Find out about “SPARE”– the newly formed group in Jackson Township that is fighting to save nearly 1,000 acres of forest from overdevelopment. Link to SPARE’s website.
Jackson Township residents have formed an organization called “Save, Preserve and Respect our Environment” (SPARE) to address environmental concerns stemming from the proposed Jackson Towne Centre. The development, proposed by composer-turned-developer Mitch Leigh (Man of La Mancha), would bring 5,400 homes and 2.76 million square feet of commercial space on approximately 900 acres in a still-rural section of the township.
The land sits between the Toms River and Metedeconk River, both of which flow into the Barnegat Bay. Wetlands exist on much of the property, including vernal ponds, which provides critical habitat for threatened and endangered species such as the Southern Gray Treefrog, the Pine Barrens Treefrog and the Blue Spotted Salamander. In addition to their beauty, these amphibious creatures play a crucial role in the reduction of pests and provide essential food for larger mammals and birds.
The group hopes to make one voice of the multiple worries that citizens have regarding this colossal project. SPARE’s primary goal is to stop the Towne Centre development from being built and to get these lands purchased for conservation. Although our strong preference is that the Towne Centre project not go forward, if these lands must be developed we feel strongly that it should be at a much lower intensity. Jackson Township is already overdeveloped. We need to slow rampant growth throughout Jackson Township for the sake of both people and nature.
For more information or to get involved, email SPARE at sparejackson@aol.com or call Jill Manion at 732-928-3455.
