Fanwood residents voted “yes” on Ballot Question #4, creating a municipal open space fund and exclusively dedicating funding to Fanwood’s historic, natural, and recreational assets. The fund, officially titled the “Municipal Open Space, Recreation and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund”, will provide funding for Fanwood assets such as the Historic Train Station, Carriage House, Fanwood Nature Center, Fanwood Parks and Recreational facilities and programs. The cost of the levy will range from $8 – $11 per household. The fixed tax rate of $0.01 per $100 of assessed value is locked in for the 10-year life of the fund and cannot be increased.
This fund will be dedicated to the acquisition, improvement, and maintenance of land for recreation and conservation purposes, and the preservation of historic properties. By law, this fund will be pledged to these purposes. It can never be used for other other budget items within the borough. This fund will expire automatically in 10 years, and cannot be renewed without another voter referendum.
The measure has the full support of the Mayor and Borough Council.
