With encouragement from Save Barnegat Bay, the Berkeley Township Environmental Commission and others, the Berkeley Township Council placed an open space funding resolution on the November ballot. This ballot question passed by an overwhelming 74% to 26%, which we hope will forever dispell the myth that seniors on fixed incomes do not care about open space!

With encouragement from Save Barnegat Bay, the Berkeley Township Environmental Commission and others, Berkeley Township Council voted to place an open space funding resolution on the November ballot. This ballot question passed by an overwhelming 74% to 26%, which we hope will forever dispell the myth that seniors on fixed incomes do not care about open space!

The measure adds one cent to the property tax in Berkeley Township. The money will be dedicated to conserving open space in the township.

Save Barnegat Bay has written Mayor Jason Varano in two consecutive years asking that this step be taken. The Berkeley Township Environmental Commission has also made this request. We thank and applaud Mayor Varano and the Township Council for putting this referendum before the voters.

The advantages to the citizens of Berkeley Township are numerous. Not only will the Township be able to spend these funds for conserving open space; they will also become eligible for Green Acres matching funds.

Of particular interest to seniors in Holiday City and Silver Ridge Park should be the fact that by helping curb runaway development in Bayville, an open space fund can keep the need for services down in Berkeley Township. This in turn will likely reduce the pressure on their tax rate.

In addition, the creation of a local open space fund may encourage the County of Ocean to do even more conservation work (which has been substantial to date) in Berkeley Township.