Press Conference Set to Announce Open Space, Tree Funds

A press conference is set for 10:30 a.m. on July 25 to formally announce the acquisition of two acres on Hillcrest Avenue, as well as debut a $100,000 "Urban Forest Health Initiatives," which will help with the planting of new trees and replace trees damaged by last year's storms.

after property owners expressed interest in selling the land and dilapidated house to the town for open space. The for $350,000. Funding came from a $100,000 grant from New Jersey’s Green Acres program and a $254,000 grant from Morris County’s Open Space program. After the house is demolished, the town will begin work building a neighborhood playground and park.

The complete press release is below.

Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty will announce two major environmental projects on July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at 20 Hillcrest Ave. The mayor will unveil a $100,000 Urban Forest Health Initiative to plant new trees, replace trees damaged during and maintain the town’s tree canopy. He will also discuss the town’s recent $350,000 acquisition of a two-acre parcel for open space.

The Urban Forest Health Initiative will help ensure that the town has healthy, diverse public trees. A well maintained urban forest will not only protect the health of the town’s residents, but also it will enhance property values in the downtown business area and residential neighborhoods. Trees absorb pollutant particles, such as dust, pollen and smoke, and they lower air temperature, surface temperatures to cool the town.

“I decided Morristown needed an Urban Forest Health Initiative, after the devastating storms we had in 2011,” said Mayor Dougherty. “Ensuring Morristown has healthy trees will make Morristown a more attractive place to visit and live. And the efforts we make today to maintain our urban forest will benefit generations to come. We are committed to creating a greener, more sustainable community.”

Acquiring 20 Hillcrest Ave. will significantly expand Morristown’s open space land. The town is one of the most urban and densely populated municipalities in Morris County. The land will also contribute to protecting water sources in the Highlands Planning Area. The land sits on top of a critical groundwater recharge area for the Town.

Gene Feyl, Executive Director of the Highlands Council, Margaret Nordstrom, Deputy Executive Director of the Highlands Council, State Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, Elliott Ruga with the New Jersey Highlands Coalition and members of the Morristown Town Council will also attend this event.

Morristown acquired 20 Hillcrest Ave. with funds from a $100,000 grant from New Jersey’s Green Acres program and a $254,000 grant from Morris County’s Open Space program. After the house is demolished, the town will begin work building a neighborhood playground and park.

“In a developed community such as Morristown, 20 Hillcrest Ave. is a major open space acquisition,” the mayor said. “It will help protect our water sources and it will make our town more livable.”