Somerset County began the process of preserving its open space with the formation of the Somerset County Park Commission in 1956, and the development of a plan to create a countywide park system was undertaken. From an original goal set in 1958 of protecting 2,250 acres of recreational open space, today the system includes over 15,000 acres, of which almost three-quarters is undeveloped.

Somerset County has been identified as one of the most desirable places in New Jersey and in the country to live, work, and locate a business. The resulting development and ongoing development pressure present a constant challenge to the County and its land preservation efforts.  Ongoing development combined with the effects of climate change further the need to preserve land.  All land acquired for open space is preserved in perpetuity for recreation and conservation purposes.

• Preserves open space for conservation, passive uses, and active recreation.
• Partners with municipalities and nonprofits for the preservation of land for recreation and conservation purposes.
• Advises the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners on potential open space projects through the Open Space Advisory Committee.
• Educates the public on the importance of open space preservation.
• Works closely with the Somerset County Park Commission to properly steward and develop the land under its management.

Open space is land which has remained undeveloped and largely in its natural state or has been altered to specifically serve recreational needs. The value and function of open space exists regardless of public or private ownership, however, public ownership guarantees preservation in perpetuity and provides access and availability for public use. The value of open space is typically characterized in terms of its functions and can be considered in the broad categories below:

• Recreational Opportunities
  • Open space for both passive and active recreation serves as parks and recreation areas; conservation areas and preserves; historic and cultural sites; and critical linkages and corridors for wildlife and public users.
• Ecological Functions
  • Open space provides highly valued environmental protection functions. Among the functions are clean air and water; aquifer recharge; flood protection and storage; wildlife habitat including rare, threatened, and endangered species; wilderness; and biodiversity.
•  Quality of Life
  • Open space provides direct safety and physical and mental health benefits related to recreation, environmental protection, aesthetic and visual relief, and preservation of cultural features and cultural heritage.

Private citizens who choose to dedicate land to the County for parks and open space purposes could take advantage of several benefits.

•  Bargain Sale
  • Property is sold at less than fair market value by identifying the acquisition as part donation and part sale. There may be tax benefits to the grantor for the donated value and a reduced cost to the County.
•  Conservation Easements/Development Rights
  •  A partial interest in the land is transferred to the County by donation or sale. The property owner retains ownership of the property, but future development is restricted. The owner may receive some income and tax benefits.
• Life Estate
  • The land is sold to the County, and the owner may continue to occupy the residence and a portion of the property for the duration of the owner's lifetime.
• Donation
  • There are certain tax benefits available to a landowner associated with land donation.

With the support of the public and a well-organized funding system in place, the County can aggressively pursue the acquisition of land for open space preservation. Land acquisition can be accomplished by several methods, all of which have been utilized by Somerset County.

• Fee Simple
  • The outright purchase of full title and all rights by the County from the landowner. It allows for the protection and public use of the land.
• Conservation Easements/Development Rights
  • A partial interest in the land is transferred to the County by donation or sale. The rights acquired are at times less costly than fee acquisitions. The landowner retains ownership, and the property remains on the tax rolls and the owner may receive some income and estate tax benefits. Public access is required by the County and the restriction remains in perpetuity.
• Partnerships with Municipalities and Non-Profit Organizations
  • A municipality or non-profit organization can acquire and then convey property to the County or contribute funding for the purchase of the property. In addition, a non-profit is often able to negotiate a property sale at a reduced price and to convey it to the County at a lower than market value.
• Donation
  • A private landowner or developer may wish to convey all or a portion of a property at no cost to the County. The owner may be able to take advantage of certain tax benefits associated with a donation. 

History & Functions

The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) was organized under and authorized to exercise the authority of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders (now the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners) by resolution in May 1991.  The committee provides bi-partisan representation in recommendations to the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners for the expenditures of funds from the Somerset County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund for open space acquisition projects, acquisition grants, and development grants. 

Members

The Open Space Advisory Committee consists of ten voting members, one member and one citizen appointee each from the Board of County Commissioners, County Planning Board, and County Park Commission and two citizen appointees each from the Democratic and Republican parties.  The term for each voting member is one year.  The Division of Planning oversees the administrative responsibilities of the committee.

2026 Voting Members

Christopher Kelly, Chair
Kerry Haselton, Vice-Chair
Suzanne Ochse, Secretary
Melonie Marano, County Commissioner
Alicia Sordillo Drozd
Helen Haines
Jeff Hammond
Randy Jones
Vacant

Non-voting/Staff Members

Samantha De Andrea, PP, AICP, Director of Planning 
Larisa Paxton, Principal Planner – Preservation
Josephine Taranto, Preservation Planner
Dan Hayes, Director, Somerset County Park Commission
Sarah E. Fitzpatrick, Esq., Deputy County Council

Meetings

The Open Space Advisory Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 5:30 pm via Microsoft Teams video conference unless otherwise noted below. In-person meetings will take place in the 2nd Floor Engineering Conference Room in the County Administration Building.  All other meetings are held virtually.

Reports

OSAC 2025 Annual Report - Coming Soon!

OSAC 2024 Annual Report

Special Projects Grant Program:
Established by the County to assist municipalities and nonprofits with the preservation of land for recreation and conservation purposes. Lands preserved through this program must be deed restricted for recreation and conservation purposes only and if applicable, listed on the municipal or nonprofit Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI).  The program is administered on a rolling basis with no deadline.  Grant awards are dependent on the annual allocation of funds by the County Commissioners and the number of requests being considered.  No minimum match is required but is recommended.  The Special Projects Grant Program does not have specific guidelines or a formal application process.  Municipalities and nonprofits interested in requesting funding through this process should contact the Principal Planner - Preservation to initiate the process.  

Trails Grant Program:
Established by the County to assist municipalities with the development and upgrade of trails and related facilities on preserved land, and to help advance the goals of the County's Walk Bike Hike Plan. Maintenance of existing trails is not considered an eligible project. The program is administered on a rolling basis with no deadline. Grant awards are dependent on the annual allocation of funds by the County Commissioners and the number of requests being considered. No minimum match is required but is recommended either through direct project funding or in-kind contribution. 

Guidelines
Checklist
Sign Requirements

Flood Mitigation Funding Program:
Established by the County assist municipalities in the acquisition of residences that have experienced severe, repetitive flooding, or homes that have sustained substantial damage.  The program will assist municipalities by providing a match requirement for land acquisition projects through FEMA and the NJ Blue Acres Program or serve as the primary funding source for properties outside of the federal or state programs. Lands preserved through this program must be deed restricted for recreation and conservation purposes only and if applicable, listed on the municipal Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI).  The program is administered on a rolling basis with no deadline.  Grant awards are dependent on the annual allocation of funds by the County Commissioners and the number of requests being considered.

Guidelines