Town mulls buying Masker Marsh

Purchase could be made using Open Space money Vernon — The township is considering purchasing a 19.5-acre tract of land known as Masker Marsh, using money from the township’s Open Space Fund, to create a bike path and hiking trail. The project is not without controversy. The property is currently owned by Vernon Mayor Sally Rinker. She and council member Valerie Seufert, who also has an interest in the property, recused themselves from discussion on the proposal at the March 11 council meeting. At that meeting, council members heard a presentation from Dennis Miranda, chairman of the Vernon Environmental Commission, which recommended the purchase to the township council. Although no purchase price was mentioned, tax assessment records show an assessed value for this property of $292,600; it is taxed at $7,042.88. An e-mail circulating around the township from a sender identified as “coalition of Vernon taxpayers” decries the potential loss of tax revenue this purchase would mean to the township coffers and urged residents to send an e-mail opposing the purchase. The property would be purchased through the township’s Open Space Fund, which currently contains $800,000. Habitat and recreation site The land contains a “wetlands complex,” according to the Environmental Commission, and it’s part of the Pochuck Creek Marshes, which provides “critical breeding habitat” for three birds that are designated by the state as threatened or endangered species. In addition, the property, which is adjacent to a few houses, is across the road from the Maple Grange Park. Miranda said that developing the tract for passive recreation would enhance and connect the township’s Greenway spaces. The recommendation from the Environmental Commission specifically noted that preventing other types of development there would fend off extra stormwater runoff problems. No action was taken on the proposal; the council is still reviewing it.