Archive for December, 2009

By Veronica Slaght
FOR THE STAR-LEDGER
Readington Township has spent more than $3 million since 2001 to gain control of about 700 acres of land surrounding and including Solberg Airport, documents show. The town wants to preserve the land as open space. But with little to show for the expense, some residents are saying: Enough. ”It’s out of control,” resident Bill Lewis said of the spending and ongoing court battle. Township administrator Vita Mekovetz said the $3 million went toward negotiations with the Solbergs, a bond ordinance, condemnation proceedings, an airport hazard zone ordinance and litigation. ”We’re generally very conservative with money,” said Mayor Julia Allen. “But we’re fighters, too.” Allen said the township is taking the land to preserve open space and to halt the sprawl that threatens to spread west on Route 22, just a couple miles north of the airport.

Solberg Airport is owned by the Solberg family and is just west of the Somerset County line in Hunterdon County. Read the rest of this entry »