By Barbara A. Preston | Posted March 11, 2026
After The Montgomery News released an article titled "Montgomery Officials Unveil Initial Vision for 400-acre NJ State-owned Farmland in the Heart of Skillman," on March 9, the municipality issued a press on the proposed acquisition today [March 11].
The draft plan, presented to Township Committee at its March 5 meeting, outlined several “open space exceptions” for a 400-acre former dairy farm, located on a rural stretch of Burnt Hill Road across from Skillman Park. Local environmentalists refer to the land as the “Holy Grail” of their preservation efforts. The township plan is needed for the pre-appraisal checklist requirement by Green Acres.
The Montgomery Open Space Committee chairperson had questioned the possible inclusion of a recreation center, a public works HQ, and an expansion of a sewage treatment plant on the site at the March 5 meeting. The township's press release emphasized that 80%, or 320-plus acres, of the NJ Department of Corrections (DOC) site would be preserved.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
The press release stresses that only 18% of the land is marked for possible future uses other than open space. These uses could also include additional indoor facilities, including a township or nonprofit partner-owned recreation center, and relocation of the current department of public works (DPW) yard.
The press release stated, "indoor recreation has been suggested to include the YMCA, but the organization is already investing resources into studying the potential to purchase the old municipal building on Rt. 206 and convert it to a community facility that would provide recreation programming for residents of all ages."
The presentation at the March 5 Montgomery Township Committee meeting including the following information:
Rec Center, possible YMCA on 15 acres at the corner of Orchard and Burnt Hill roads.
The Green Acres Program will not participate in funding any indoor recreational construction, despite the activity itself being recreational.
The concept was presented to the Township Committee and the public “not as an official commitment to build, but to identify the specific area that would not be subject to Green Acres rules, providing the Township with future flexibility.” The committee was asked for feedback, and the item was opened for public comment and opportunity.
Public Works Facility on a 25.53 acres plot fronting Burnt Hill Road, next to the proposed rec center.
Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion Area on 32.93 acres
Future Right of Way for Orchard Road, which is needed for the planned sidewalk and drainage improvements. While the township views a sidewalk as a recreational enhancement, Green Acres rules classify it as a road improvement, meaning they will not participate in funding that portion of the land acquisition.
Existing Cemetery - 1.28 acres
The prepared statement from Montgomery Township emphasized that, "the township, [in] taking ownership of the land, ... would maintain control of all future uses, allowing the public to have maximum input."
"The land is owned by the State of New Jersey, and under its current status could be acquired by a public entity, like the township, or sold to a private owner who may be interested," according to the statement.
The site was part of the former North Princeton Developmental Center (NPDC) and former Brookview and Skillman Dairy Farms. The former Brookview Farm property includes 188 acres of land, wrapping around Montgomery High School with Rock Brook flowing along the south border. The former site of Skillman Dairy Farm features 207 acres, the confluence of Rock Brook and Bedens Brook, Skillman Village wastewater treatment plant, and the NPDC “hilltop” cemetery.
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Montgomery Mayor Neena Singh met with state officials in February to reaffirm the township’s interest in owning these two properties. This resulted in a commitment to start the official process for land transfer. While the acquisition process is lengthy and final approval is granted by the NJ State House Commission, the township is proud to announce that the state has confirmed the land is no longer needed, marking the beginning of the formal acquisition process.
The township is seeking to fund 50% of project costs through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Green Acres Program. The program is a step-by-step partner and reviewer, beginning with the pre-appraisal checklist, which the township is currently working through. The township committee, staff and Montgomery Open Space Committee are actively collaborating to review the potential acquisition and advise on potential future uses.
Relocation of the current department of public works (DPW) yard
Moving the DPW from the current location would eliminate the continued risk of flood waters damaging equipment and restore a natural preserve in Harlingen Village. This would also create operational efficiencies by eliminating the need to rent climate-controlled storage outside of Montgomery. The township has had relocation of the yard in its long-term capital improvement planning discussions for many years.
Any potential project will require further conversations with opportunity for additional public feedback, ensuring the interests of the community are protected over time. The public will continue to be informed on these plans and the acquisition process.
