Residents can give opinions at tonight’s Feb. 28 council meeting and in writing through March 16
The Washington Township Open Space Advisory Committee is seeking public input as the township updates its Open Space and Recreation Plan. A draft version of the updated document is available for review on the township website, www.twp.washington.nj.us, as well as at the office of the clerk in the Township Municipal Building, located at 523 Egg Harbor Road, and at the Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library.
The OSRP proposes a comprehensive program that addresses natural, recreational and cultural land preservation needs of the township. The township developed its OSRP in 2001, and a previous update was completed in 2009. The draft OSRP update assesses existing open space to prioritize and implement land stewardship initiatives; recommends a targeted, site-specific program to protect natural resources and recreational features; reviews and updates program goals and policies for providing recreational opportunities and protecting open spaces; includes an inventory of public and private open spaces; and proposes an action plan to guide future efforts. The draft OSRP update includes maps depicting open spaces in the township; preserved public and private lands; the township’s parks, recreation centers and natural features; and proposed greenways to link existing recreation and open space sites in an integrated system and to provide focus for future conservation and acquisition efforts.
The Open Space Advisory Committee and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey will make a presentation on the draft OSRP update at the township council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., followed by an opportunity for public comment. Additionally, residents may view maps and discuss the draft OSRP update with members of the Advisory Committee and TLCNJ during a workshop preceding the Township Council meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Residents are invited to provide written comments on the draft OSRP update through March 16. Comments may be submitted to the Washington Township Open Space Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 1106, Turnersville, NJ 08012, or electronically to WTEC@twp.washington.nj.us (indicate “OSRP Update” in the subject line). An additional meeting to receive public input may be held if there is sufficient interest.
A final draft of the OSRP update will ultimately be submitted to the Washington Township Planning Board for adoption as an element of the Washington Township Master Plan.
