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February 2024 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update
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Executive Summary
The Township of East Hanover is updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan to maintain eligibility for state funding and address the strain on existing recreation facilities due to an increase in new housing units. The town seeks to increase the number of fields and expand its parks to accommodate the growing population. East Hanover has preserved land for recreation and natural resource protection since 1995, and has added 407 acres to its Recreation and Open Space Inventory since 2001.
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Document Text
--- Document: February 2024 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update Document ---
OPEN SPACE AND
RECREATION
PLAN UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2024
THE LAND
CONSERVANCY OF
NEW JERSEY
PREPARED BY
TOWNSHIP OF EAST HANOVER, MORRIS COUNTY
TOWNSHIP OF EAST HANOVER, MORRIS COUNTY
February 27, 2024
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
PLAN UPDATE
PREPARED BY
This original document was signed and sealed in accordance with Chapter 41,
Title 13 of the State Board of Professional Planners upon adoption by the
Land Use / Planning Board.
Barbara Heskins Davis, PP, AICP – NJ Professional Planner (License No. 5926)
Date: February 27, 2024
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey
David Epstein, President
Barbara Heskins Davis, PP, AICP, Vice President, Programs
Kenneth Fung, Senior GIS Manager
Planning Fellows:
Sarah Howe, Will Parker & Tanvi Sule
Township Council
Joseph Pannullo, Mayor
Frank DeMaio Jr., Council President
Brian Brokaw Sr.
Carolyn Jandoli
Michael Martorelli
Land Use / Planning Board
Lisa Kiss, Secretary
Councilwomen Carolyn M. Jandoli
Gary Lombardi
Councilman Frank DeMaio Jr.
William Salemme, Chair
Alan Elwood, Vice Chair
Vincent Ucci
Stephen Cosenzo
Mauro Castano
Steve Sylvestro
Sigi Lembo
Frederick Marra
Linda Knoll, Alternate
Justin Orgel, Alternate
The Township of East Hanover
411 Ridgedale Avenue
East Hanover, NJ, 07936
PH: (973) 888-6000
www.easthanovertownship.com
Environmental Commission
Christopher Manak, Chair
Robert Mores, Vice Chair
Gregg Berberian
Dino Cirelli
Nicolina Lentine
Gary Lombardi
Rick Vrablik
Sean Berberian, Alternate
Rosemary Arellano, Secretary
Township Staff and Professionals
Joseph Tempesta, Jr., Administrator
Kenneth Huelbig, Finance Officer
DJ Salvante, Superintendent of Recreation
Darlene Green, Colliers Engineering
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Photo: Lurker Park
1
2
4
11
Executive Summary
Goals of the Open Space Program
History of the Open Space Program
Land Use Inventory
16
Parks and Natural Areas
20
Recreation Programs
25
Historic and Cultural Preservation
32
Planning Review
38
Why Open Space
43
Recommendations
52
Public Participation
53
Action Program
55
Appendix
113
References
Executive Summary
Within easy access to Interstates 80 and 287
and 50 minutes into the heart of Manhattan,
the Township of East Hanover is a unique
balance of homes, shopping centers, schools,
and parks. It was one of the first towns in Morris
County to have an open space program. In 1995,
the town began collecting funds to acquire and
improve lands for parks and recreation. It has
preserved land for recreation and natural
resource protection from the Whippany River to
the Passaic. Its busy recreation department
hosts organized sports, seasonal swimming, and
programs for all ages and interests throughout
the year.
In 2001, the governing body raised the open
space levy from 1/2 cent to a full cent and
published its first Open Space and Recreation
Plan. At the time of this initial report, there
were 235 acres of public parkland in East
Hanover Township. Since then, an additional 588
acres have been permanently protected in East
Hanover. The municipality has added 407 acres
to its Recreation and Open Space Inventory, a
nearly four-fold increase in municipal parkland
over the 22 years.
To maintain eligibility for state funding, the
town is updating its Open Space Plan. With the
pending increase in new housing units under
construction or that will be constructed, there
will be a strain on existing recreation facilities.
The town will need to increase the number of
fields and expand its parks to accommodate this
increased population.
Photo: Field at Camp Hope
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Page 1
Goals of the Open Space
Program
East Hanover is framed by its
rivers. The Whippany,
Rockaway, and Passaic Rivers
are the backdrop upon which
the town maintains its active,
outdoor lifestyle. The concerts
and ball games at Lurker Park,
fields at both Sommer Park
and Dean D'Ambola Park, and
the deeply wooded Patriots
Path winding through Troy
Meadows, are enjoyed by
residents and visitors to the
town.
The Goals of the Open Space
and Recreation Plan Update
act as a guide for East
Hanover to preserve and
manage its public open space
lands for recreation and
conservation. The town has
worked to protect its
watersheds and forested
areas, connect already
preserved lands, and expand
opportunities for trails in the
community.
OPEN SPACE GOALS
FOR THE 2023 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN
Photo: Cook House Garden
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
OPEN SPACE GOALS
FOR THE OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE
Protect
& Connect
Meet continued demand for recreational fields and facilities by
adding to existing parks.
Connect preserved lands and public open spaces to reduce
fragmentation of wildlife habitat and aquatic ecosystems.
Expand trails and pathways to offer safe, healthy alternatives for
enjoying public parklands.
Steward
Manage parks and recreational lands with an eye towards
improving the health and resiliency of its rivers, riparian corridors,
and forests to ensure sustainability and accessibility to the public.
Safeguard water quality by preserving unique natural areas and the
recharge areas of the Buried Valley Aquifer, ensuring a secure
supply of clean, plentiful drinking water.
Sustain
Leverage the town's capacity to receive outside funding for open
space through continued collaboration and partnership.
Continue collecting municipal funding for future acquisitions to
support ongoing open space and recreation initiatives.
Preserve historic and cultural sites that form the backdrop of the
town’s residential and commercial neighborhoods.
The Township adopted the 2022 Master Plan & Development Regulations Reexamination report in
October 2022 and found that many of the goals from the 2005 Master Plan remain relevant to the
municipality today. East Hanover Township has focused its open space program on the protection
of its water resources, preservation of floodway and floodplain areas, expanding opportunities for
recreation, and preserving environmentally sensitive lands. Based upon prior Open Space Plans, its
Master Plan, public input, and the recommendations of the Township’s Environmental
Commission, the goals and objectives for the Open Space Plan have been reviewed and updated
as follows:
Page 3
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
History of the Open Space
Program
1994
Residents approve the open
space ballot question.
1995
Open Space Trust Fund is
established by the Township
Council at 1/2 cent per $100
of assessed value
2013
East Hanover completes
an update to the
Environmental Resource
Inventory
2021
East Hanover is awarded the
Morris County Trails Grant to
improve Lurker Park
2003-2005
The Township purchases 4
properties to expand and
enclose the borders of
Lurker Park
2001
Township completes its first
Open Space & Recreation Plan
2005
Master Plan Update
includes elements on:
Recreation
Greenways
Water Resources
Historic Preservation
2005
East Hanover purchases the
Camp Hope property
2009
The Township, with
assistance from The Land
Conservancy of New Jersey,
purchases the 160-acre
Hatfield Swamp Wildlife
Preserve
HISTORY
OF THE OPEN SPACE PROGRAM
2004
East Hanover publishes
its first Environmental
Resource Inventory
2010
East Hanover publishes
the first update to the
Open Space Plan
2023
Second update to the
Open Space Plan
underway.
2001
Tax Levy is raised to 1 cent
per $100 of assessed value.
2022
East Hanover accepts the
donation of the last remaining
private inholdings at Lurker
Park
Page 4
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Preserved Land
2001 Plan
2010 Plan
2023 Plan
East Hanover ROSI
(Recreation & Open Space Inventory)
114 acres
156 acres
504 acres
East Hanover:
Lands to add to the ROSI
0 acres
143 acres
17 acres
East Hanover:
Conservation Easement
8 acres
8 acres
8 acres
East Hanover and
The Land Conservancy of NJ
0 acres
160 acres
(on ROSI)
Morris County
37 acres
45 acres
45 acres
NJ Conservation Foundation
44 acres
donated to
NJDEP
0 acres
The Land Conservancy of NJ
0 acres
12 acres
12 acres
NJ Dept. Environmental Protection
32 acres
224 acres
237 acres
Total
235 acres
748 acres
823 acres
LAND PRESERVED
The town began its open space program with the passage of the Trust Fund in 1995.
With the completion of its first Open Space Plan in 2001, the town began to actively
acquire and preserve land for parks and recreation. Since 2001, an additional 588
acres have been permanently protected in East Hanover Township. Since its open
space program started, the municipality will have added 407 acres to its ROSI.
East Hanover has demonstrated its commitment to preserving natural areas, lands for
recreation, and lands for water protection by leveraging its local Open Space Trust
Fund in partnership with Morris County, New Jersey, and local non-profit land trust
organizations.
Page 5
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
East Hanover Township currently collects an open space tax levy of 1 cent per
$100 of assessed value, an increase from the original one-half cent levy in 1995.
The Township of East Hanover established the municipal Open Space Trust Fund
in 1995 via Ordinance No. 16-1995. The ordinance charges the Environmental
Commission with the preparation of a list of parcels it may recommend for
acquisition as detailed in a report.
The report must consider:
The environmental sensitivity of the land
The natural and aesthetic beauty of the land
The suitability of the land for active and passive recreational purposes
The surrounding land uses and development
The likelihood and timing of possible development
Accessibility for public use and enjoyment
See Appendix A. Financial Reports (Township Finance Officer)
In 2022, the levy generated $252,671 in open space funds.
As of December 31, 2022 the balance in the Trust Fund is $42,257.
The annual debt service is $250,000 for past acquisitions.
$7,889,320 has been spent in municipal, county and state funds for
open space purchases in East Hanover Township.
The tax levy is expected to raise $249,674 in 2023.
The total tax collected since the inception of the program is
$5,984,429 and the total expended on park acquisition and
improvement projects is $5,795,182.
FUNDING PRESERVATION
Page 6
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Since the 2010 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update, the Township
has purchased land along the Passaic River and completed the long-
standing task of securing and preserving the remaining privately-
held lands within Lurker Park.
2014
4.76 acres, Fox Run
Preservation Acquisition
Former Owner: Butani
The Fox Run Preservation area
runs behind Fox Run Drive, south
of River Road, and contains
frontage along the Passaic River.
The lands are primarily wooded
and provide a buffer to the
adjoining residential
neighborhood. This open space
acquisition protects critical
environmental resources and
creates resource-based
recreational opportunities such as
hiking trails and bird watching
along the river corridor. East
Hanover received grant funding
from Morris County and NJDEP
Green Acres to complete this
project.
2022
0.93 acres, Corner of Eagle Rock
& River Road - Lurker Park
Former Owners: Sargent, Bender,
McKnight, Butani, Chandru, &
Sushila
Lurker Park is comprised of a
facility-based recreational area
abutting a large, roughly 60-acre
wooded area bisected by Patriots'
Path. To complete the
preservation of this wooded area,
the Township acquired roughly
0.83 acres in several small parcels,
which were inholdings in the park.
These sites can be easily accessed
via Patriots' Path at the rear of
the park or by walking past the
recreational fields.
Photo: Fox Run Preserve
Page 7
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
The Green Acres program, administered by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP), grants funds to counties and municipalities to
preserve land for open space and recreation. An advantage of having an Open
Space Plan and a local tax for open space, is that it qualifies the town for
enrollment in the state's Planning Incentive (PI) program. The PI program offers
50% grants to municipalities that maintain a one-half cent open space levy and
up-to-date Open Space Plan.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GREEN ACRES PROGRAM
Photo: Lurker Park
With the completion of the town's initial plan in 2001, it qualified for state
funding through this matching grant program.
The state awarded $2,200,000 between 2002 and 2008 through the PI
Program.
Of the grants awarded, the town spent $1,251,354 in state funds on land
acquisition projects.
Current balance (as of February 2023) is $40,141 for the remaining
reimbursement of the town's most recent acquisition, the former Butani
property on Fox Run Drive. The state has paid the municipality $120,419
towards this property for a total reimbursement of $160,560.
Page 8
MORRIS COUNTY
OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND
In 1992, Morris County voters approved
the creation of an Open Space and
Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. The
Board of County Commissioners reviews
the Trust Fund annually and sets the
current year’s tax rate, up to 2 cents of
equalized property valuation. The levy for
2023 is set at 5/8 cent per $100 of
equalized assessed value.
The County also provides funding for
flood mitigation and farmland
preservation. East Hanover has not
applied for funding through these
programs.
Morris County
In East Hanover, the Morris County Open Space
Trust Fund has contributed $1,981,500 for open
space projects between 2003 and 2014.
The County's Trail Construction Grant Program
awarded $46,800 in 2022 towards the design
and permitting for a new trail in Lurker Park.
The Preservation Trust Fund's Historic Program
provided $931,440 between 2003 and 2022 for
assessment and restoration projects.
Photo: Lurker Park
Page 9
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Project
Year Awarded
Acres
Grant Award
Whippany River Blueway
(Block 130, Lot 7)
2003
6.7
$225,000
Lurker Park Expansion
(Block 37, Lot 1 & Block 35, Lot 29)
2004
1.1
$550,000
Camp Hope
(Block 40.03, Lot 31)
2005
5.7
$1,056,500
Fox Run Preservation Project
(Block 39, Lot 10)
2013
4.6
$150,000
Funds Awarded, Projects closed and acquired:
$1,981,500
Troy Meadows-Hatfield Swamp
(Block 5, Lots 104, 105, 108, 109, 113)
(B184, L1, B186, L1 & 6, B224, L1, 2, 3,01, 4)
2006
179.8
$359,500
Froling Estate
(Block 5, former Lot 7)
2010
3.9
$500,000
Funds Awarded, Projects not acquired:
$859,500
Open Space Grants: Morris County Trust Fund
Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program
The Township of East Hanover is in the process of constructing a new gravel/stone dust
trail through the undeveloped portion of Lurker Park. The trail will connect the existing
paths in Lurker Park and to the County's Patriots' Path.
Photo: Lurker Park Patriots' Path
Design Fee
$58,500
Match Required
$11,700
Requested Grant
$46,800
The new trail will include wooden pedestrian bridges
to cross ditches within the wooded areas of the park.
The trail will provide a missing link to River Road into
Lurker Park. Awarded in 2021, this Phase 1 - Design &
Permitting Grant provides funds to prepare a project
design to be ready for construction. The Township will
likely apply for a Phase 2 construction grant once the
design and permitting is completed.
Land Use Inventory
LAND USE
INVENTORY
Residential
1,422 acres
Commercial
868 acres
Parks / Open Space
823 acres
Public / Utilities
487 acres
Vacant
386 acres
Charitable
262 acres
Tax assessment data from the Township of East Hanover shows a town made up of
plentiful residential areas (32%). Parks and open space make up the next largest
category of land at 18%, although much of it is largely inaccessible to residents due
to their locations at the periphery of the town within the riparian river corridors,
and the wetlands of Troy Meadows and Hatfield Swamp. About 19% of the town is
commercial/industrial land, especially along the Route 10 highway corridor.
Publicly owned land (including utilities) total 11% of East Hanover, with
undeveloped, vacant land at 9%, and charitable land at 6%. Roughly 5% of the
Township lands are owned and maintained as natural by Wildlife Preserves, but
are not deed-restricted open space.
Wildlife Preserves
225 acres
Page 11
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Properties to be added to the ROSI:
Additions to Lurker Park: 11 acres
Addition to Harvest Grove: 1 acre
Fox Run Preserve: 4.7 acres
Conservation Easement: 8 acres
Non-Profit Properties:
The Land Conservancy of NJ: 12 acres
Wildlife Preserve: 225 acres
State Properties:
237 acres
County Properties:
45 acres
There are 823 acres of permanently preserved open space in East Hanover Township.
Wildlife Preserves Inc. owns an additional 225 acres located in Hatfield Swamp and
Troy Meadows.
Township (ROSI) Properties:
Lurker Park: 89 acres
Town Square / Columbus Park: 0.6 acres
Sommer Park: 7.7 acres
Dean D'Ambola Field: 1.5 acres
Cook House: 1.6 acres
Camp Hope: 5.8 acres
Patriots' Path: 2.6 acres
Whippany River Blueway: 6.0 acres
Passaic River Blueway: 40 acres
Harvest Grove: 6.1 acres
Troy Road Greenway: 30 acres
Ridgedale Airport: 54 acres
Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve: 260 acres
PUBLIC SPACES
NON-PROFIT
NON-PROFIT
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey
Wildlife Preserves, Inc.
Wildlife Preserves, Inc.
NEW JERSEY
NEW JERSEY
Hatfield Swamp
Hatfield Swamp
Troy Meadows Natural Area
Troy Meadows Natural Area
COUNTY
COUNTY
Patriots' Path
Patriots' Path
Troy Meadows (Roosevelt Farms)
Troy Meadows (Roosevelt Farms)
TOWNSHIP
TOWNSHIP
Lurker Park,
Lurker Park, Sommer Park, Dean D'Ambola Field, Cook
Sommer Park, Dean D'Ambola Field, Cook
House, Camp Hope, Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve,
House, Camp Hope, Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve,
Whippany River Blueway, Passaic River Blueway, Harvest
Whippany River Blueway, Passaic River Blueway, Harvest
Grove, Troy Road Greenway, Ridgedale Airport
Grove, Troy Road Greenway, Ridgedale Airport
The Preserved Lands Map and Appendix B include the 2011 Recreation and Open
Space Inventory (ROSI) and the block and lots with addresses for each of these
properties. The deed of easement is found in Appendix C.
Sommer Park and Dean D'Ambola Field are considered "partial lots" on the ROSI. The
parcels containing these parks also contain a pumping station and the Cobblestone
School (Senior Citizen Club House), which are excluded from the ROSI listing.
Page 12
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
MAP 1. PRESERVED LAND
Page 13
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Morristown
Airport
Park
Hatfield
Swamp
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife
Preserve
Hatfield
Swamp
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife
Preserve
Whippany
River
Blueway
Troy Road
Greenway
Lurker Park
Ridgedale Airport
Harvest Grove
Patriots'
Path
Cook
House
Passaic
River
Blueway
Camp Hope
Dean
D'Ambola
Field
Sommer Park
E
a
s
tmans
Brook
Smi
t
h Ditch
Troy Brook
Tro
y
Br
o
ok
W
e
st
B
roo
k
W
hippany
River
Black Brook
R
o
ck
away
R
ive
r
§¨¦
280
§¨¦
280
§¨¦
80
§¨¦
80
§¨¦
80
Troy
Hills Road
US Highway
46
Ridg
edal
e
Avenue
Hanover Road
Vreela
nd Road
N
ew
R
oad
S
m
ith Road
Intersta
te 80
Algonq
u
i
n Pa
rkway
Rive
r Road
Ridgedale Avenu
e
S
o
u
t
h Ridgedale Avenue
Jeff
e
r
s
o
n
R
oa
d
M
ount Pleas
ant
Avenue
Stat
e Highw
ay
10
South
Beverwyck
R
oa
d
H
ook
M
ountain Ro
ad
Cr
e
scent Ro
a
d
Troy Road
Interstate 2
80
T
ro
y
Road
Chapi
n
Road
Edwards
Road
Inte
rstate 80 Expres
s
Cha
n
gebr
i
d
g
e
Road
Old Bloomfield Avenue
Columbia Turnpike
El
m
Street
Bloomfield Avenu
e
Reynolds
Avenue
Columbia Turn
p
ike
Eagle Roc
k
Avenue
Mc K
i
n
ley
Ave
n
ue
Mo
u
nt Pleasant Avenue
B
riarwood R
oad
Cedar Street
F
airway
Dri
v
e
Edgewood Dr
i
v
e
Smith Road
Bro
o
klake R
oad
Deforest Avenu
e
Bee Meado
w
P
a
rkway
Tow
n
send Drive
Tim
b
e
r
hill
Drive
Murray Road
Madison Avenue
Overlook Avenue
Merr
y L
a
n
e
46
46
10
KL
508
KL
510
KL
510
KL
510
Troy Meadows
Troy Meadows
State Park
Pinch Brook
Golf Course
Emmett
Park
Troy Meadows
State Park
Troy Meadows
Preserve
West
Essex
Park
West
Essex
Park
Black
Meadows
Preserve
Old Troy
County
Park
Troy Meadows
State Park
Troy
Meadows
West Essex
Park
West
Essex
Park
Black Meadows
Hanover
Meadows
Reynolds
Avenue
Bee Meadow
Park
Fairfield Township
Fairfield
Township
Fairfield
Township
Livingston
Township
Roseland
Borough
West
Caldwell
Township
Madison
Borough
Montville
Township
Hanover
Township
Parsippany-Troy
Hills Township
Florham Park
Borough
Library
^_
Municipal
Building
Preserved Land
East Hanover Township, Morris County
´
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
0.125
Miles
Municipal Boundaries
Water Body
Land Parcels
Municipal Building
^_
Non-Profit Properties
State Parks
County Parks
Wildlife Preserve
Municipal Parks (2011 ROSI)
County Boundaries
Parks to be added to ROSI
Source: Township of East Hanover; Morris County, NJDEP,
NJOGIS, NJGIN Road Centerline 2021
This map was developed using NJDEP Geographic Information
System digital data, but this secondary product has not been
verified by the NJDEP and is not state-authorized.
This map is to be used solely for planning purposes, and does
not take the place of a survey.
Map Prepared: Feb 27, 2024
LURKER PARK
Beaufort Park Map
The history of Lurker Park dates
back to the days of when this was
the site of Beaufort Park. A
campsite composed of hundreds of
small lots, it was bisected by paper
streets providing dirt access to the
many privately owned properties
located throughout the park. In
many cases these were won as part
of a movie or newspaper raffle.
Too small to build on, the lots
reverted to the municipality when
the owners foreclosed on their
properties. A hodgepodge of
parcels, over time the town created
a park from the former tent city.
As the park developed, different
funding sources were used to both
develop the site and to acquire
lands.
Partners included:
NJDEP Green Acres,
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and
US Army Corps of Engineers Passaic Natural Storage Area (PNSA) funding
Each of these funds include their own restrictions in terms of use and development, with
oversight by Green Acres. Between 2020 and 2023, the Township undertook the
consolidation of the properties into a cohesive area - working with the last of the private
inholdings to donate or foreclose on their properties. East Hanover now owns the entire
property and is in the process of updating its survey and tax data to vacate all the paper
streets, consolidate the many individual lots into single parcels, and segregate them by
funder to ensure cohesive management and care of the property.
Page 14
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
27
21
8
14
6
7
10
11
13
12
15
16
17
23
18
19
22
28
24
25
26
29
30
31
35
33
34
37
20
9
Roseland
Borough
East Hanover
Township
§¨¦
280
§¨¦
280
Ridgedale Avenue
Eagle R
ock A
v
enue
Cedar Street
River Road
Christine
Drive
Brace Drive
W
i
llo
w
Place
Cutter Drive
Fay Drive
Eberha
rdt Road
Inte
rstate 280
Overlook Avenue
Lurker Park
East Hanover Township, MorrisCounty
Source: Township of East Hanover, County of Morris,
NJOGIS, NJGIN Road Centerline 2021
This map was developed using NJDEP Geographic Information
System digital data, but this secondary product has not been
verified by the NJDEP and is not state-authorized.
This map is to be used solely for planning purposes, and does
not take the place of a survey.
Map Prepared: Feb 27, 2024
´
0
200
400
600
800
100
Feet
Municipal Boundaries
Land Parcels
Tract III: Unfunded
Water Body
Tract I B: FUNDED (GA & LWCF)
Tract I A: FUNDED (Green Acres)
Tract I C: FUNDED (GA, PNSA & LWCF)
Tract II: PNSA
Page 15
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Parks and Natural Areas
PARKS AND
NATURAL AREAS
LURKER PARK
Located south of the Ridgedale Avenue and Eagle
Rock Avenue intersection, Lurker Park is an 89-acre
recreational complex. The Park is home to:
One full-size baseball diamond
Four softball fields
Four tennis courts
Two soccer fields
Basketball courts
Tom Rinaldi Recreation Center
Municipal pool
Connections to Patriots’ Path
Lurker Park serves as a beacon of recreation for the
community, hosting its summer concert series,
opening day for Little League, and year-round
sporting events for local and regional leagues.
Currently, the paved paths link parking lots,
sidewalks, and fields. There are informal
connections to the Patriots' Path trail system. The
Township is working to expand and retrofit the
facility's existing multi-use paths to accommodate
greater walking, wheeling, and cyclist activity.
These renovations will promote safer accessibility
to nearby residential and commercial areas for
people of multiple abilities and interests.
The public parks and recreational facilities in East Hanover Township offer a wide
range of activities for youth and adults. These parks promote fitness and health and
are situated along the serene banks of the Whippany and Passaic Rivers, which ring
the Township. The following parks are highlighted for their diverse amenities,
cultural heritage, sports fields, and recreational facilities catering to various
interests.
Photo: Municipal Pool at Lurker Park
Page 16
SOMMER PARK
Sommer Park, located at the end of Fairway
Drive, is tucked between the Green Drive
neighborhood and Passaic River. Sommer
Park benefits from its proximity to the
Frank J. Smith Elementary School, which is
connected via a short forested pathway.
Offering one full-sized baseball diamond,
Sommer Park is used for local recreation.
DEAN D’AMBOLA
ATHLETIC FIELD
At the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Avenue
and Selmar Terrace, the Dean D'Ambola
Athletic Field is a Little League artificial
turf baseball diamond. Protected from Mt.
Pleasant Avenue with an extended-height
fence, the baseball diamond is used by
East Hanover's baseball teams, requiring a
permit for use. The field shares a parking
lot with the East Hanover Senior Citizens
Center, equipped with bathrooms and
several picnic tables.
RECREATIONAL PARKS, FIELDS, & AMENITIES
Photo: Dean D'Ambola Turf Field, Sommer Park, and
Camp Hope (https://arccamphope.com/about/facilities/)
CAMP HOPE
The 6-acre Camp Hope property operates
as a summer camp from June through
September, but is accessible to visitors
year round. Amenities include an
accessible-friendly playground, swimming
pool, basketball court, outdoor pavilion,
and large recreational field.
Page 17
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
EAST HANOVER
TOWNSHIP POOL
The East Hanover Township Pool, also
within Lurker Park, sits behind the
Tom Rinaldi Recreation Center. The
Pool includes lap lanes, diving board,
slide, shallow toddler pool, and grassy
seating areas.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
Adjacent to the Dean D'Ambola Athletic Field, East Hanover's Senior
Citizen Center serves residents over the age of 60. The Center's objective
is to "promote a sense of community among our members through various
activities, trips, events, knowledge, and cultivate pride in being a member
of our club and town."
TOWN SQUARE PARK
Located along Ridgedale Avenue next to the Township's library, the
Town Square Park brings natural amenities to a commercial corridor.
The park offers local cultural and historical landmarks, seating areas,
and a paved multi-use path. Town Square Park is the center for
community events, such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony.
TOM RINALDI
RECREATION CENTER
Located within Lurker Park, the Tom
Rinaldi Recreation Center, although
temporarily closed, houses activities for
youth, adults, and seniors. Outside of the
recreation center is a large, poured
rubber playground.
Photo: Recreation Center,
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/
Photo: Recreation Center,
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/
Page 18
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
NATURAL AREAS
The Township of East Hanover is uniquely situated at the apex of the Whippany,
Rockaway, and Passaic Rivers. Home to the Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve and
the Troy Meadows Natural Area, the municipality has been a long-time steward of
these lands in partnership with the state, county, and non-profit organizations.
TROY MEADOWS
HATFIELD SWAMP
Hatfield Swamp comprises over
1,000 acres of marshes and
forested land bordered by the
Passaic, Rockaway, and Whippany
Rivers in East Hanover. The
Township owns and manages much
of these wetlands jointly with The
Land Conservancy of New Jersey.
Hatfield Swamp is accessible via
canoe and kayak from the Essex
County Environmental Center off of
Eagle Rock Avenue.
WHIPPANY RIVER
BLUEWAY
A tributary of the Rockaway River,
the Whippany River stretches
nearly 20 miles. With a name
meaning "place of the willows," the
Whippany flows through Troy
Meadows and joins the Rockaway
River in Hatfield Swamp before its
confluence with the Passaic River.
PASSAIC RIVER
BLUEWAY
Spanning seven counties, the
Passaic River forms the town's
eastern border. The River follows
an 80-mile course, where it
meanders through the Great
Swamp and flows through the
most urbanized areas of the state,
including downtown Newark.
Photo: Hatfield Swamp
The wetlands of Troy Meadows comprise
3,100 acres in three towns. Designated as a
National Natural Landmark by the National
Park Service and a Natural Heritage Priority
site by the NJDEP, it forms the western
border of East Hanover, extending into
neighboring Parsippany-Troy Hills. Owned
and managed by Wildlife Preserves, Inc., it
totals 225 acres in East Hanover.
The town owns land for natural resource
protection along the Whippany River at
Melanie Lane and the Passaic River
across from West Essex Park. Both parks
are open to the public, but have limited
access points.
Page 19
Recreation Programs
"Recreation activities are beneficial to one’s health
no matter where you go to do them, but they reach
another level in the great outdoors. In addition to
helping lower blood pressure, fight obesity, and
improve eyesight, time spent playing in parks and
other green spaces is associated with improved
mental health and reduced stress.
Outdoor recreation also helps support the
economy and drives awareness of important
conservation issues. Responsible use of public lands
helps make people care about what happens to
these places. Research suggests that when kids
play outdoors, it leads to greater environmental
awareness later in life."
The Wilderness Society
The Township of East Hanover
is home to a variety of private
and public recreational
facilities for residents and
visitors to enjoy. The
Department of Recreation
manages popular sports
programs, club leagues, and
recreational activities
throughout the year.
RECREATION
PROGRAMS
Page 20
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
The East Hanover Township Recreation Department is responsible for oversight
of recreational programs and leagues for residents of all ages. Although these
amenities are available year-round, East Hanover also benefits from seasonal
club leagues and camps, including the Summer Playground Day Camp.
RECREATION CAMPS, PROGRAMS, & LEAGUES
East Hanover's Recreation Department manages many of the youth sports programs in
the Township including basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, and swimming. The
Township works closely with Florham Park and Hanover to provide regional athletic
opportunities for lacrosse, football, cheerleading, softball, and some basketball leagues.
The soccer and baseball leagues consistently have the highest enrollment, spanning both
girl and boy participation.
The Township's adult and senior programs are well attended with active engagement
from community organizers and volunteers. These programs include adult co-ed
volleyball, mens softball, senior aerobics, and senior line dancing.
MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS
SUMMER PLAYGROUND DAY
CAMP
The East Hanover Recreation
Department offers a 6-week day
camp for children in grades K-7.
The Summer Playground Camp is a
popular program, with enrollment
typically ranging from 170 to 180
participants. In 2022 the enrollment
grew to 260 campers, with a
waitlist of campers. The camp
features outdoor and field activities,
with games, entertainment shows,
swimming, and themed dress-up
days.
Page 21
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Gender
Age
Enrollment
Boys
4
31
5
30
6
33
7
31
8
38
9
27
10
34
11
21
12
15
13
23
14
1
Girls
4
10
5
8
6
3
7
3
Total
308
MUNICIPAL LEAGUES
EAST HANOVER
BASEBALL
East Hanover's Baseball teams are
managed by the Recreation
Department, athletic directors,
referees, and staff. There are varying
sizes of baseball diamonds and fields at
Lurker Park, East Hanover Middle
School, and Dean D'Ambola Field.
The East Hanover Little League team
recently celebrated their victory in the
2023 New Jersey Little League Section
1 Championship game, continuing the
program's history of success.
Photo: East Hanover Little League,
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/News/View/1364
/congratulations-east-hanover-little-league-nj-state-
champions-good-luck-in-the-mid-atlantic-regionals
Page 22
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Recreation Soccer
Gender
Age
Enrollment
Boys
7 & 8
52
9 & 10
28
11
12
12 & 13
15
Girls
7 & 8
48
9 & 10
24
11
10
Co-Ed
4
60
5
63
6
51
Total
363
Travel Soccer
Gender
Age
Enrollment
Boys
8
10
9
12
10
8
11
14
13
15
16 & 17
15
Girls
8
10
9
9
11
14
14
14
15
15
Total
136
MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS
EAST HANOVER
SOCCER
East Hanover's Soccer teams
are managed by the
Recreation Department and
volunteers. The soccer
leagues play out of Lurker
Park and East Hanover
Middle School. Due to a
recent influx of residents, the
soccer leagues are
anticipating exponential
growth in enrollment for
both recreational and travel
leagues.
Photo: easthanoversoccer.org
Page 23
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
OTHER FACILITIES
PINCH BROOK GOLF COURSE
Pinch Brook Golf Course, located in Florham Park, extends into East Hanover along
Ridgedale Avenue. It is a public course, owned by the Morris County Park Commission,
and privately managed by Indigo Sports. The 18-hole golf course offers a variety of
challenges, including ponds, sandy bunkers, and stretching hills. The Pinch Brook Golf
Course also hosts a practice facility putting green, Clubhouse, Golf Shop, The PB Grill,
and locker rooms. Membership types vary by age and county of residence.
Photo: Pinch Brook Golf Course
CAMP HOPE
East Hanover also serves as the home to Camp
Hope, a summer camp for children and adults with
intellectual and developmental disabilities open
from June through September. Located at 127
Cedar Street on Township property, Camp Hope
offers a variety of sports and activities for campers
to enjoy. The recently upgraded facility now
features an accessible-friendly playground, splash
pad, basketball court, outdoor pavilion, and an
expanded recreation field. These additions
complement the existing beach entry swimming
pool.
Page 24
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Historic and Cultural
Preservation
East Hanov er has applied for and received grant funding to restore historic property in
the Township. This section of the Plan Update documents the historic and cultural
features in the municipality as the basis for future applications for construction and
restoration grants.
The present-day landscape of East Hanover bears the imprint of glaciers during the last
Ice Age. These glaciers sculpted the land, creating valleys, riverbeds, and mountains.
Following this period, the region was submerged beneath the ancient Glacial Lake
Passaic.
The first settlers of the land where East Hanover now stands were the Lenni Lenape
Indians. The Lenni Lenape were divided into three sub-tribes that inhabited the entirety
of present-day New Jersey. The Unami, whose name signifies "the people down the
river," occupied the area that is now recognized as East Hanover. They were drawn to this
region due to its exceptional water source, plentiful wildlife, and strategic position
situated between the Indian settlements along the Delaware and Hudson Rivers.
HISTORIC &
CULTURAL
PRESERVATION
Ellis Cook House (Halfway House)
Source: NP National Register of Historic Places, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/
Page 25
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
In 1740, Morris County underwent a division into four distinct sections, with
Hanover Township being a notable component. Later, in 1928, both Hanover
Village and Hanover Neck decided to separate from the larger Hanover Township,
leading to the establishment of East Hanover Township. Consequently, East
Hanover Township was officially incorporated in the same year, marking its formal
inception.
During the early 1700s, families originating from Newark and Elizabeth established
their homes in Hanover. The region boasted fertile land that was well-suited for
farming, while also offering a valuable timber supply that could be sold to the
forge located in Whippany. Among the four initial landowners in what is now East
Hanover during the 18th century was Daniel Coxe, who acquired a significant
portion of Hanover Neck.
In 1933, Route 10 was finalized by the State Highway Commission, aiming to
facilitate convenient travel between Essex County and the recreational
destinations in western New Jersey. After extensive deliberation, it was decided
that Route 10 would bypass Hanover Village, taking a northern route. As the
highway was completed, it sparked a surge in both residential and commercial
growth along its path, ultimately resulting in the cessation of agricultural practices
in East Hanover Township.
The governing body of East Hanover Township granted approval for the
establishment of the Novartis facility within the municipality on April 23, 1946. This
significant decision brought about a transformative shift in the town's rural
character, transitioning it into an economy driven by industry. Inspired by
Novartis's presence, other industries subsequently followed suit and chose to
settle within the township.
In the aftermath of World War II, East Hanover Township, along with many other
areas in eastern Morris County, transitioned into a residential area serving as a
bedroom community for the New York metropolitan region. The town witnessed
rapid expansion during the 1950s and 1960s, which posed challenges in terms of
meeting the increased demand for infrastructure and schools within the
community.
Today, the economy of East Hanover has grown from being primarily reliant on
agriculture to becoming a community centered around commercial activities. The
town has received funding to preserve the structural integrity of the Ellis Cook
House. There are four sites on the State Register of Historic Places, and three of
these are also listed on the National Register.
Page 26
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Historic Sites on the State and National Registers in East Hanover
Name
Location
National
Register
State Register
Adoniram Pruden House
644 Ridgedale Ave
-
11/18/2010
Ellis Cook House (Halfway
House)
174 Mount Pleasant Avenue
5/12/1975
12/19/1974
Definis Archeological Site
-
9/7/1979
8/23/1979
First Presbyterian Church
of Hanover
Mount Pleasant Avenue opposite
Hanover Avenue
11/10/1977
6/13/1977
Hanover Village Historic
District
Hanover Road and Mount Pleasant
Avenue
9/13/1993
7/20/1993
Pennsylvania-New Jersey
Interconnection Bushkill
to Roseland Transmission
Line
-
9/9/2011
Public Service Electric and
Gas (PSE&G) Company
Northern Inner Inner Ring
Transmission Line
-
12/31/2013
Steppel Archaeological
Site
9/7/1979
2/27/1980
Light grey shaded sites have been issued an Opinion of Eligibility, but are not yet listed on the state
register
Dark grey shaded sites have been issued a Determination of Eligibility by the Keeper of the
National Register, National Park Service, Department of Interior, a formal certification that a
property is eligible for registration
Many sites in East Hanover have been listed together on the New Jersey and National
Historic Registers as the Hanover Village Historic District, indicating broader
significance and opening opportunities for funding. Four more sites (depicted in light
grey) have been issued an Opinion of Eligibility by the New Jersey State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO), but have not been nominated and listed on the register
and two sites (depicted in dark grey) have been issued a Determination of Eligibility
(DOE) by the Keeper of the National Register, National Park Service, Department of
Interior, a formal certification that a property is eligible for registration.
Source: NJ State Historic Preservation Office and National Register of Historic Places
STATE AND NATIONAL
REGISTERS
Page 27
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
The map below shows the status of historic sites in East Hanover Township, as
identified by the SHPO. Some historic sites have been listed through the Hanover
Village Historic District (outlined in red). The Adoniram Pruden House has been
determined to be individually eligible for listing on the SHPO, but not yet listed. Six
potential township sites have been identified individually, but a determination of
eligibility has not be made.
Source: NJ Historic Preservation Office, LUCY historic properties mapper,
https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=44ce3eb3c53349639040fe205d69bb79
Page 28
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Hanover Village Historic District (NR, SR)
The Hanover Village Historic District was
owned by Jacob Green and was built by Elijah
Hopping. The area was a center for religious
worship, transportation, funerary and
agriculture. It was included on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1993. The district
encompasses an area approximately 880
acres with 56 buildings. Within this area, are
the Cook Halfway House (built in 1752) and the
Marion Rowley Gardens, both of which are
maintained by the East Hanover Historical
Society. First Presbyterian Church of Hanover
was built in 1755 and is still active today. The
associated cemetery has 879 graves, including
38 soldiers from the Revolutionary War. The
oldest grave is from 1750. Also located in the
District, is the Cobblestone School (built in
1915). In addition to serving as a school, it also
housed one of the Township’s earliest police
stations. Today it is used as the Township’s
senior citizen’s center.
Ellis Cook House (Halfway House)
(NR, SR)
The mid 18th century house, is named after
Ellis Cook, who was a Lt. Colonel in the Morris
Militia during the American Revolution. Just
before the British occupation of Perth Amboy
in 1776, he was personally recognized for his
role in saving the East Jersey Proprietary
records housed in the Surveyor-General's
office. This house was used as a tavern during
the Revolutionary War. This modest colonial
structure in 18th century New Jersey is
believed to have been constructed by John
Williams, a cordwainer, shortly before 1751.
Around that time, Williams granted a tract of
land, estimated to be around 40 acres, along
with the dwelling to his daughter, Mary
Williams Cook, who was married to Ellis Cook.
First Presbyterian Church of Hanover (NR,
SR)
A neoclassical church, it is surrounded on three
sides by the graveyard which had been in use
since 1755 when the first church was erected
on this site. The graves of 38 Revolutionary War
soldiers, three from the War of 1812, eight from
the Civil War, one from WWI and two from
WWII can be found there. The oldest grave in
the cemetery is dated 1750.
The church played a few roles in the
Revolutionary War. One was as a make-shift
hospital for soldiers. During the Battle of
Springfield, men of the church would go to
protect the local bridge that went over the
Passaic River. That was a point of easy entry for
the British to get into Morris County. It has also
been rumored that George Washington and
his staff occupied the original manse
(parsonage) at one time.
S teppel Archaeological Site (SR)
The Steppel site is an archaeological burial site
in the Great Piece Meadows, where the Lenni
Lenape and the Iroquois came to a peace
agreement. The burying ground was
discovered when workmen were excavating on
the property of Mr. Abraham Steppel across the
road from the Hanover Airport.
First Presbyterian Church of Hanover, National
Register of Historic Places
HISTORIC SITES
Page 29
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Adoniram Pruden House (SR)
The Adoniram Pruden House is believed to
have been built around 1749. The
Georgian-style residence possesses
distinctive features, such as original white
plaster horsehair and oyster-shell walls,
wide solid chestnut floors, and four
fireplaces.
The property holds historical significance
as it is situated on a land where
archaeologists have discovered Native
American artifacts dating back to 3,000
B.C.E. Preservation groups have advocated
for an easement to be placed on the
house, ensuring its protection and
conservation.
The Morris County Tourism Bureau
emphasizes the importance of recognizing
the value of both the home and the area it
stands in, which was one of the earliest
settled regions in the county.
Pennsylvania-New Jersey Interconnection Bushkill to
Roseland Transmission Line
Source:https://picryl.com/media/pennsylvania-new-
jersey-interconnection-bushkill-to-roseland-
transmission-line-e29c4a
Pennsylvania-New Jersey
Interconnection Bushkill to Roseland
Transmission Line
The creation of the Pennsylvania-New
Jersey Interconnection (PNJ), a 210-mile
transmission line, played a vital role in
expanding efficient and reliable electricity
supply to Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
This project successfully balanced the
diverse service needs of rural, industrial,
urban, and suburban areas in the region.
The PNJ involved the contractual
interconnection of three major utility
companies: Philadelphia Electric Company
(PECO), Public Service Electric & Gas
Company (PSE&G), and Pennsylvania
Power and Light Company (PP&L). This
collaboration allowed the utilities to meet
the growing demand for electricity from
domestic and industrial consumers,
particularly during peak periods.
During the early 20th century, electrical
demand was steadily rising, necessitating
adaptations to accommodate changing
consumer populations. One notable
segment of the PNJ, the Bushkill to
Roseland Transmission Line in northern
New Jersey, received the prestigious
Charles A. Coffin Award from General
Electric Company in 1929. This recognition
was due to its innovative design and
technical achievements.
The construction of the PNJ also led to
advancements in transmission line and
tower design, focusing on enhancing
resistance to environmental stresses.
Additionally, a system of standardization
was implemented to efficiently customize
transmission towers for specific locations.
The project faced numerous challenges,
including varied terrains such as swamps,
mountains, rocks, ravines, and fields.
Innovative construction techniques and
solutions were employed to overcome
these obstacles.
Page 30
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Purpose
Project Name
Closing Year
Funding
Assessment
First Presbyterian Church
2003
$15,676
Construction
First Presbyterian Church
2004
$96,712
Construction
First Presbyterian Church
2005
$190,320
Construction
First Presbyterian Church
2006
$130,200
Restoration
First Presbyterian Church
2007
$47,400
Restoration
First Presbyterian Church
2008
$69,273
Restoration
First Presbyterian Church
2009
$98,379
Planning
Cook House Exterior Restoration
2020
$22,360
Construction
Cook House Exterior Restoration
2021
$33,480
Restoration
Cook House Exterior Restoration
2022
$227,600
Total
$931,440
Morris County Preservation Trust Fund - Historic Preservation
Source: Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation
Photo: Cook House
The County Commissioners created the historic preservation program using the Open
Space Trust Fund to support the preservation of the county’s exceptional historic
resources. East Hanover has received ten grants totaling $931,440 to restore and
protect the First Presbyterian Church and the historic Cook House.
Planning Review
Municipal
Planning
PLANNING
REVIEW
Consistency in planning is important and ensures that the Planning Board,
Environmental Commission, and governing body are working together to address
Master Plan recommendations. The needs and recommendations of the Open Space
Plan Update expand upon the goals (numbered) and objectives (lettered) of the
Master Plan. As written in the 2022 report, the goals and objectives relating to open
space and recreation include the following:
Goal 10. Preserve the Township’s natural resources to protect water quality, manage
stormwater, reduce the potential for flood damage, protect endangered habitats, and
provide open space.
a. Preserve the floodway and floodplain of the Passaic, Rockaway, and Whippany
Rivers and their tributaries to control floodwaters.
Goal 11. Create a comprehensive recreation system that provides indoor and outdoor,
active, and passive recreation opportunities for all age groups and ability levels.
a. Connect the existing park system to the residential neighborhoods through a
system of safe sidewalks and pathways.
b. Expand active recreational opportunities in the Township through the creation of
new park facilities either at existing Township parks, park/school sites, or through
the creation of new parks and facilities.
c. Connect the existing park system and Patriot’s Path through a system of green
corridors and linkages.
Goal 12. Create a comprehensive open space system that preserves sensitive lands,
creates connected greenways and blueways, and provides environmental education
opportunities.
a. Create a multi-use trail system that links neighborhoods, community facilities,
parks, and open space.
b. Continue open space acquisition efforts with funding shared among East
Hanover Township, Morris County, the State and federal governments, and non-
profit groups.
Page 32
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
In the 2001 Open Space and Recreation Plan, the Township centered on the protection of its
water resources, preservation of floodway and floodplain areas, expanding opportunities for both
active recreation and passive recreation, and preserving environmentally sensitive lands.
The 2010 Plan Update confirmed and expanded these goals for the town:
To enhance recreation opportunities by acquiring and preserving land for park expansions,
establishing green corridors and multi-path system.
To preserve the floodway and floodplain of the Passaic, Rockaway and Whippany Rivers and
their tributaries.
To preserve open spaces to maintain the community character, quality of life, and protect
natural resource by identifying and preserving land in environmentally sensitive areas
To preserve historically significant areas and structures in the community
2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan
2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
The 2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan includes the following sites as appropriate locations
for affordable housing. Due to their identification in the Fair Share Plan, they are not included as
potential open space properties in this Plan Update.
The 2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan includes the following sites as appropriate locations
for affordable housing:
2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
Current Use/Plans (2023)
Nike site –Block 96, Lots 47.02 and 50: The 2020 Plan
identifies the site as vacant (18.9 acres).
These properties are owned by East Hanover with the
intention to be developed for senior housing.
KRE site – Block 41, Lots 37, 38, and 40, located at 100
Deforest Avenue: The site contains a vacant office
building,
Block 42 (not Block 41). A new 548-unit complex with
both apartments and townhomes is under construction.
Valley View Park. There are a total of 96 affordable units.
Eagle Rock Avenue – Block 1.01, Lots 53, 53.01, 54, and
54.01: Three parcels are developed with office buildings,
while Lot 54 is vacant, total 50.7 acres
60-72 Eagle Rock Avenue – office complex with new 265
units under construction.
Columbia Turnpike – Block 127, Lot 1.01: industrial site, 57
acres.
306 Columbia Turnpike – industrial site owned by VDM
Metals
B-1 and B-2 Districts – Ridgedale Avenue and Eagle Rock
Avenue sites are large enough to accommodate multi-
family residential development.
Almost entirely developed with commercial and light
industrial properties.
Page 33
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
County Planning
Morris County is currently
updating its 1988 Open
Space and Recreation Plan.
Similar to municipal planning, the Open Space Plan should build off of
recommendations included in county planning. As Morris County completes its
update to the 1988 Open Space Plan, the 2020 Land Use Element and 2014
Strategic Master Plan serve as the guides for open space policy. Below are the goals
and objectives identified in the 2020 Plan which support open space and recreation
not only in East Hanover, but throughout Morris County:
Goal 3. The protection of natural, historic, agricultural and scenic resources
Encourage the protection and preservation of environmental resources, unique
natural features, open space, historic assets and farmland throughout Morris
County, focusing major conservation, preservation and protection activities in areas
without existing or planned infrastructure, in which the majority of these resources
are located.
Objective 9. Support the integration of a variety of open space/greenway, park and
recreation opportunities throughout Morris County, particularly in proximity to
population concentrations, mixed-use areas and major employment centers;
support municipal efforts to expand and/or improve these opportunities.
2020 Land Use Element
2014 Preservation Trust Fund: Analysis &
Strategy Report
This report was drafted to review projects completed since the inception of the
County Trust Fund in 1992 and provide recommendations where future
investment in land acquisition, historic resource preservation, park
development, and farmland preservation is needed. The report recommended
continuing to fund the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund.
East Hanover Township has been awarded grant funds through three of the
county programs: trails, open space, and historic preservation. It has used these
funds to both expand Lurker Park and design a new trail there, acquire Camp
Hope, and protect riparian areas of the Whippany and Passaic Rivers.
Page 34
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Expanding high-quality open space and
recreational opportunities for all New Jerseyans
Enhancing climate resilience and sustainability
through acquisition and recreational development
Empowering communities through investment
in ecotourism and outdoor recreation
Embracing the role of technology
in conservation and outdoor recreation
Furthering equity and environmental
justice through outdoor recreation
Continuing the commitment to stewardship and
the conservation and restoration of biodiversity
New Jersey's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoors Recreation Plan (SCORP) is updated every five
years. The 2023 update, Outside Together!, will identify statewide recreation needs, opportunities
for park development, and stakeholder values. This plan will be submitted to the National Park
Service (NPS), thereby continuing New Jersey’s eligibility for federal grant funding. It will also
inform new funding policies and acquisition priorities for relevant state programs, including the
Green Acres program. The principles guiding the Outside Together plan are as follows:
2023 Outside Together!
New Jersey’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoors
Recreation Plan
State Planning
The 2009 New Jersey Trails Plan provides a needs
assessment of trail maintenance, funding, and
ability to handle multiple users. The Plan
prioritizes trail enhancement through the
development of “community pathways”, which
includes having a recreational trail within a 10-
minute walk of every state resident. Other
recommendations include creating a dedicated
funding source for trail management and
advocating for trail continuity, linkages, and
acquiring rights-of-way to do so. Morris County's
Patriots' Path runs through East Hanover and is
designated as a National Recreation Trail.
2009 New Jersey Trails Plan
Page 35
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Conservation Blueprint provides a customizable map to help identify preservation priority
on a parcel level. It provides detailed information on topics related to community open
space, agriculture, ecological integrity, and water quality. In East Hanover Township,
Conservation Blueprint identifies the following areas as high priority lands for community
green space:
Riparian corridor of the Whippany and Passaic Rivers, particularly in the areas between
Hanover Cemetery and the Passaic River.
Near the Passaic River Blueway and Sommer Park.
Along the Passaic River near Merry Lane up to Eagle Rock Avenue.
In the marshland of Troy Meadows.
Along Black Brook close to Black Meadows Preserve, near the Hanover Park Regional
High School District.
The lands along Restland Memorial Park and East Hanover Middle School.
Area behind the Ridgedale Airport, and near Patriots' Path.
New Jersey Conservation Blueprint
Highest
Priority
Priority
Important
Medium
Priority
High
Priority
Source: New Jersey Conservation Blueprint
Priority Lands for Community Green Space,https://www.njmap2.com/blueprint/
Page 36
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
The New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan establishes conservation strategies to manage
wildlife populations across the state through 2028, allowing New Jersey to qualify for
federal grants. It focuses on 107 high-priority species at the most risk. The plan divides
New Jersey into six Landscape Regions, each characterized by similar landforms soils,
vegetation, and hydrology. Within these Landscape Regions, the plan identifies areas of
exceptional ecological importance known as Conservation Focus Areas (CFAs), in which
lands share common characteristics and are interconnected.
East Hanover falls into two Landscape Regions and contains large portions of two CFAs.
In the Skylands region, part of the Glacial Lake Passaic Wetlands CFA falls in East
Hanover, along the Township's western border in Troy Meadows and Black Meadows.
This CFA consists of bottomland hardwood floodplain complexes, including vernal pools
which support blue-spotted salamander populations. Invasive plants are an issue
throughout the CFA, and more active habitat management is recommended. In the
Piedmont Plains region, part of the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers CFA falls in East
Hanover along the Passaic River at the Township's eastern border. This CFA is notable for
its important bird areas which provide breeding habitat for many threatened and
migratory bird species.
2018 New Jersey Wildlife Action Plan
Glacial Lake
Passaic
Wetlands
CFA
Passaic and
Hackensack
Rivers CFA
Source: Conservation Focal Areas , NJ Fish and Wildlife Service,
https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/destinations/map-tools/
Page 37
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Planning ReviewWhy Open
Space
Encourages physical activity.
Stores carbon and mitigates urban
heat islands.
Enhances property values.
Mitigates flooding of developed
properties.
Contributes to quality of life.
Maintains habitat for plants & animals.
Improves air quality.
Helps to keep streams and rivers clean.
When planned as a system, open space supports the community’s quality of life,
recreational programs and activities, and protects its natural, cultural, and
agricultural resources.
The needs described in this section are derived from the goals, input from the
Environmental Commission, and community outreach. Partnership opportunities,
from neighboring municipalities, non-profit organizations, Morris County, and state
organizations, are an excellent way of leveraging available funds, and ensuring a
stronger consensus on an acquisition project.
Combining resources on projects that achieve multiple goals can be of great
advantage to the Township's open space program. Many of the needs can be
accomplished simultaneously, creating an interconnected system of public and
preserved lands in the Township.
WHY OPEN SPACE?
NEEDS AND BENEFITS OF OPEN SPACE
Benefits of open space in East Hanover include:
Photo: Lurker Park
Page 38
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
East Hanover Township lies within the Central Passaic Basin, a flood-prone area that
was once the site of a glacial lake known as Lake Passaic. The lake left behind a
sedimented, level basin where flooding is a long-standing and escalating problem.
Out of East Hanover's total 5,000 acres, there are 233 acres with 297 homes in the
500-year floodplain and 1,842 acres with 193 homes in the 100-year floodplain.
The preservation of open space is a critical strategy to mitigate flooding in the Basin.
Since the 1990s, the US Army Corps of Engineers has invested in the acquisition of
lands for natural floodwater storage throughout the Basin through the Passaic
Natural Storage Area (PNSA) program. Federal and state funds have been used to
buy land to protect homes and businesses most threatened by floods. Other
conservation projects, such as Troy Meadows and Hatfield Swamp in East Hanover,
have preserved wetlands to mitigate flooding. Flood prevention has also been
implemented through East Hanover's open space acquisitions, including the Troy
Road Greenway, Passaic River Blueway, Whippany River Blueway, portions of Lurker
Park, and other properties.
On the state level, action has been taken to inform residents. On July 3, 2023, the
Flood Disclosure Bill (Bill S3110/A4783) became law. This new law, which takes effect
in the Fall of 2023, requires that landlords and home sellers disclose to prospective
tenants or buyers a property's history of flooding and its location in a FEMA-
designated Flood Hazard Area. It also requires landlords to notify tenants about the
insurance for renters available through the National Flood Insurance program.
Flooding remains an issue in East Hanover. In January 2023, a coalition of mayors
from Hanover, East Hanover, Parsippany, Florham Park, and Morris Plains known as
the Whippany and Passaic Rivers Flood Mitigation Task Force approved the use of
federal funds to de-snag the rivers' courses and stabilize streambanks with re-
planted vegetation to minimize erosion and improve the flow of stormwater. The
conservation of frequently flooded lands in East Hanover has helped to mitigate
flooding, and continuing to prioritize flood management in open space acquisitions
and management will benefit the entire community.
Photo: Troy Road Greenway
Flood Storage
Page 39
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
MAP 3. FLOOD HAZARD MAP
Morristown
Airport
Municipal
Building
E
a
s
tmans
Brook
Smith
Ditc
h
Troy Brook
Tro
y
Br
o
ok
We
s
t Broo
k
W
hippany
River
Blac
k Brook
R
o
ck
away
R
ive
r
§¨¦
280
§¨¦
80
§¨¦
80
§¨¦
80
Troy
Hills Road
US Highway
46
Ridge
dal
e
Avenue
Hanover Road
Vreela
nd Road
N
ew
R
oad
S
m
ith Road
Intersta
te 80
Algonq
u
i
n Pa
rkway
Rive
r Road
Ridgedale Avenu
e
S
o
u
t
h Ridgedale Avenue
Jeff
e
r
s
o
n
R
oa
d
M
ount Pleas
ant
Avenue
Stat
e Highw
ay
10
South
Beverwyck
R
oa
d
H
ook
M
ountain Ro
ad
Cr
e
scent Ro
a
d
Troy Road
Interstate 2
80
T
ro
y
Road
Chapi
n
Road
Edwards
Road
Inte
rstate 80 Expres
s
Cha
n
gebr
i
d
g
e
Road
Old Bloomfield Avenue
Columbia Turnpike
Elm Street
Bloomfield Avenu
e
Reynolds
Avenue
Columbia Turn
p
ike
Eagle Roc
k
Avenue
Mc Kinley Aven
u
e
M
o
unt Pleasant Avenue
B
riarwood R
oad
Cedar Street
F
airway
Dri
v
e
Edgewood Dr
i
v
e
Smith Road
Bro
o
klake R
oad
Deforest Avenu
e
Bee Meadow
P
a
r
k
way
Tow
n
send Drive
Timber
h
ill
Driv
e
Murray Road
Madison Avenue
Overlook Avenue
Merr
y L
a
n
e
46
46
10
KL
508
KL
510
KL
510
KL
510
Fairfield Township
Fairfield
Township
Fairfield
Township
Livingston
Township
Roseland
Borough
West
Caldwell
Township
Madison
Borough
Montville
Township
Hanover
Township
Parsippany-Troy
Hills Township
Florham Park
Borough
Library
^_
´
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
0.125
Miles
Zone A & AE: Special Flood Hazard Areas where
flood insurance is mandatory
(100-year flood or base flood)
Shaded Zone X: Identified limits for 500-year flood
DFIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Maps Database
0.2% - Shaded Zone X (500 Year)
1% - Zone A & AE (100 Year)
Water Body
Municipal Building
^_
Floodway
Municipal Boundaries
Special Flood Hazard Areas
(2017 Prelim DFIRM)
East Hanover Township, Morris County
Source: Township of East Hanover; FEMA Preliminary DFIRM
(August 22, 2017), NJOGIS, NJGIN Road Centerline 2021
This map was developed using NJDEP Geographic Information
System digital data, but this secondary product has not been
verified by the NJDEP and is not state-authorized.
This map is to be used solely for planning purposes, and does
not take the place of a survey.
Map Prepared: February 27, 2024
Page 40
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
In addition to the flood storage benefits of preserved lands near waterways,
these lands often contain sensitive natural features and help to maintain
biodiversity in local ecosystems. The wetlands associated with these waterways
filter pollution and contaminants from stormwater before it enters larger rivers.
These lands also provide habitat for native flora and fauna. Maintaining these
sensitive buffer areas that support natural vegetation will improve and protect
water quality and promote a healthy river ecosystem. In some areas, they also
serve as a recreational amenity — the Passaic River, Hatfield Swamp and Troy
Meadows Greenway provide opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and
birdwatching.
Photo: Whippany River Blueway
Environmentally Sensitive & Riparian Areas
Page 41
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Trails and Community Health
Trails allow pedestrian access to parks, schools, and local neighborhoods, providing
alternatives to driving short distances. They can increase community interactions, allow
people to stay physically fit, link open space and recreational areas, increase awareness of
the natural environment, and simply bring joy to residents. Trails offer safe places for
people of all ages to walk, bicycle, or wheel around — giving mobility to those who
cannot drive due to age or other factors.
As a suburban community that filled in during the second half of the 20th century, much
of East Hanover is marked by quiet streets with sidewalks or low levels of traffic that
permit safe pedestrian use of the street. East Hanover is also traversed by Morris County's
Patriots' Path, a recreational amenity with some transportation functionality.
The Recommendations section of the Plan Update includes a map and opportunities in
the Township to improve non-motorized access and better connect the existing open
space through trails, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes.
Map: Patriots’ Path
Source: https://www.morrisparks.net/assets/images/PDFs/Park_Maps/PPmap.pdf
Page 42
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS
Support the conservation of
land to protect wetlands and
mitigate flooding.
A connected system of preserved land will provide trails for healthy
lifestyles and corridors to protect ecosystems for wildlife. This will help
advance equitable access, convert vacant lands, expand recreational areas,
and protect environmental resources throughout the community.
Building upon the Goals of the Open Space Plan Update,
recommendations include:
Integrate trails and greenways
that expand the Township's
outdoor recreation opportunities.
Continue collaboration efforts
with state and local officials to
steward and acquire public land.
Provide and expand opportunities
for recreation, including natural
areas and land for playing fields.
Page 43
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
IMPROVEMENTS: FIELDS/FACILITIES
The Township is embarking on a refresh to Lurker Park. Thirteen areas have
been identified for new and updated facilities. This will provide safer and
more usable recreation fields, offering more activities for both youth and
adults in the municipality. The town has also applied for grant funding to
add bocce and pickleball at Lurker Park. Similarly, Dean D’Ambola Field was
also converted to a turf field within the past 5 years to address delays or
cancellations due to rain and flooding. With the anticipated growth in
population, new and expanded recreational facilities will be needed to
accommodate the increased demand for parks and field space.
Lurker Park Improvements
Patriots' Path
The Patriots' Path totals 46.3 miles in Morris County. The main stem of Patriots’ Path
extends through East Hanover to connect the Lenape Trail in Essex County into
Morris County. In East Hanover, the Path begins at Eagle Rock Avenue and River
Road, leading through Lurker Park to the residential areas between Gail Drive and
Valley Road, then dipping beneath Troy Road following the Whippany River.
Troy Meadows Wetlands
Troy Meadows is predominately wetlands, composed of a freshwater marsh, black
willows, and cattails. The Preserve maintains stretches of raised trails for visitors to
access, as well as the 'Blue (B) and White (W) Blaze' sections of Patriots' Path on the
southernmost portion of the Preserve into East Hanover Township (see map below).
1
2
Trails and greenways provide public health benefits and contribute to the high
quality of life of East Hanover residents. They are an integral part of East Hanover's
identity and connect people to their history, the land, and present-day community.
Township residents have many hiking trails to choose from, offering access to
expansive woodland areas and unique environments year-round.
TRAILS IN EAST HANOVER
TRAILS & GREENWAYS
Patriots' Path in
East Hanover
Township (Morris
County Park
Commission)
Page 45
TRAILS: LURKER PARK
In addition to the field and facility upgrades the town is currently
undertaking at Lurker Park, East Hanover has applied for and received
grant funds from Morris County for the design and permitting to add a
trail leading from the rear of the park facilities to the County's Patriots'
Path near River Road. This will bring to fruition a long-standing goal of
the municipality to increase accessibility to the park and open it up to
neighborhoods along the Passaic River side of Lurker Park.
The new trail system will include a gravel/stone dust trail to replace the
existing section of Patriots' Path, reduce flooding issues, and create rustic
paths connecting to the existing walkways. These paths will include
wooden pedestrian bridges to cross ditches within the wooded areas of
the park.
Page 46
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
TRAILS & GREENWAYS
BLUEWAYS AND GREENWAYS
Greenways and blueways are interconnected natural corridors of
linear open spaces, trails, and waterways designed to provide
recreational opportunities, conserve natural habitats, and
promote sustainable/resilient communities. East Hanover
Township has acquired and preserved land to expand existing
public lands and will continue to do so into the future.
Integrating local neighborhoods with parks, natural areas, and
schools enhances the livability of the town and promotes a
healthy lifestyle for residents.
The greenways identified within East Hanover include:
Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve
Passaic Meadows
Hanover Park to Pinch Brook
Black Meadows Preserve
Troy Meadows Natural Area
Whippany River
Passaic River
Expanding these existing corridors of open space requires:
Collaborative conservation
Habitat improvement
Environmental education
Recreational expansion, access, and connectivity
Acquisition and preservation
Community engagement and stewardship
The Greenway Map shows how the town builds upon existing
natural and recreational areas and proposes expanding these
lands to include buffers, privately held lands, and creating
opportunities for meaningful public access. East Hanover has
successfully worked with a diverse array of partners on its land
preservation program and intends to continue working closely
with community stakeholders, local non-profit organizations, and
public agencies to leverage local funding to acquire and protect
lands for recreation and natural resource protection.
Page 47
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
MAP 4. GREENWAYS
Morristown
Airport
E
a
s
tmans
Brook
Smith
Ditc
h
Troy Brook
Tro
y
Br
o
ok
We
s
t Broo
k
W
hippany
River
Blac
k Brook
Roc
k
aw
ay
R
iver
Fairfield Township
Fairfield
Township
Fairfield
Township
Livingston
Township
Roseland
Borough
West
Caldwell
Township
Madison
Borough
Montville
Township
Hanover
Township
Parsippany-Troy
Hills Township
Florham Park
Borough
Library
^_
´
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
0.125
Miles
Greenways & Blueways
East Hanover Township, Morris County
Source: Township of East Hanover; Morris County, NJDEP,
NJOGIS, ESRI Base Map
This map was developed using NJDEP Geographic Information
System digital data, but this secondary product has not been
verified by the NJDEP and is not state-authorized.
This map is to be used solely for planning purposes, and does
not take the place of a survey.
Map Prepared: February 27, 2024
Municipal Boundaries
Water Body
Land Parcels
County Boundaries
Passaic River Blueway
Whippany River Blueway
Forest Patch
Black Meadows Preserve
Hanover Park--Pinch Brook Greenway
Lurker Park
Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve
Passaic Meadows
Passaic River Greenway
Troy Meadows Natural Area
Forest Cover identified by
NJDEP Land Use/Land Cover 2020
Municipal Building
^_
Patriots' Path/Lenape Trail
Page 48
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
TRAILS & GREENWAYS
What is recommended?
Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve:
With Wildlife Preserves, Inc., The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, eliminate
illegal access across public lands.
Acquire the remaining privately held lands within Hatfield Swamp.
Promote recreational access along the Passaic River.
Continue stewardship and monitoring of the Preserve.
Passaic Meadows:
Acquire remaining forested lands for conservation.
Promote flood mitigation measures, including buyout of frequently flooded
residential properties and stormwater improvements on commercial sites.
Hanover Park – Pinch Brook Greenway:
Create access points for pedestrians and cyclists.
Implement conservation measures for remaining wooded areas.
Collaborate with the Morris County Park Commission for the Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary Program at Pinch Brook.
Black Meadows Preserve:
Collaborate with neighboring municipalities for the expansion of Black
Meadows Preserve.
Explore recreation opportunities along Pinch Brook.
Troy Meadows Natural Area:
Collaborate with adjacent towns, non-profit organizations, and NJDEP to
preserve the watershed.
Explore potential uses and limitations of the former airport property.
With Wildlife Preserves, promote the area as a birding destination.
Whippany River Blueway:
Provide opportunities for recreation.
Preserve open space along the blueway.
Collaborate with the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee on river
cleanup events and public education.
Passaic River Blueway and Greenway:
Offer recreational opportunities on the Passaic River.
Preserve the remaining open space along the blueway.
.
Cross-Cutting Strategies:
Review and secure municipal parcels across all areas for protection.
Increase accessibility to rivers through potential waterside park locations and
boat launch access.
Collaborate with the Essex County Parks to expand opportunities for recreation
and conservation.
Page 49
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
TRAILS & GREENWAYS
PARKS AND RECREATION
People need physical spaces where they can interact with one another. Lurker Park
is the central recreational area for residents from across the Township. With new
developments approved and underway, there will be a need to expand these local
gathering spots that residents can easily get to via walking or bicycle riding from
their homes. Local neighborhood parks give residents a shared backyard and a
shared sense of community.
East Hanover has seen a spike in new multi-unit development. Redevelopment and
zoning, which promote setting aside land for recreation and open space, are tools
that help ensure adequate public lands within new projects. These green spaces
offer residents, particularly families with young children, a casual setting for
interaction and play without the formalities of organized recreational programs. For
renters and homeowners with limited yard space, nearby parks foster a sense of
communal ownership, strengthening their connection to the Township. Moreover,
these amenities contribute to the enhancement of property values.
The preservation of open space, while frequently thought of in terms of large,
undeveloped tracts of land, can be resized in settings where such larger parcels are
unlikely to be found, such as in older communities that have filled in their spaces to
urban densities or newer neighborhoods that were designed without common park
space.
The vision for the Township is to:
Identify suitable properties with natural features for the creation of new parks.
Analyze existing recreation facilities and determine if reconfiguring field space
and/or redesigning site layout will expand park space.
Evaluate undeveloped or underdeveloped municipal properties to determine
their potential as recreational sites.
Establish an acquisition and funding strategy to acquire properties earmarked
for park development.
Prioritize locations within walking distance and cater to the needs of families
with young children and residents with limited yard space.
Page 50
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Water is a large presence in East Hanover. Residents struggle with frequent flooding,
and every level of government, ranging from Township to Federal, funding open space
acquisition in East Hanover for flood storage. Because its primary purpose is flood
storage, much of East Hanover's open space is not developed or promoted for
recreational use. This represents a great opportunity for the town to expand its outdoor
recreation offerings, bringing in outside tourism dollars and creating new opportunities
for residents while continuing to expand flood protection.
East Hanover is surrounded by freshwater wetlands, Hatfield Swamp, and Troy
Meadows, both remnants of glacial Lake Passaic formed during the last ice age. Hatfield
Swamp is home to marshes and forested swamps bordered by the Passaic, Rockaway,
and Whippany Rivers. The Township (with The Land Conservancy) owns 272 acres of the
swamp. To the west, Troy Meadows stands as the region's last unpolluted freshwater
marsh and is listed on the National Natural Landmarks list maintained by the National
Park Service. The portion in East Hanover totals 507 acres owned by NJDEP, Morris
County, and Wildlife Preserves. These wetlands have the potential to become defining
recreational features of East Hanover.
The Passaic River at the Township's eastern border and the Whippany River near the
town's western border are navigable waterways with sufficient flow for canoeing and
kayaking but without dangerous currents. Open space acquisition, preservation, and
infrastructure are tools for leveraging East Hanover's water resources. There is a canoe
and kayak launch at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland Borough,
across the Passaic River from Lurker Park. There is another launch 10 miles downstream
on South Orange Avenue in Livingston Township. While these areas provide a route for
seasoned canoeists and devoted naturalists, adding additional launch areas from East
Hanover could raise the profile of water recreation and increase opportunities for novice
trips. For example, added launches at Sommer Park and the Township-owned land
behind Hanover Cemetery would create access points along the Passaic River for two to
four-mile trips.
Residents would be more likely to use these water resources if there were mapped
water trails with suggested routes, features, and difficulty levels. The town could also
work with the Essex County Environmental Center to promote these trails at
community events and gathering points. Making canoes accessible to residents for free
at "River Days" or similar events would allow them to try out these waterways and
decide whether they would like to make the river a part of their family's East Hanover
lifestyle.
LEVERAGE WATER RESOURCES
Page 51
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Public Participation
The Township held two public meetings on the Open Space and Recreation
Plan Update. These meetings provided an opportunity for residents and
community stakeholders to listen and provide recommendations regarding
open space and recreation.
The public meetings were hosted by the Township Council and Land Use
Board. The meetings were advertised, with the plan available on the municipal
website for residents and stakeholders.
Community Outreach
Minutes, Agendas, Presentations
Appendix D includes the agenda, minutes and presentation materials for
the public meetings on the Open Space Plan Update.
PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
Photo: Lurker Park,
Photo: Lurker Park
Action Program
ADOPTION
Adopt the Open Space and Recreation Plan as an
Element of the Township's Master Plan
The Open Space and Recreation Plan Update offers an updated
set of strategies to implement the goals and recommendations
for East Hanover Township.
This section suggests a program of actions to guide the orderly
and coordinated execution of a plan’s goals and policies.
The nxt steps for East Hanover Township are:
GREEN ACRES
Submit the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update to
Green Acres.
ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan provides direction for addressing the open space
needs and goals based on the abilities of the community and
fiscal constraints. It encompasses a ten-year period and should
be updated to report on progress, and include any proposals for
new actions.
Page 53
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Preservation
Stewardship
Funding
Recreation
and Trails
Encourage land
owners within Hatfield
Swamp and Troy
Meadows to consider
preserving their
property.
Partner with local
watershed groups
(including the
Whippany River
Watershed Action
Committee and Passaic
River Coalition) on
floodplain protection
and restoration..
Expand partnerships
with local non-profit
organizations, such
as Wildlife Preserves
to apply for public
funding for
stewardship and
acquisition projects.
Complete a
Recreation Master
Plan to identify
facility needs and
upgrades based on
population growth
due to new and
anticipated
development.
Update the Township’s
ROSI to include
preserved lands as
recommended in the
parcel tables of this
Plan Update.
Consider establishing
an advisory board to
provide
recommendations on
removal of invasive,
non-native plant
species and trail
enhancements in
municipal parks.
Reapply to NJDEP
Green Acres to
renew funding in the
Township's Planning
Incentive grant.
Meet with Morris
County Park
Commission to
discuss expansion
and maintenance
of the Patriots' Path.
Engage with state-
level conservation
groups on projects of
regional significance,
such as Troy Meadows
and Hatfield Swamp.
As part of the public
education
recommendations,
develop a story walk to
on the history and
unique natural features
of the municipality.
Apply as needed to
Morris County Open
Space Preservation
Trust Fund for
funding.
Implement trail
recommendations
to improve
connectivity
between public
lands.
Discuss preservation
priorities with NJDEP
Green Acres and the
Morris County Park
Commission to partner
on properties of joint
interest.
Consider increasing
recreation on the
waters of the Passaic
and Whippany Rivers,
and improve access to
Hatfield Swamp and
Troy Meadows via
Sommer Park.
Continue using the
municipal Open
Space Trust Fund to
purchase additional
lands & support any
debt services for
future acquisitions.
With the
Recreation
Committee, identify
plans for additional
facilities at Lurker
Park.
ACTION ITEMS
Page 54
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix
APPENDIX
Appendix A. Financial Reports
57
58
Municipal Open Space Tax levy/Debt Service History
Municipal Open Space Grants/Purchases
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Preserved and Public Lands Tables
60
70
Appendix D. Public Participation
Public Meeting #1, Township Council, February 5, 2024: Agenda,
Minutes, and Handout
Public Meeting #2, Land Use / Planning Board, February 27, 2024:
Public Notice, Agenda, Minutes, Resolution
93
103
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
82
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 55
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
APPENDIX A
Financial Reports
Municipal Open Space Tax levy/Debt Service History
Municipal Open Space Grants/Purchases
57
58
Page 56
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
YEAR
TAX LEVY
DEBT SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
1995
61,127.82
1996
62,796.02
1997
63,157.58
1998
63,344.57
1999
64,275.00
2000
63,172.00
2001
127,344.84
2002
239,521.97
2003
247,159.00
100,000.00
Down Payment on Ord# 13-03
2004
247,667.00
100,000.00
Down Payment on Ord# 37-04
2005
247,667.00
119,626.09
2005 Debt Service Payment
2006
240,304.96
240,304.96
2006 Debt Service Payment
2007
244,394.00
237,143.75
2007 Debt Service Payment
2008
249,982.00
173,982.90
2008 Debt Service Payment
2009
247,615.00
225,746.00
2009 Debt Service Payment
2010
246,383.00
293,129.00
2010 Debt Service Payment
2011
246,247.00
288,740.00
2011 Debt Service Payment
2012
246,247.00
307,232.00
2012 Debt Service Payment
2013
246,247.00
319,739.00
2013 Debt Service Payment
2014
253,367.00
405,179.00
2014 Debt Service Payment
2015
253,209.00
395,424.33
2015 Debt Service Payment
2016
253,973.00
403,534.36
2016 Debt Service Payment
2017
254,307.00
474,558.52
2017 Debt Service Payment
2018
254,006.00
460,841.70
2018 Debt Service Payment
2019
253,715.00
250,000.00
2019 Debt Service Payment
2020
253,327.00
250,000.00
2020 Debt Service Payment
2021
251,527.00
250,000.00
2021 Debt Service Payment
2022
252,671.00
250,000.00
2022 Debt Service Payment
2023
249,674.00
250,000.00
2023 Debt Service Payment
TOTAL:
5,984,428.76
5,795,181.61
MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE TAX LEVY/DEBT SERVICE HISTORY
6/8/2023
1
Page 57
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix A. Financial Reports
Municipal Open Space Tax Levy / Debt Service History
YEAR
SOURCE
AMOUNT
DESCRIPTION
2000
Municipal Open Space Fund
$42,000.00
Ord # 27-2000 Land Purchase First Presbyterian Church - Bl#142, L#10
Total Purchase:
$42,000.00
First Presbyterian Church
2002
Municipal Open Space Fund
$300,000.00
Res # 72-2002 - Land Purchase Mt. Echo Property Bl#35, L# 1,8,6
Capital Ordinance # 11-01
$172,053.27
Acquistion of Various Land
Capital Ordinance # 21-01
$402,946.73
Acquisition of Various Land
Total Purchase:
$875,000.00
Mt. Echo Property
2003
Municipal Open Space Fund
$328,512.39
Res # 96-2002 - Purchase of Bl#130, L#7 - Esposito
Morris County Open Space
$225,000.00
Cty Grant # 1-03 Whippny River Blue Way Project Bl#130, L#7 - Esposito
Total Purchase:
$553,512.39
Whippany River Blue Way Proj - Esposito
2003
Capital Ord #13-03
$21,432.00
Purchase of 11 Eagle Rock Ave, Bl#37, L#1
Green Acres Trust NJ
$81,250.00
11 Eagle Rock Project 1410-02-009 Bl#37, L#1
Total Purchase:
$102,682.00
11 Eagle Rock Avenue
2004
Capital Ord #13-03
$160,000.00
Ord# 40-2004, Purchase of Bl#35, L#29 - 4 M's Realty
Morris County Open Space
$550,000.00
Cty Grant # 02-06 Lurker Park Expansion Project Bl#35, L#29 - 4 M's Realty
Total Purchase:
$710,000.00
Lurker Park Expansion
2004
Capital Ord # 13-03
$230,250.00
Ord # 38-2004, Purchase of Bl#70, L#13 - Paid to Mtn Ridge Developers LLC
Green Acres Trust NJ
$179,750.00
Mountain Ridge Project 1410-02-009-10 Bl#70, L#13
Total Purchase:
$410,000.00
Mtn Ridge Developers
2004
Capital Ord # 13-03
$232,750.00
Ord # 38-2004, Purchase of Bl#197, L#1; Bl#69, L#1 - Paid to Michael Zecca
Green Acres Trust NJ
$130,000.00
Zecca Project 1410-02-009 (Paid to Michael Zecca) Bl#197, L#1
Green Acres Trust NJ
$127,250.00
Zecca Project 1410-02-009-12 (Paid to Michael Zecca) Bl#69, L#1
Total Purchase:
$490,000.00
Michael Zecca
2004
Capital Ord # 21-01
$0.00
Ord # 42-2004, Purchase of Bl#37, L#31 - Paid to Superior Ct of NJ
Capital Ord # 13-03
$150,125.00
Ord # 42-2004, Purchase of Bl#37, L#31 - Paid to Superior Ct of NJ
Capital Ord # 13-03
$60,000.00
Res #169-2005, Purchase of Bl#37, L#31 - Paid to Superior Ct of NJ
Green Acres Trust NJ
$239,875.00
Zammiello Project 1410-02-009 (Paid to Zammiello) Bl#37, L#31
Total Purchase:
$450,000.00
Zammiello Settlement
2005
Capital Ord # 37-04
$731,354.56
Ord # 2-2005 & Ord # 6-2005, Purchase of Bl#5, L#4 - Airport Property (Paid to Ridgedale Airport Associates)
Capital Ord # 37-04
$1,220,286.04
Ord # 2-2005 & Ord # 6-2005, Purchase of Bl#5, L#4 - Airport Property (Paid to Bank of America)
Capital Ord # 37-04
$39,800.00
Charge to State of NJ Taxation
Total Purchase:
$1,991,440.60
Ridgedale Airport Property
2005
Municipal Open Space Fund
$247,786.00
Ord # 4-2005, Purchase of Camp Hope, Bl#40.03, L#31 - Paid to ARC
Morris County Open Space
$1,056,500.00
Cty Grant # PS2004-05 Camp Hope Project, Bl#40.03, L#31 - Paid to ARC
Total Purchase:
$1,304,286.00
Camp Hope Project - ARC (Not Eligble for GA)
2009
Green Acres Trust NJ
$343,229.00
Hatfield Swamp Project 1410-02-009 - (Paid to Meyner & Landis Attny Trust), Bl#1, Lot#16,20,21,28.01
Municipal Open Space Fund
$303,065.32
Res # 11-09, Purchase of Hatfield Swamp - (Paid to Meyner & Landis Attny Trust), Bl#1, Lot#16,20,21,28.01
Total Purchase:
$646,294.32
Hatfield Swamp Project
2014
Green Acres Trust NJ
$150,000.00
453 River Road 1410-02-009-14 (Butani, Chandru & Sushila), Bl#39, Lot#10 (Still waiting $40,140)
Morris County Open Space
$150,000.00
Ord. #12-2014, Fox Run Preservation
Total Purchase:
$300,000.00
Fox Run Preservation Acquisition
2021
Municipal Open Space Fund
$14,104.92
Res#177-2021, Butani, Chandru & Sushila - Bl#15, L#35
Total Purchase:
$14,104.92
Corner of Eagle Rock & River Road - Lurker Park
$1,251,354.00
TOTAL OF GREEN ACRES TRUST NJ GRANT SPENT
$1,981,500.00
TOTAL OF MORRIS COUNTY GRANT SPENT
$3,420,997.60
TOTAL OF CAPITAL FUNDS SPENT
$1,235,468.63
TOTAL OF MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE FUNDS SPENT
$7,889,320.23
GRAND TOTAL OF OPEN SPACE PURCHASES
MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE GRANTS/PURCHASES
6/8/2023
Page 58
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix A. Financial Reports
Municipal Open Space Grants / Purchases
APPENDIX B
Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Preserved and Public Lands Tables
60
70
Page 59
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Page 60
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 61
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 62
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 63
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 64
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 65
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 66
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 67
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 68
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 69
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands
Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), 2011 (recorded 2013)
Page 70
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
ROSI (2011)
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Acres
(ROSI)
ROSI Name
ROSI
Key
6
1
L2-5, L16-22
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.83
0.56
0.5560
Lurker Park
1
6
9
L10-12
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.18
0.18
0.1837
Lurker Park
1
7
1
L2-23
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.38
1.22
1.2170
Lurker Park
1
8
1
2-5, 34-38
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.46
0.4590
Lurker Park
1
8
6
L7-33
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.87
1.39
1.4060
Lurker Park
1
9
1
L2-10
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.35
0.36
0.6050
Lurker Park
1
10
1
L2-30
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.38
1.24
1.3770
Lurker Park
1
11
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.75
2.75
2.7550
Lurker Park
1
12
1
L2-12, 15-17, 27
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.73
0.90
1.0100
Lurker Park
1
12
28
L29-30, 32, 41-48
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.51
0.55
0.5510
Lurker Park
1
13
1
L2-18, 22-49, 53-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.11
1.19
Lurker Park
1
13
22
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
1.29
Lurker Park
1
14
1
L2-15, 24-28, 31
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.96
0.69
2.045
Lurker Park
1
14
21
22-23, 64-76
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.28
1.19
0.7350
Lurker Park
1
15
1
L2-14, 17-18, 23
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.78
0.77
0.7910
Lurker Park
1
15
17
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.26
0.2650
Lurker Park
1
15
21
L22,62-66;69-70;73
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.43
0.64
0.6660
Lurker Park
1
15
28
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.47
0.4270
Lurker Park
1
15
40
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.88
0.8490
Lurker Park
1
16
1
2-10
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.62
Lurker Park
1
16
26
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.21
Lurker Park
1
16
15
16-25
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.51
0.48
0.5050
Lurker Park
1
17
6
L7-20,26-45, 51-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.07
1.15
Lurker Park
1
17
26
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.92
Lurker Park
1
18
1
L2-10, 16-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.07
2.75
2.7550
Lurker Park
1
19
1
L2-50,56-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.53
2.52
2.5250
Lurker Park
1
20
1
L2-5 11-20, 51-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.15
1.61
2.5250
Lurker Park
1
21
1
L2-7, 57-66,
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.49
0.87
2.8230
Lurker Park
1
22
1
L2-30
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.43
1.37
1.4350
Lurker Park
1
23
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.87
2.75
2.8700
Lurker Park
1
24
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.87
2.74
2.8700
Lurker Park
1
25
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.87
2.73
2.8700
Lurker Park
1
26
1
L2-5,16-20,51-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.24
2.2960
Lurker Park
1
26
21
22-25,46-50
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.46
0.4591
Lurker Park
1
26
26
L27-45
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.92
0.88
0.9183
Lurker Park
1
27
10
L11-14,24-43,54-58
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.61
0.44
Lurker Park
1
27
24
EAST HANOVER TWP
-
0.93
Lurker Park
1
28
1
L2-30
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.43
1.38
1.4350
Lurker Park
1
29
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.87
2.75
2.8700
Lurker Park
1
2.3880
0.8730
2.0660
1.4650
Page 71
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
ROSI (2011)
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Acres
(ROSI)
ROSI Name
ROSI
Key
30
1
L2-60
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.87
2.76
2.8700
Lurker Park
1
31
1
L2-12, 17-27, 44
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.78
2.79
2.3830
Lurker Park
1
33
1
L2-43
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.97
1.97
1.9740
Lurker Park
1
34
1
L2-82
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
3.67
3.76
3.6730
Lurker Park
1
35
1
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.46
0.4590
Lurker Park
1
35
6
7-19; 66-71
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.86
1.19
0.8610
Lurker Park
1
35
20
L21-28, 57-65
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.83
0.95
0.8260
Lurker Park
1
35
29
L30-56
15C
JOHNSTON PL
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.45
1.39
1.4463
Lurker Park
1
37
1
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.28
0.74
0.2817
Lurker Park
1
37
31
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.57
0.38
0.3460
Lurker Park
1
VACATED PAPER
STREETS
EAST HANOVER TWP
21.9370
Total (Lurker Park)
88.9031
59
1
2
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.14
0.13
2
59
3
4-8
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.42
0.40
2
119
1
15C
FAIRWAY DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
8.20
7.71
7.70
Sommer Park
(partial)
3
100
18
15A
MT PLEASANT AVE EAST HANOVER TWP
3.35
1.33
1.5
Dean D'Ambola
Field (partial)
4
102
2
15C
AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.58
1.76
1.57
Cook House
5
40.03
31
15C
CEDAR ST
EAST HANOVER TWP
5.80
5.53
5.80
Camp Hope
6
Total (Other Parks):
17.1371
1
2
15C
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.00
1.99
2.051
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
10.1
15C
REAR 280
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
16.33
17.97
16.33
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
11
10.01
15C
REAR 280
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
11.50
13.03
11.5
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
12
15C
REAR 280
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
11.84
12.41
11.84
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
14
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
6.00
6.25
6.0
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
19
L26
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
11.75
5.52
11.75
Hatfield Swamp
A
1
58.01
15C
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER TWP
36.37
46.32
36.37
Hatfield Swamp
A
Total (Hatfield Swamp):
95.841
1
1
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
12.06
10.94
12.237
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
3
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
1.46
1.44
1.403
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
Town Square Park
/ Columbus Park
0.5671
Page 72
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
ROSI (2011)
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Acres
(ROSI)
ROSI Name
ROSI
Key
1
6.01
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
15.15
21.01
18.840
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
7
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
5.60
5.78
5.571
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
13
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
11.34
15.19
12.195
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
15
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE
REAR
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
8.85
11.70
11.243
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
16
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
10.60
10.27
10.455
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
17
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE
REAR
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
2.60
2.61
2.703
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
20
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
13.45
13.22
14.238
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
21
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
7.00
6.84
6.688
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
27.1
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE
REAR
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
18.08
18.17
18.182
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
1
28.1
15F
REAR 280
EAST HANOVER/TLC-NJ
67.56
44.18
50.110
Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve
B
Total (Hatfield Swamp Wildlife Preserve):
163.865
69
1
15C
CALLAHAN ST
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.80
0.71
0.8
Harvest Grove
E
70
13
15C
CALLAHAN ST
EAST HANOVER TWP
4.20
4.37
4.2
Harvest Grove
E
197
1
15C
HARVEST AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
5.68
1.13
1.09
Harvest Grove
E
142
10.27
15C
LORIE DR REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
2.56
3.18
2.56
Patriots' Path
C
130
7
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
6.04
8.56
6.04
Whippany River
Blueway (partial)
D
142
10
15C
TROY RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
30.24
35.48
30.24
Troy Rd Greenway F
5
4
5
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
53.76
58.82
53.76
Ridgedale Airport
G
107
9
15C
KNOLLCROFT
TERRACE REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
42.74
43.28
39.95
Passaic River
Blueway
H
Total (Other Undeveloped Parkland):
138.64
Total, Undeveloped Lands (Includes Hatfield Swamp):
398.3460
Total, Developed/Partially Developed Lands (Lurker Park & Other Parks):
106.0402
Total, ROSI:
504.3862
Page 73
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
Lands to be Added to the ROSI
Block Lot
Additional
Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Acres
(Survey) ROSI Name
Key
6
6
L7-8,13-15
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.29
0.30
Lurker Park
1
7
24
L25-28
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
9
11
L12-16
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.22
0.27
Lurker Park
1
12
13
14,57-58
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.18
0.20
Lurker Park
1
12
18
19-22; 49-53
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.46
Lurker Park
1
12
23
L24-26
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.18
0.18
Lurker Park
1
12
31
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.41
0.46
Lurker Park
1
13
19
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.28
0.28
Lurker Park
1
14
16
17-20
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
14
29
30; 57-58
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.18
0.18
Lurker Park
1
14
32
L33-42, 50-56,15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.06
1.33
Lurker Park
1
15
15
16, 71-72
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.28
0.26
Lurker Park
1
15
19
20,67-68
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.15
0.26
Lurker Park
1
15
26
27,60-61
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.27
0.26
Lurker Park
1
15
32
33-34,54-55
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.35
0.35
Lurker Park
1
15
35
L36-39
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.27
0.31
Lurker Park
1
15
58
59
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.09
0.06
Lurker Park
1
17
1
2-5
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
17
21
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
17
46
L47-50
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
19
51
L52-55
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
20
6
7-10
1
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.23
0.23
Lurker Park
1
20
21
L22-50
15C
EAGLE ROCK AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.92
0.92
Lurker Park
1
21
8
9-13,
15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.37
0.31
Lurker Park
1
21
24
L25-56
15C
EAGLE ROCK AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
1.97
1.92
Lurker Park
1
26
1
L2-5,16-20,51-15C
LURKER PARK
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.46
0.93
Lurker Park
1
Total (Lurker Park, PNSA Properties):
10.84
39
10
15C
453 RIVER RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
3.70
5.04
4.76
Fox Run Preserve
196
1
2-17
1
CALLAHAN ST
EAST HANOVER TWP
0.98
0.93
Near Harvest Grove
Total (Other)*:
5.70
*Fox Run Acres per Survey
1.01
28
4A
717 RIDGEDALE
AVE
GIVAUDAN
FRAGRANCES CORP
8.00 8.00
Ridgedale Airport
(partial lot easement)
Total (Easement): 8.00
Total (Lands to be Added to the ROSI):
24.54
Total (ROSI and Lands to be Added to the ROSI):
528.92
Page 74
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
County, State, and Non-Profit Preserved Lands
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Type
99
29.03
15C
S RIDGEDALE AVE
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
36.99
37.15
County
99
30.01
15C
3 HEATHER DR
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
0.49
0.45
County
134
1
L 2-12
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
0.32
1.29
County
135
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
30.30
2.77
County
140
1
15C
KAHL RD
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
5.49
1.43
County
141
5
6-17,22-36
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
COUNTY OF MORRIS (PARK)
1.12
1.57
County
Total (Morris County):
44.66
1
18
15F
REAR 280
LAND CONSERVANCY OF NJ
6.00
5.77
TLC-NJ
1
25
15F
REAR 280
LAND CONSERVANCY OF NJ
6.60
6.08
TLC-NJ
Total (The Land Conservancy of NJ):
11.85
1
29
15C
REAR 280
STATE OF NJ, DEP
22.96
21.98
State
1.01
58
15C
EAGLE ROCK AVE
STATE OF NJ, DEP
30.47
32.30
State
5
3
15C
760 RIDGEDALE AVE
STATE OF NJ, DEP
18.33
14.58
State
5
47
15C
WILLOW PL
STATE OF NJ, DEP
33.65
33.35
State
76
6
L6A
15C
VALLEY RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
5.02
4.89
State
77
12
15C
GOLDBLATT TER
STATE OF NJ, DEP
20.32
19.41
State
101
32
15C
HANOVER RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
6.90
6.59
State
138
11
15C
EVERGREEN RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.52
0.56
State
142
8
15C
TROY RD REAR
STATE OF NJ, DEP
14.77
13.72
State
143
6
15C
RIDGEWOOD RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
18.61
0.44
State
143
27
15C
TROY RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
7.00
6.65
State
144
9
10-53
15C
PROSPECT RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
2.58
2.59
State
145
9
10-12,25-36
15C
TROY RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
1.15
0.44
State
145
13
L14-24,46-48
15C
NORWOOD RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.86
0.85
State
149
9
10-18,23-30
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
1.15
1.05
State
152
1
2-19,24-39
15C
GLENWOOD RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
1.37
2.13
State
152
20
15C
CLINTON RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.23
0.24
State
153
1
2-4,9-41
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.25
2.16
State
154
1
15C
TROY RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
4.16
3.33
State
155
1
2-16
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.29
1.25
State
156
1
2-40
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
2.33
2.29
State
157
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.77
State
158
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.79
State
159
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.68
State
160
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.72
State
161
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.71
State
Page 75
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
County, State, and Non-Profit Preserved Lands
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Type
162
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
2.69
State
165
7
8-10,14-24
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.86
0.89
State
166
7
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
37.65
0.63
State
166
18
15C
NORWOOD RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.03
0.03
State
168
5
5-8,18-23,43-45
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.75
0.22
State
169
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
12.13
2.89
State
170
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.48
2.28
State
171
1
2-40
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
2.30
2.28
State
172
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.48
2.27
State
173
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.48
2.27
State
174
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.36
2.26
State
175
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
10.45
1.28
State
176
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
4.89
0.33
State
177
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.79
0.65
State
178
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
10.70
1.58
State
179
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
2.42
2.21
State
180
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
5.26
1.05
State
181
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.94
3.07
State
182
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
11.48
2.30
State
183
1
15C
ROOSEVELT FARMS
STATE OF NJ, DEP
10.56
1.53
State
185
1
15C
CEDAR RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.32
0.18
State
186
3
15C
KLINGER RD REAR
STATE OF NJ, DEP
3.90
3.76
State
186
5
15C
TROY RD REAR
STATE OF NJ, DEP
6.09
5.95
State
186
9
15C
TROY RD REAR
STATE OF NJ, DEP
5.00
4.78
State
187
11
12-27
15C
RIVERSIDE PKWY
STATE OF NJ, DEP
2.38
2.13
State
203
12
15C
RIVERSIDE PKWY
STATE OF NJ, DEP
0.73
0.82
State
204
1
2-24
15C
RIVERSIDE PKWY
STATE OF NJ, DEP
1.39
1.35
State
206
1
2-12
15C
KLINGER RD
STATE OF NJ, DEP
1.59
0.81
State
Total (NJDEP):
237.01
1
4
15F
REAR 280
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
5.36
5.44
Wildlife Preserve
1.01
6
15F
775 RIDGEDALE AVE
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.01
1.96
Wildlife Preserve
5
1
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
1.79
11.52
Wildlife Preserve
5
104
104A
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.29
4.13
Wildlife Preserve
5
105
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
3.00
5.60
Wildlife Preserve
5
107
1
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.00
1.76
Wildlife Preserve
5
108
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
3.45
3.06
Wildlife Preserve
5
109
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.11
2.91
Wildlife Preserve
Page 76
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
County, State, and Non-Profit Preserved Lands
Block Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Owner
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
Type
5
112
1
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
4.43
5.84
Wildlife Preserve
5
113
15F
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.00
1.11
Wildlife Preserve
79
13
16
15F
LINCOLN ST
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
1.00
12.26
Wildlife Preserve
142
11
1
TROY RD
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
1.90
1.76
Wildlife Preserve
184
1
L 2-12
15F
ROOSEVELT FARMS
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
0.69
0.74
Wildlife Preserve
186
1
L2,7,8
15F
TROY MEADOWS
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
120.60
136.99
Wildlife Preserve
186
4
15F
TROY RD REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
2.00
1.84
Wildlife Preserve
186
6
15F
TROY RD REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
6.00
5.97
Wildlife Preserve
198
1
1
HOMESTEAD AVE
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
0.34
0.33
Wildlife Preserve
198
11
12-14;33-36
1
HARVEST AVE
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
0.46
0.45
Wildlife Preserve
224
1
2
15F
KLINGER RD
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
10.66
10.73
Wildlife Preserve
224
3
15F
KLINGER RD REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
7.69
7.73
Wildlife Preserve
224
4
15F
KLINGER RD REAR
WILDLIFE PRESERVES INC
3.57
3.26
Wildlife Preserve
Total (Wildlife Preserves Inc.):
225.39
East Hanover, ROSI
504.39
(acreage per the ROSI)
East Hanover, PNSA (Add to ROSI):
10.84
(acreage per the GIS)
East Hanover, Fox Run (Add to ROSI):
4.76
(acreage per the survey)
East Hanover, Harvest Grove (Add to ROSI):
0.93
(acreage per the GIS)
East Hanover, Conservation Easement (Add to ROSI):
8.00
(acreage per the deed)
Total, East Hanover:
528.92
Morris County:
44.66
(acreage per the GIS)
TLCNJ:
11.85
(acreage per the GIS)
NJDEP:
237.01
(acreage per the GIS)
Total, Preserved Lands:
822.45
Wildlife Preserves Inc.:
225.39
(acreage per the GIS)
Total, Preserved Lands + Wildlife Preserves:
1,047.84
Page 77
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
Public and Transportation Property
Block
Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class Location
Owner
Facility (Description)
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
5
6
15C
EDGEMOUNT RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
9.78
10.35
5
46
15C
36 CHICJON LN
EAST HANOVER TWP
PUMPING STATION
12.50
12.00
5
46.01
15C
JOHNSON AVE-CHICJON
EAST HANOVER TWP
LIFT STATION
0.67
0.65
5
87
L89,89A
15C
STIMIS LN
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
27.19
5.03
5
96
L97-103B
15C
KLINGER RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
13.08
14.42
5
106
L106A
15C
RIDGEDALE AVENUE REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
7.20
11.51
5
111
15C
RIDGEDALE AVENUE REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
4.18
5.43
38.04
1
15C
550 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
FIRST AID SQUAD
0.40
0.46
39
13
L-16,16A&16B
15C
RIVER RD REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
6.18
1.84
39.07
11
15C
HERITAGE DR REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DETENTION BASIN
2.31
2.31
40
16.15
15C
JANE ST REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DETENTION BASIN
2.29
2.25
40.02
1.01
15C
513 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
UNION SCHOOL LOT
0.01
0.01
40.10
14
15C
RIVER OAKS
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
3.21
3.25
42
37.01
15C
WEST ST REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
WATER TOWER
0.23
0.23
42
52
15C
323 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
FIREHOUSE/PD/CT
2.07
2.23
43
35
15C
GARFIELD AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.39
0.23
47
7
L8
15C
WILSON AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.14
0.13
57
1
15C
411 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
MUNICIPAL BLDGS
1.62
1.87
58
1
15C
415 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
LIBRARY
1.30
1.32
76
2.01
15C
4 VALLEY RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
WELL
0.23
0.27
76
5
15C
VALLEY RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
WELL SITE
1.39
1.80
79
14.10
15C
LINCOLN ST REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
3.23
4.76
96
47.02
15C
NIKE DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
PROPOSED S.C. SITE
5.02
5.06
96
50
15C
RIVER RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
GOVT HOUSING
13.80
13.85
96
100
15C
79 RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
3.78
3.71
99
9.01
15C
67 TREMONT DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DETENTION BASIN
8.23
21.66
99
40.10
15C
87 TIMBER HILL DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
1.65
1.66
99
49.191
15C
ANITA DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
FOOTPATH
0.03
0.02
99.05
10
15C
COUNTRY CLUB LN REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
1.12
0.96
99.06
1
15C
COUNTRY CLUB LN REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
1.88
1.92
99.06
8
15C
COUNTRY CLUB LN REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
9.68
10.02
99.07
18
15C
TREMONT DR REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
13.94
5.82
99.07
19
15C
TIMBER HILL DR REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
11.64
5.80
100
3
15C
10 RIVER RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
FIRE HOUSE
0.40
0.43
100
18
15A
MT PLEASANT AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
COBBLESTONE SCHOOL
3.35
1.70
101
30
15C
HANOVER ROAD, REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DETENTION BASIN
28.78
31.97
101
31
15C
50 RIDGE DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
3.17
2.45
114
25
15C
HANOVER GREENS WATER
EAST HANOVER TWP
WELL
0.33
0.33
Page 78
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
Public and Transportation Property
Block
Lot
Additional Lots
Tax
Class Location
Owner
Facility (Description)
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
119
1
15C
129 FAIRWAY DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
PUMPING STATION
8.20
1.12
126
1
2-20
15C
SPRUCE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
2.37
3.64
126
18
19
15C
SPRUCE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.23
0.25
128
18.30
15C
S RIDGEDALE AVENUE REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
DRAINAGE
6.90
7.53
128
25
15C
GREAT MEADOW LN
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
10.20
10.54
128
82.28
15C
ALEXIS CT REAR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
1.24
1.20
128
82.35
15C
REAR DEANNA DR
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
35.29
35.00
130
11.01
15C
KANE PL
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.93
0.74
130.01
1
15C
RIDGEDALE AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
1.28
1.55
142.03
1
15C
MEADOW
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
2.11
1.55
142.03
2.02
15C
MELANIE LN
EAST HANOVER TWP
WATER TREATMENT PLT
4.70
4.68
142.03
2.03
15C
MELANIE LN
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
4.90
5.35
142.03
2.04
15C
MEADOW
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
4.73
5.38
163
1.A
63X228X237
15C
HIGHLAND & HIGHVIEW AVES EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.20
0.08
165
1
L2-6
15C
PROSPECT RD
EAST HANOVER TWP
VACANT LAND
0.34
0.32
202
5
6-8
15C
43 BALSAM AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
SEWAGE
0.23
0.22
212
22
L23-30
15C
52 HOMESTEAD AVE
EAST HANOVER TWP
HOMESTEAD WELL
0.52
0.50
East Hanover (General Municipal Land):
269.34
130.01
5
15C
86 RIDGEDALE AVE
MORRIS COUNTY
WELL
0.33
0.40
1
9
15C
REAR 280
NJDOT
VACANT LAND
5.30
5.88
142
7
15C
RIDGEDALE AVENUE REAR
MORRISTOWN & ERIE
RAILWAY INC
RAILROAD
5.20
17.44
Total (Public and Transportation Property):
293.07
Page 79
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
Schools and Utilities
Block Lot
Additional
Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Facility
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
40
31
15A
477 RIDGEDALE AVE
East Hanover Middle School
28.68
28.63
55
2
15A
20 SCHOOL AVE
East Hanover Middle School
1.91
2.06
73
19
15A
400 RIDGEDALE AVE
Central Elementary School
12.00
11.83
99
3
15A
63 MT PLEASANT AVE
Hanover Park Regional High School
49.53
49.49
117
10
15A
27 GREEN DR
Frank Smith Elementary School
8.73
9.02
Total (Education):
101.02
40.08 29
15A
RIVER RD
Railbed
0.75
1.52
Total (Railroad):
1.52
100
20
1
88 MT PLEASANT AVE
Electric - JCPL
2.17
1.90
130
13
L 13A
4B
150 RIDGEDALE AVE
Electric - JCPL
27.87
29.64
130
15
1
210 RIDGEDALE AVE
Electric - JCPL
0.65
0.54
142
3
8A,10A
1
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
Electric - JCPL
13.98
14.99
143
13
1
RIDGEWOOD RD
Electric - JCPL
1.01
0.92
5
52.02
1
JACLYN DR
Gas - PSE&G
1.64
1.75
38.02 1
1
OVERLOOK AVE
Gas - PSE&G
14.34
14.37
39
8
8.01;8.02
1
RIVER RD
Gas - PSE&G
20.63
25.91
Total (Utilities):
90.03
Total (Public and Transportation Property - previous sheet):
293.07
Total (Other Public / Utilities):
192.58
Total (All Public / Utilities):
485.64
Page 80
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix B. Preserved and Public Lands Tables
Charitable Properties
Block Lot
Additional
Lots
Tax
Class
Location
Facility
Acres
(Tax)
Acres
(GIS)
100
16
15D
MT PLEASANT AVE
First Presbyterian Church
2.71
2.51
101
24
15D
16 HANOVER RD
First Presbyterian Church - Parsonage
2.00
2.39
55
1
15D
469 RIDGEDALE AVE
Kitchell Memorial Presbyterian Church
0.62
0.63
77.03 6
15D
27 RONALD DR
Kitchell Memorial Presbyterian - Parsonage
0.35
0.36
130
22
15D
308 RIDGEDALE AVE
St Rose of Lima Convent
0.75
0.68
130
23
15D
316 RIDGEDALE AVE
St Rose of Lima Church & School
2.95
2.80
130
24
15D
326 RIDGEDALE AVE
St Rose of Lima Church
0.73
0.70
96
103
15E
225 RIDGEDALE AVE
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
110.00
110.15
101
29
15E
HANOVER RD
Hanover Cemetary
13.15
12.78
130
17
15E
268 RIDGEDALE AVE
Heavenly Rest Cemetery
19.65
19.95
96
104
15E
77 DE FOREST AVE
Restland Memorial Park
84.03
99.51
96
104.D
15E
DE FOREST AVE
Restland Memorial Park
1.56
0.12
130
14
15E
RIDGEDALE AVE REAR
Restland Memorial Park
4.75
4.98
Total (Religious):
257.55
96
74
15F
194 ROUTE 10
Wessex Animal Shelter
2.02
3.47
130
8
15F
1 KANE PL
East Hanover Elks Lodge
1.40
0.62
123
8
15F
HANOVER RD
Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
0.48
0.58
Total (Other):
4.67
Total (Charitable):
262.23
APPENDIX C
Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
82
Page 81
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Page 82
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 83
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 84
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 85
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 86
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 87
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 88
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 89
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 90
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
Page 91
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix C. Conservation Easement
Deed of Easement (East Hanover, Grantee)
APPENDIX D
Public Meeting Materials
88
88
Meeting #1, February 5, 2024: Township Council - Agenda, Minutes
Meeting #2, February 28, 2024: Land Use Board - Public Notice,
Agenda, Minutes, Handout, Resolution
Page 92
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
APPENDIX D
Public Meeting Materials
93
103
Meeting #1, February 5, 2024: Township Council - Agenda, Minutes
Meeting #2, February 28, 2024: Land Use Board - Public Notice,
Agenda, Handout, Minutes, Resolution
Page 93
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council Agenda
Page 94
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council Agenda
Page 95
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council Agenda
Page 96
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 97
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 98
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 99
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 100
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 101
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 102
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 1, February 5, 2024 Council: Minutes
Page 103
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Public Notice
Township of East Hanover
411 Ridgedale Avenue
East Hanover NJ 07836
973-888-6021
LEGAL NOTICE FOR LAND USE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Land Use Planning Board of the Township of East
Hanover, NJ will hold a Land Use Planning Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at
7:00 P.M. in the East Hanover Recreation Building, located on Fifty Street East Hanover,
New Jersey.
They will hear the following:
Minutes: January 23, 2024
Resolution: None
Public Hearing:
1. Presentation by Barbara Davis on The Open Space and Recreation Plan Update describes the
goals of the open space program; the history of the Township’s open space program, provides a
land use inventory, reviews existing parks and natural areas within the community, provides a
summary of recreation programs, describes historic and cultural resources, summarizes relevant
Township, County and State planning documents, details recommendations, and provides an
action plan.
Discussion:
1. Ordinance NO. 01-2024: Amending and Supplementing the Township Code Chapter 95 “Land
Use and Zoning” Article II Definitions, Section 95-3 “Definitions” to clarity an existing definition
and add new definitions and to amend and supplement article VII “Zoning,” Section 95-53.6
“SED (Special Economic Development) Industrial District Regulations” to add permitted uses,
amend the Bulk Standards, and update the site development requirements.
This notice is sent in accordance with P.L.1975, Chapter 231 of the Laws of the State of New Jersey
Land Use Planning Board Secretary
Lisa G. Kiss
Page 104
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Agenda
TOWNSHIP OF EAST HANOVER
LAND USE PLANNING BOARD
411 Ridgedale Avenue
East Hanover, NJ 07936
Phone: (973) 888-6021
Fax: (973) 428-3026
AGENDA FOR THE LAND USE PLANNING BOARD MEETING ON
Tuesday February 27, 2024, At 7:00 PM
Recreation Building Fifty Street, East Hanover NJ
No new matters considered after 10:30 p.m. - No new testimony beyond 10:45 p.m.
CHAIRMAN CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M
FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: Mbr. Orgel
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT:
ROLL CALL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 23, 2024
PUBLIC INPUT:
PUBLIC HEARING: None
PRESENTATION: Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Draft - Presented by Barbara Davis
DISCUSSION: Master Plan Consistency Review and Comments – Ordinance No. 01-2024
ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE LAND USE BOARD:
ADJOURNMENT:
Lisa G. Kiss
Land Use Planning Board Secretary
Page 105
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Handout
In 1995, the town began collecting funds to acquire and improve lands for parks and
recreation. Since the completion of its initial Open Space and Recreation Plan in
2001, the town has added 407 acres of land to its Recreation and Open Space
Inventory, a nearly four-fold increase in municipal parkland. There are:
529 acres of municipal parkland
45 acres of county parkland
249 acres of state/nonprofit land
823 acres of permanently protected land in East Hanover Township
TOWNSHIP OF EAST HANOVER
2024 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE
Protect, Connect and Expand Recreational Lands
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION GOALS
1995
Open Space Trust Fund is
established by the Township
Council at 1/2 cent per $100
of assessed value.
2001
Township completes its first
Open Space & Recreation Plan
and Tax Levy is raised to 1 cent
per $100 of assessed value.
2003-2005
Expansion and enclosure
of the borders of Lurker
Park as well as purchase
of Camp Hope.
2009
The Township, with assistance from The
Land Conservancy of New Jersey,
purchases the 160-acre Hatfield Swamp
Wildlife Preserve.
2014
Preserved Fox
Run Project.
2021
East Hanover is awarded a
Morris County Trails Grant
to improve Lurker Park
2023
Second update to
the Open Space
Plan underway.
Steward Parklands to Maintain Natural Areas
Sustain Funding for Recreation and Preservation
2010
First Update
to the Open
Space Plan.
Page 106
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Handout
Support the conservation of
land to protect wetlands and
mitigate flooding.
Integrate trails and greenways
that expand the Township's
outdoor recreation opportunities.
Continue collaboration efforts
with state and local officials to
steward and acquire public land.
Provide opportunities for recreation,
including natural areas and land for
playing fields.
FUNDING
Municipal Open Space Trust Fund
Currently collects an open space tax levy of 1 cent per $100 of assessed value.
Total expended on park acquisition and improvement projects is $5,795,182.
Green Acres Program
Offers 50% grants to municipalities that maintain a one-half cent open space
levy and up-to-date Open Space Plan.
Of the grants awarded, the town spent $1,251,354 in state funds on land
acquisition projects.
Morris County Open Space Trust Fund
Contributed $1,981,500 for open space projects between 2003 and 2014.
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION RECOMMENDATIONS
TOWNSHIP OF EAST HANOVER
2024 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE
Building upon the Goals of the Open Space Plan Update,
recommendations include:
Page 107
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, Februray 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Minutes
Page 108
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, Februray 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Minutes
Page 109
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, Februray 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Minutes
Page 110
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Resolution
Page 111
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Resolution
Page 112
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Appendix D. Public Meeting Materials
Public Meeting 2, February 27, 2024 Land Use Board: Resolution
REFERENCES
Funding Land Preservation
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Green Acres. Open &
Closed/Withdrawn Projects.
East Hanover Township, Morris County. Open Space, Recreation and Farmland Committee,
Ord. No. 16-1995. https://ecode360.com/EA0822. Accessed June 2023.
Recreation Resources
Pinch Pointe Golf Club. About.
https://www.pinchbrookgc.com/. Accessed January
2023.
Troy Meadows. Wildlife Preserves.
https://wildlifepreserves.org/our-preserves/troy-
meadows/. Accessed January 2023.
Camp Hope. https://arccamphope.com/. Accessed
June 2023.
Personal Communication. East Hanover Township,
Morris County. Daniel J. Salvante, Superintendent of
Recreation. October 2022.
East Hanover. Recreation.
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/Department
s/recreation. Accessed June 2023.
Wilderness Society. Outdoor Recreation FAQs.
Https://www.wilderness.org/articles/article/outdoor-
recreation-faqs. Accessed January 2022.
Photo: Town Square Park
References
Page 113
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Historic and Cultural Resources
Township of East Hanover, About East Hanover.
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/pages/about-east-hanover. Accessed June 2023.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Historic Preservation Office. “New
Jersey and National Register of Historic Places: Morris County.”
https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists.html. Accessed June 2023.
United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. National Register of
Historic Places, Digital Archive. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP. Accessed June 2023.
United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. National Register of
Historic Places, Digital Archive. Hanover Village Historic District.
https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/5598f714-5614-4fd4-8f6d-23fa8ec457c3. Accessed June
2023.
United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. National Register of
Historic Places, Digital Archive. Ellis Cook House.
https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/049fc10d-7b59-448e-89e1-190e507fb9db.
Accessed June 2023.
East Hanover Florham Park LIFE. New View Media Group, LLC. Vol 17, Issue 7. October 2022.
https://issuu.com/newviewmg/docs/eh_fp_october_2022/6. Accessed June 2023.
The Story of Hanover New Jersey 1967,S teppel Archaeological
Site.http://www.easthanoverlibrary.com/The%20Story%20of%20Hanover%20New%20Jers
ey%209-21.pdf. Accessed June 2023.
Morris County historic groups release list of endangered sites; includes East Hanover home,
Adoniram Pruden House.
https://www.nj.com/news/2010/10/morris_county_historic_groups.html. Accessed June
2023.
Pennsylvania-New Jersey Interconnection Bushkill to Roseland Transmission Line.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/master/pnp/habshaer/nj/nj1800/nj1840/data/nj1840data.pdf.
Accessed June 2023.
Planning Consistency
Municipal
2005 Master Plan, East Hanover Township.
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/_Content/pdf/master-plans/2005MasterPlan.pdf.
Accessed May 2023.
2022 Master Plan & Development Regulations Reexamination, East Hanover Township.
https://www.easthanovertownship.com/_Content/pdf/Master-Plan-Reexamination-
Development-Regulations-Report-Oct11-2022.pdf Accessed May 2023.
Page 114
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
2013 Environmental Resource Inventory Update, East Hanover. Accessed May 2023
2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan, East Hanover Township. Accessed May 2023.
2020 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, East
Hanover.https://www.easthanovertownship.com/_Content/pdf/Housing-Element-Fair-
Share-Plan-Draft-April2020.pdf. Accessed May 2023.
KRE Group breaks ground on 239-unit rental project at ex-Mondelez site in East Hanover.
Real Estate NJ.https://re-nj.com/kre-group-breaks-ground-on-239-unit-rental-project-at-ex-
mondelez-site-in-east-hanover/. Accessed August 2023.
County
Morris County. 1988 Morris County Master Plan and Open Space Element.
Https://documents.pub/document/morris-county-master-plan-open-space-element.html?
page=1. Accessed May 2023.
Morris County. 2014 Preservation Trust Fund: Analysis and Strategy Report. Accessed May
2023.
Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority. 2021 Open Space Acquisition and Stewardship
Plan.
https://mcmua.com/docs/2021_MCMUA%20Open%20Space%20Plan.pdf. Accessed June
2023.
State & Regional
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 2009 New Jersey Trails Plan Update.
Https://www.state.nj.us/dep/greenacres/trails/plan.html. Accessed May 2023.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 2018-2022 New Jersey Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Https://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/pdf/scorp_2018.pdf. Accessed May 2023.
New Jersey Conservation Blueprint. Https://www.njmap2.com/blueprint/. Accessed May
2023.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. State Wildlife Action Plan 2018.
https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/new-jerseys-state-wildlife-action-plan/. Accessed
September 2022.
Page 115
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
Why Open Space?
Passaic Flood Tunnel: A Turning Point. The New York Times. November 8, 1992.
https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/08/nyregion/passaic-flood-tunnel-a-turning-point.html
Accessed June 2023.
Fact Sheet - Passaic River NJ Basin Flood Management (Floodway Buy-out). United States
Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. https://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-
Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/487586/fact-sheet-passaic-river-nj-basin-flood-
management-floodway-buy-out/ Accessed June 2023.
Flood Hazard Areas. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
https://dep.nj.gov/wlm/lrp/flood-hazard-areas/ Accessed June 2023.
Blue Acres. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
https://dep.nj.gov/blueacres/ Accessed June 2023.
New Jersey's Central Passaic Basin. United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/28287/pdf/1/ Accessed June 2023.
Paterson's Geology - A Step Back in Time. National Park Service.
https://www.nps.gov/pagr/learn/nature/paterson-geology.htm Accessed June 2023.
East Hanover and Florham Park Mayors Take Part in Local Floodwater Task Force.
TAPinto.net. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-hanover-slash-florham-
park/sections/green/articles/east-hanover-and-florham-park-mayors-take-part-in-local-
floodwater-task-force Accessed June 2023.
Recommendations
Troy Meadows. National Park Service, National Natural Landmarks.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=TRME-NJ Accessed July 2023.
Patriot's Path. Morris County Park Commission.
https://www.morrisparks.net/index.php/parks/patriots-path Accessed August 2023.
Hatfield Swamp. New Jersey Audubon Society. https://njaudubon.org/wp-
content/ibba/www.njaudubon.org/SectionIBBA/IBBASiteGuide62a5.html?sk=3159
Accessed July 2023.
West Essex Park. Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
https://essexcountyparks.org/parks/west-essex-park/about Accessed July 2023.
Environmental Center. Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
https://essexcountyparks.org/facilities/environmental-center Accessed July 2023.
Page 116
Township of East Hanover Open Space and Recreation Plan
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