188-13 Authorizing Green Acres Property Acquisition.pdf

188-13 October 1, 2013 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) and its residents use various property for the purpose of enjoying open space, green space and recreation; and WHEREAS, from time to time the Township may acquire property in order to expand the amount of open space, green space and recreation space available in the Township and to Township residents; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) administers a “Green Acres Program,” which permits a local government to use State funding to acquire real property that will be used for public outdoor recreation or conservation purposes; and WHEREAS, certain real property in the Township has become available for such an acquisition, specifically property located at Block 159.08, Lot 53, currently owned by the Estate of Emile Karam (the “Karam Property”), and Block 159.08, Lot 55, currently owned by John and Patricia McCann (the “McCann Property”); and WHEREAS, Hendricks Appraisal Company, LLC (“Hendricks Appraisal Company”) assessed the combined value of the Karam Property and McCann Property at $170,000; and WHEREAS, Hendricks Appraisal Company advised the Township’s Engineering Department that the value of the Karam Property is $68,000 and the value of the McCann Property is $102,000; and WHEREAS, the Township can acquire the referenced properties for the combined sum of $170,000; and WHEREAS, because these parcels will be utilized for open space and recreation purposes, the Township can use Planning Incentive Grant monies from the DEP’s Green Acres Program to pay for the acquisition of these parcels;