Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 a u g u s t 2 0 2 6 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M Ask almost any Hunterdon County resident why they chose to live here, and the answers are remarkably consistent: our strong sense of community, outstanding schools, and the open space and farmland that define our landscape. What makes Hunterdon different is what makes it special—our longstanding commitment to preserving our rural character. Hunterdon has more preserved farmland than any other county in New Jersey, and that didn't happen by accident. It is the result of decades of thoughtful planning, responsible leadership, and residents who understood that once farmland is lost to development, it is gone forever. We are Lisa Routel and Jon Kowal, candidates for Readington Township Committee, and we are committed to preserving the open space and farmland that make Readington—and all of Hunterdon County—such a special place to call home. Readington is Hunterdon's largest municipality, and protecting its rural character is both a responsibility and a privilege. Our commitment is backed by experience. Lisa serves on Readington's Open Space Advisory Board and Agricultural Farmland Preservation Committee. Jon chairs the Agricultural Farmland Preservation Committee and lives on a preserved farm. We decided to run for Township Committee because we believe Readington's tradition of responsible leadership, land preservation, and strong community values must continue for future generations. Today, however, that quality of life faces unprecedented challenges. Readington is under increasing development pressure driven by state-mandated affordable housing obligations. Developers and special interests are positioning themselves to capitalize on these mandates, placing our community's rural character at risk. Every acre preserved not only protects our agricultural heritage and natural resources, but also reduces the amount of developable land considered under the state's affordable housing calculations. Readington has long been a leader in preservation, with over 9,500 acres already protected as open space or preserved farmland. As stated in the Township 2018 Master Plan, we are committed to preserving an additional 3,000 acres by 2050. Encouragingly, Readington is already preserving between 75 -100 acres each year, putting us on track to exceed that goal. Equally important, we have demonstrated that preservation can be accomplished in a fiscally responsible manner. Since 2018, Readington has preserved land through partnerships with Hunterdon C o u n t y , S t a t e p r e s e r v a t i o n p r o g r a m s , n o n p r o f i t organizations, and generous landowner donations. These acquisitions are reimbursed through these partnerships, allowing us to protect our community without increasing the burden on Readington taxpayers. Preserving open space is about far more than protecting scenic views. It safeguards our drinking water, supports our local farming economy, preserves wildlife habitat, reduces future infrastructure costs, and maintains the character that attracts families and businesses to our community. It is an investment that benefits both current residents and future generations. Our commitment is simple: preserve what makes Readington special, protect taxpayers through responsible stewardship, and ensure that our community remains a place where families will continue to choose to live, work, and put down roots for generations to come. To stay up to date on how Lisa Routel and Jon Kowal are working to protect Readington's rural character, preserve our open spaces, and stand up for our community, follow the Protect Readington Township Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ProtectReadingtonTwp. r e a d i n g T o n T o w n s h i p - p r e s e r v i n g w h a T m a k e s h u n T e r d o n s p e C i a l Open Space on South Branch on Rockaway Stream Farm on Rockafellows Mill Road Farm on Lamington Road Farm by Woodchurch Road

• Cover