 8, however, the Plainsboro Township Committee, deferred a vote on an ordinance authorizing the bidding because of confusion of one of the conditions. Officials hope to hold the public hearing and vote at the meeting on Wednesday, June 22.
“There was some confusion over one of the conditions in there with regard to restoration of the land if trees should be removed,” said Mayor Peter Cantu. The matter will be reviewed.
Plainsboro officials closed on a deal for the 84-acre Bulk Farm on Cranbury Neck Road in 2008. In February, 2008, the Township Committee approved an agreement with the Bulk Family Limited Partnership, which was needed in order for the township to jointly purchase the property with the county for $3 million. The parcel was one of the last remaining large tracts of open space in Plainsboro.
The county’s dedication of $2.695 million toward the property came coming from an open space referendum. The remaining $305,000 came from the township’s own open space fund.
Cantu said this month that the intention was to keep the parcel in farm production. “It’s a 10-year lease,” he said. “We’re advertising for bids that would also have a 10-year renewal option.”
“It is essentially continuing our farmland preservation program on a piece of property that was acquired largely with county dollars,” added Cantu. “We had to work with the county since it’s their money. They agreed to allow us to put it out for farm lease.”
Cantu said a number of parties have expressed interest in the lease. “We’re looking for an operator who will maintain farming during the 10-year lease period.”
