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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE (1)-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE PREVIOUSLY-AWARDED OPEN SPACE 2022 GRANT TO THE HIGHLANDS NATURE FRIENDS FOR THE UPGRADE AND REHABILITATION OF THE NEW WEIS CENTER UNTIL DECEMBER 27, 2027.
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WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic (hereafter “Board”) created an Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program (hereafter “Program”) in conformity with the will of the voters in the 1996 election, as authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.2; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and goals of the above is to achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey’s natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the mandates of the Program, the said Board did approve and appoint an Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Committee (hereafter “the Committee”) to study the open space issue and make recommendations concerning the distribution of funds to worthy applicants; and
WHEREAS, The Highlands Nature Friends is requesting a one (1)-year extension to their grant for Upgrade and Rehabilitation of the New Weis Center, originally awarded in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the grant was previously awarded an extension until December 31, 2026, but the applicant has stated that delays with their contractor and municipal building inspectors will prevent them from reaching that deadline; and
WHEREAS, they are requesting a new agreement end date of December 31, 2027, to complete the work and submit for reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, a letter dated July 15, 2026, from Jon Berry, Co-Founder and President of The Highlands Nature Friends, is attached hereto and made part of this resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Board is desirous of authorizing a one (1)-year extension until December 31, 2027, to the applicant for the above request to complete the work and submit for reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, this matter was discussed at the July 30, 2026, meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee and is being recommended to the Board for approval; and
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners authorizes a one (1)-year extension of the previously awarded Open Space 2022 Grant to The Highlands Nature Friends for Upgrade and Rehabilitation of the New Weis Center until December 31, 2027; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Director and Clerk to the Board, County Counsel, and the Director of Planning are hereby authorized to act as the authorized representatives of the County of Passaic and to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the County of Passaic.
JDP August 11, 2026