The Jackson Township Council has unanimously approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 5-23 – a land swap deal initiated by Mayor Michael Reina that will see a developer giving up land on Leesville Road to the township in exchange for a property near Cross Street.
The developer, Bellevue Estates LLC, had plans to erect four private school buildings on a tract of land on Leesville Road between W. Veterans and Freehold Road. However, residents in the area weren’t thrilled with the idea of schools being placed there, prompting Mayor Reina to hatch a plan that could be palatable to all.
Reina suggested that Jackson Township initiate a land swap with the developer, in which Bellevue Estates LLC would receive a 42-acre Jackson-owned piece of land off White Road near Cross Street, and the developer would give Jackson Township the property he owns on Leesville.
The plan was enthusiastically supported by the developer, who felt that it would anyway be more appropriate to build new schools in the area of Cross Street, where numerous schools already exist.
Residents who live in the area where the schools will now be built are not happy with the deal, with many showing up to Tuesday night’s meeting to express their displeasure.
To read the full ordinance and provisions of the land swap, click here.