Following years of court fights, Drew University and Madison have reached “a landmark agreement” to preserve the Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum, the school and borough announced.
Madison will buy and preserve the 51-acre forest that is currently part of the private university’s campus in Morris County, according to the agreement announced Friday. The deal also paves the way for Drew to sell nearby parcels to developers to build multi-family housing.
Madison will also get property along Madison Avenue, including Madison House, a small building built in 1880, according to the deal.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to protect this vital natural resource for generations to come,” borough and university officials said in a statement.
Madison and Drew officials did not say how much the borough is paying under the deal.
But earlier statements from the borough said a “$65 million final offer” was under discussion, including funds from the federal government, state government, county Open Space money, the borough and other sources. Madison officials did not disclose how much of the proposed $65 million might come from municipal coffers.
Drew Forest, which gave the school its nickname of “The University in the Forest,” is considered critical to the health of the Buried Valley Aquifer, which provides water to 31 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Somerset and Union counties. The forest will remain open to the public, and Drew will continue to use it for educational and research purposes under the agreement.
The rezoning and subdividing of two other university parcels for housing are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. The university’s sale of the parcels will bolster the finances of the school, which like many small universities has faced financial challenges since the pandemic.
The two sides said the agreement was the result of bipartisan coordination between Gov. Phil Murphy, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherill, D-11th Dist., U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and local politicians. They included state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris, who lobbied with state Sen. John McKeon, D-Essex, Morris County officials and non-profit organizations.
Madison Mayor Robert Conley expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the borough and university.
“This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal,” he said. “We are thrilled to have reached this major milestone and grateful that the Drew Forest will remain a treasure for our community and region.”
Drew University President Hilary Link agreed.
“The collaborative work of countless people at Drew University, the Borough, every governmental level, and community activists helped bring us to this significant agreement,” she said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to partner with Mayor Conley as we complete the work ahead of us.”
The public will be able to provide comments and feedback on the redevelopment plan as it progresses through the Madison planning board, according to the statement.
Friends of Drew Forest, a local group advocating for the preservation of the land, also thanked community leaders.
“Friends of the Drew Forest are very pleased that the Borough and the University have reached an agreement that will lead to the preservation of the entire Drew Forest. This is what we have been working toward for 3 ½ years. We built a broad coalition of Drew Forest supporters; and they have grown in numbers and remained resolute,” said Judy Kroll, co-chairwoman of the group’s board.
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Tina Kelley may be reached at [email protected].