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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF GRANTS FROM THE OPEN SPACE, FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND PROGRAM FOR 2025 AS AUTHORIZED BY N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.2.
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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, numerous municipalities and non-profit organizations submitted grant applications for funding under the 2025 Program rounding of funding; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has reviewed these grant proposals and has made recommendations for awards totaling three hundred thirty-five thousand and/100 ($335,000.00) dollars; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Program Application Recommendations, or awards not requiring a public hearing, are as follows:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION |
Organization |
Project Name |
Recommendation |
American Labor Museum |
Botto House Exterior Restorations |
$ 50,000.00 |
Friends of Paterson Parks |
Eastside Park Historic Broadway Steps Renovation |
$ 75,000.00 |
Friends of Wallisch |
Timber Barn Restoration Section B |
$ 35,000.00 |
Little Falls Historical Society |
Old Town Hall Window Restoration |
$ 50,000.00 |
Little Falls Historical Society |
Old Town Hall Door Restoration |
$ 50,000.00 |
Preservation of Terhune Historic Settlement |
Historic Building Stabilization |
$ 35,000.00 |
PARK DEVELOPMENT |
Highlands Nature Friends |
Various Site Improvements |
$ 40,000.00 |
|
SUBTOTAL |
$335,000.00 |
WHEREAS, the Board requires that all municipalities receiving these funds must agree to place in their tax letter an insert that indicates they received funds from the Program sponsored by the Board; and
WHEREAS, the matter was discussed at the May 15, 2025, meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, where the recommended grant awards were presented in accordance with the Committee’s recommendations from their July 15, 2025 meeting and is being recommended to the Board for approval; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in Account No. O-25-56-670-005-603 or any other account that may be deemed appropriate by the Chief Financial Officer or his designee, and the availability of funds has been contingently certified by the Chief Financial Officer subject to sufficient funds being appropriated by the Board in the 2025 and/or subsequent years’ County budget(s); and
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.2, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic hereby authorizes the award of grants from the Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund in an amount totaling three hundred thirty five thousand and 00/100 ($335,000.00) dollars as stated above; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all municipalities receiving funds must agree to place in their tax letter an insert that indicates that they received funds from the Passaic County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Passaic; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the appropriate agreements in connection with the above.
JDP May 27, 2025