Thompson Track Concept Plan

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Executive Summary

This document outlines the "Thompson Tract Concept Master Plan" for Frenchtown, New Jersey, focusing on developing a comprehensive vision for the 70.42-acre property. The plan sets forth goals and objectives for the Borough's Open Space and Recreation Plan, including creating a greenbelt, improving pedestrian and cyclist linkages, enhancing existing parks, and boosting eco-tourism. Key proposals for the Thompson Tract involve establishing site usage rules, clearly marking boundaries, managing invasive species, and installing interpretive signage. The master plan also details a "stacked loop" trail system, ADA-accessible pathways, parking areas, pondering benches, high-point overlooks, and dedicated areas for habitat restoration and creation. This planning document serves as a guide for future development and conservation efforts within the Thompson Tract.

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Document Text

--- Document: Thompson Track Concept Plan Document ---
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
CONCEPT MASTER PLAN FOR
FRENCHTOWN NEW JERSEY


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 1
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
PROJECT LOCATION MAP
DELAWARE RIVER
BRIDGE ST
KINGWOOD AVE
EVERITTSTOWN RD
CREEK RD
OLD
FRENCHTOWN
FIELD
SUNBEAM
LENAPE PARK
FRENCHTOWN
OPEN SPACE
FRENCHTOWN
BOROUGH 
PARK
RIDGE RD
CREEK RD
THOMPSON
TRACT
(70.42 AC)


ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS - THOMPSON TRACT
BLOCK 17, LOTS 2, 2.02, & 2.05
BOROUGH OF FRENCHTOWN
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
June 24, 2025
FTTXXXX
This map was developed using GIS digital data from FEMA, NJDEP, NJDOT, NJGIN, but this secondary product has
not been verified and is not state-authorized. Aerial image sourced from NearMap, dated March 10, 2025.
0
225
450
1 inch = 450 feet
8!
12
513
513
Ridge R
oad
Cedar St
r
e
et
Everittstown Hill Road
Sum
mit
Ave
n
u
e
Ward Stre
e
t
Kingwood Avenue
Jackson Street
Chestnut Avenue
Maple Avenue
Hilltop Avenue
Creek Road
Nishisakaw
i
ck Cre
ek t
ribu
t
ary
N
is
h
is
a
ka
w
ick C
reek t
ributa
ry
Nishisakawick Creek
Lot 2.05
Lot 2.02
Lot 2
Legend
Thompson Tract
Parcels
Waterbodies
Category 1 (C1) Streams
C1 Stream per Survey
300-ft C1 Stream Buffer
150-ft Riparian Zone
Wetlands
150-ft Wetlands Buffer
Slopes greater than 15%
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)
Zone AE Floodway
Zone AE
5. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 
This chapter sets forth the following the goals and objectives, which serve as a guideline for the Frenchtown Open 
Space and Recreation Plan.  The goals were drawn from planning documents, site visits, public input and interviews 
with various Borough officials and volunteers. 
1. Create a greenbelt around the perimeter of the Borough. 
➢ Strategically purchase and preserve properties to fill in the belt’s “gaps”. 
 
2. Provide pedestrian and cyclist linkages between the various park and open space facilities within the 
Borough and to facilities in adjacent communities. 
➢ Identify breaks in the walking/biking system. 
1. Whereas the Thompson Tract has no current rules limiting use thus allowing anyone to use it as 
they see fit. Examples: using motorized vehicles such as 4 wheelers and motorbikes, building 
trails, congregating after dark, building fire rings or pits and using them and hunting.  Basic rules 
should be established to control undesirable activities. 
2. Whereas the Thompson Tract property boundaries need to be posted and corners flagged to 
help prevent adjacent property owners from encroaching and let visitors to know they are on 
the Thompson Tract so to respect rules for use.  Adjoining property owners should be contacted 
during this process to maintain good relations with them. 
3. Whereas the signage should identify the name of the preserved property, currently known as 
the Thompson Tract.   Potential names are Creek Preserve or Hilltop Preserve  
4. Whereas the 8 acre open field in the Thompson Tract, if left to nature to run its course, will be 
filled with invasive plants, mainly autumn olive.  If an open field is to be retained, then the field 
should be mowed to control invasive plants. This can be done after mid-July to avoid disturbing 
ground nesting birds. A farmer needs to be found for this task.   If not, trees should be planted 
before invasive plants take hold. 
▪ 
The Borough should consider installing interpretive signage for animals, vegetation, history of Mill race 
trail, Lenape Tribe, etc. within the parks 
▪ 
Frenchtown needs more trails, better connectivity between trails and enhanced signage or digital 
applications to show trail maps 
▪ 
Additional hiking and passive recreation opportunities would generate tourism that could in turn aid the 
businesses 
▪ 
Signage for parking needs to be improved 
➢ Analyze options to bridge the gaps. 
➢ Meet with property owners to acquire easements, if necessary. 
➢ Build new paths, trails, etc. 
 
3. Enhance and program Sunbeam Lenape Park. 
➢ Establish a sub-committee to determine uses and programming. 
➢ Solicit public opinion and feedback. 
➢ Create schematic plans and solicit funding. 
 
4. Enhance Old Frenchtown Field. 
➢ Maintain and upgrade existing facilities. 
➢ Determine complimentary uses that could be added to the site. 
➢ Solicit public opinion and feedback on additional uses and facilities for the site. 
➢ Create schematic plans and solicit funding. 
 
5. Utilize parks and open spaces to increase recreation and eco-tourism within the Borough. 
➢ Increase bicycle parking throughout the Borough. 
➢ Install additional signage to direct tourists to parking, parks and trails. 
➢ Enhance signage identifying park and recreation spaces.   
➢ Partner with regional tourism and recreation groups to promote the Borough’s open space 
assets. 
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 2
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
PROJECT REFERENCES
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN
JAN. 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL ‘OPPORTUNITIES’ MAP
JAN. 2025
“STACKED LOOP” TRAIL SYSTEM CONCEPT
APRIL 2022
THOMPSON TRACT RESOLUTION 
FRENCHTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 2023


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 3
CREEK RD
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK TRIBUTARY
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
EXISTING CONDITIONS
FT BOROUGH 
PARK PARKING
SUSPENSION
BRIDGE OVER CREEK
LOOP TRAIL
300’ C1 STREAM 
BUFFER
8 ACRE
OPEN FIELD / MEADOW
75’ POWER LINE 
EASEMENT
STORM WATER
BASIN AREA
THOMPSON
TRACT
(70.42 AC)
STORM WATER
BASIN AREA


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 4
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
2
1
1
2
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
SITE PHOTOS: HILLTOP AVE ENTRANCE OPPORTUNITY


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 5
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
3
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
3a
3c
3d
3b
SITE PHOTOS: 8 ACRE OPEN FIELD / MEADOW


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 6
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
4
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
4a
4b
SITE PHOTOS: WOODED HILLSIDES BORDERING CREEK ROAD


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 7
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
5
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
5a
5b
5c
SITE PHOTOS: CREEK ROAD PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY & SCENIC OUTCROPPINGS


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 8
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
6
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
6a
6b
6c
SITE PHOTOS: TRIBUTARY PATH


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 9
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
7
8
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
7
8
SITE PHOTOS: POWER LINE EASEMENT & NEW STORMWATER BASIN AT HILLTOP AVE


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 10
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
9
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
9a
SITE PHOTOS: EASTERN FOREST & TRACT BOUNDARY
9b


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 11
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
DESIGN PURPOSE: A NEW HUB FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION & NATURE EXPERIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS - THOMPSON TRACT
BLOCK 17, LOTS 2, 2.02, & 2.05
BOROUGH OF FRENCHTOWN
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
June 24, 2025
FTTXXXX
This map was developed using GIS digital data from FEMA, NJDEP, NJDOT, NJGIN, but this secondary product has
not been verified and is not state-authorized. Aerial image sourced from NearMap, dated March 10, 2025.
0
225
450
1 inch = 450 feet
8!
12
513
513
Ridge R
oad
Cedar St
r
e
et
Everittstown Hill Road
Sum
mit
Ave
n
u
e
Ward Stre
e
t
Kingwood Avenue
Jackson Street
Chestnut Avenue
Maple Avenue
Hilltop Avenue
Creek Road
Nishisakaw
i
ck Cre
ek t
ribu
t
ary
N
is
h
is
a
ka
w
ick C
reek t
ributa
ry
Nishisakawick Creek
Lot 2.05
Lot 2.02
Lot 2
Legend
Thompson Tract
Parcels
Waterbodies
Category 1 (C1) Streams
C1 Stream per Survey
300-ft C1 Stream Buffer
150-ft Riparian Zone
Wetlands
150-ft Wetlands Buffer
Slopes greater than 15%
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)
Zone AE Floodway
Zone AE
5. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 
This chapter sets forth the following the goals and objectives, which serve as a guideline for the Frenchtown Open 
Space and Recreation Plan.  The goals were drawn from planning documents, site visits, public input and interviews 
with various Borough officials and volunteers. 
1. Create a greenbelt around the perimeter of the Borough. 
➢ Strategically purchase and preserve properties to fill in the belt’s “gaps”. 
 
2. Provide pedestrian and cyclist linkages between the various park and open space facilities within the 
Borough and to facilities in adjacent communities. 
➢ Identify breaks in the walking/biking system. 
1. Whereas the Thompson Tract has no current rules limiting use thus allowing anyone to use it as 
they see fit. Examples: using motorized vehicles such as 4 wheelers and motorbikes, building 
trails, congregating after dark, building fire rings or pits and using them and hunting.  Basic rules 
should be established to control undesirable activities. 
2. Whereas the Thompson Tract property boundaries need to be posted and corners flagged to 
help prevent adjacent property owners from encroaching and let visitors to know they are on 
the Thompson Tract so to respect rules for use.  Adjoining property owners should be contacted 
during this process to maintain good relations with them. 
3. Whereas the signage should identify the name of the preserved property, currently known as 
the Thompson Tract.   Potential names are Creek Preserve or Hilltop Preserve  
4. Whereas the 8 acre open field in the Thompson Tract, if left to nature to run its course, will be 
filled with invasive plants, mainly autumn olive.  If an open field is to be retained, then the field 
should be mowed to control invasive plants. This can be done after mid-July to avoid disturbing 
ground nesting birds. A farmer needs to be found for this task.   If not, trees should be planted 
before invasive plants take hold. 
▪ 
The Borough should consider installing interpretive signage for animals, vegetation, history of Mill race 
trail, Lenape Tribe, etc. within the parks 
▪ 
Frenchtown needs more trails, better connectivity between trails and enhanced signage or digital 
applications to show trail maps 
▪ 
Additional hiking and passive recreation opportunities would generate tourism that could in turn aid the 
businesses 
▪ 
Signage for parking needs to be improved 
➢ Analyze options to bridge the gaps. 
➢ Meet with property owners to acquire easements, if necessary. 
➢ Build new paths, trails, etc. 
 
3. Enhance and program Sunbeam Lenape Park. 
➢ Establish a sub-committee to determine uses and programming. 
➢ Solicit public opinion and feedback. 
➢ Create schematic plans and solicit funding. 
 
4. Enhance Old Frenchtown Field. 
➢ Maintain and upgrade existing facilities. 
➢ Determine complimentary uses that could be added to the site. 
➢ Solicit public opinion and feedback on additional uses and facilities for the site. 
➢ Create schematic plans and solicit funding. 
 
5. Utilize parks and open spaces to increase recreation and eco-tourism within the Borough. 
➢ Increase bicycle parking throughout the Borough. 
➢ Install additional signage to direct tourists to parking, parks and trails. 
➢ Enhance signage identifying park and recreation spaces.   
➢ Partner with regional tourism and recreation groups to promote the Borough’s open space 
assets. 
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN
JAN. 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL ‘OPPORTUNITIES’ MAP
JAN. 2025
“STACKED LOOP” TRAIL SYSTEM CONCEPT
APRIL 2022
THOMPSON TRACT RESOLUTION 
FRENCHTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 2023


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 12
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
KEY
1    PARKING/ TRAILHEAD
2 	  STACKED LOOP TRAIL SYSTEM
3	   PONDERING BENCHES &
	
  OVERLOOKS
4    TRAIL CONNECTIONS TO CREEK 		
      ROAD & FT BOROUGH PARK
5    MEADOW IMPROVEMENTS
6    HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK
      (ADA ACCESSIBLE)
7    RESTORATION/
      HABITAT CREATION AREAS
1
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
5 7
6
7
2
1
3
4
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
CONCEPT MASTER PLAN


CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
HILLTOP AVE
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 13
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
ENTRANCE & SIGNAGE OPPORTUNITIES


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 14
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
HANDCRAFTED WOOD INSTALLATIONS: FUNCTIONAL ART FOR TRAILS AND WILDLIFE


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
KEY
PG. 15
BLUE LOOP                                   2/3 MI.
GREEN LOOP                                       1/2 MI.
RED LOOP                                     3/4 MI.
YELLOW LOOP                                       1 MI.
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
Y
R
G
B
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
STACKED LOOP TRAIL SYSTEM
EXISTING LOOP TRAIL
APPROX. 0.85 MI.


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 16
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
PONDERING BENCHES & OVERLOOKS


HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 17
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
TRAIL CONNECTION TO CREEK ROAD & NISSISSACKAWAY CREEK
EXISTING VIEW
PROPOSED VIEW
NEW
SUSPENSION 
BRIDGE


HILLTOP AVE
WARD ST
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 18
2
1
3
4
2
1
4
3
STABILIZED CRUSHED STONE PATH (ADA)
PROPOSED PARKING AREA
HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK
MEADOW PATH
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
MEADOW IMPROVEMENTS: PARKING; PATHWAYS; HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK
EX. SW BASIN 
TO REMAIN


HILLTOP AVE
WARD ST
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 19
3
2
1,3
MEADOW SEEDING & TREE PLANTINGS
NAVITE SHRUB MASSES - NESTING HABITAT
NATIVE POLLINATORS
1
2
3
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
MEADOW IMPROVEMENTS: MEADOW & HABITAT CREATION
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 20
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK: EXISTING VIEW


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 21
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK: PROPOSED VIEW OPTION 1


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 22
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK: PROPOSED VIEW OPTION 2


NISHISAKAWICK
CREEK
OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 23
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
SOUTH FOREST: REFORESTATION & HABITAT CREATION
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 1


OCTOBER 2025  |   FTT0126
PG. 24
CREEK TRIBUTARY
CREEK TRIBUTARY
HILLTOP AVE
CHESTNUT AVE
MAPLE AVE
RIDGE RD
WARD ST
KINGWOOD AVE
CREEK RD
RACE ST
MILFORD RD
EVERITSTOWN RD
CEDAR ST
2ND ST
3RD ST
4TH ST
5TH ST
CREEK RD
KEY
1    PARKING/ TRAILHEAD
2 	  STACKED LOOP TRAIL SYSTEM
3	   PONDERING BENCHES &
	
  OVERLOOKS
4    TRAIL CONNECTIONS TO CREEK 		
      ROAD & FT BOROUGH PARK
5    MEADOW IMPROVEMENTS
6    HIGHPOINT OVERLOOK DECK
      (ADA ACCESSIBLE)
7    RESTORATION/
      HABITAT CREATION AREAS
1
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
5 7
6
7
2
1
3
4
NISHISAKAWICK CREEK
T H O M P S O N
T R A C T
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS & DISCUSSION