Borough of Madison and Drew University Reach Agreement to Preserve Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum
Madison, NJ — [November 8, 2024] — The Borough of Madison and Drew University are pleased to announce we have reached a landmark agreement, signing a term sheet to preserve the Drew Forest. This agreement marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to protect this vital natural resource for generations to come. The agreement, which involves the Borough of Madison purchasing the Drew Forest for preservation in perpetuity, also paves the way for the sale of additional university land for the development of multi-family, inclusionary residential housing units, with the Borough also acquiring ownership of frontage along Madison Avenue, including Madison House.
The Drew Forest Preserve, 51 intact acres with mature trees and glacial ponds on Drew University’s 163-acre campus, is an irreplaceable natural resource because of its unique diversity and features. Providing critical recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer for 31 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Somerset, and Union counties, the preservation of this forest preserve will be a benefit to Madison and the region. Among these benefits are 22 acres of public trails, impossible-to-replicate carbon sequestration, and unique regional opportunities for education. Under the agreement, Drew University will retain the right to continue to use this land, as it currently does, for educational, research and community purposes.
Going forward, Drew University and the Borough of Madison will work together toward the closing of the Drew Forest acquisition, and the rezoning and subdivision of two other parcels of university property, with an anticipated closing in the second quarter of 2025. This agreement, reached with bipartisan support from Governor Murphy, Representative Sherill, Senator Booker, Senator Bucco, Senator McKeon and other County elected officials, among many others, brings together local, state, and federal government officials, the university, non-profit organizations, and community supporters. In addition to enhancing environmental sustainability and strengthening the university financially and educationally, the agreement offers a model for how higher education institutions and their home community can work together for the betterment of all involved.
Mayor Robert Conley expressed his gratitude for the cooperation between the Borough and Drew University, saying, "This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal. We are thrilled to have reached this major milestone and grateful that the Drew Forest will remain a treasure for our community and region. I would also like to thank the Friends of the Drew Forest for their dedication and advocacy over these last few years, which ultimately helped us get to this point. Special thanks to Dillard Kirby, Ray Chambers, former Governor Tom Kean, and their professional team for their assistance in this joint effort.”
“The long-term preservation of the Drew Forest as an environmental, educational, and recreational resource for our community, along with ensuring the future of the University, are solidified in reaching this non-binding agreement with the Borough. The collaborative work of countless people at Drew University, the Borough, every governmental level, and community activists helped bring us to this significant agreement,” said President Hilary Link, PhD. “I look forward to continuing to partner with Mayor Conley as we complete the work ahead of us.”
“I am so excited that the Borough of Madison has reached an agreement finalizing its purchase of the Drew Forest! I fought hard to secure over $4 million in federal Community Project funding to help get this project over the finish line – and I am proud to see how our community has worked together at the local, state, and federal levels, to preserve and protect this critical environmental resource and recreational space for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
Further details about the agreement and next steps in the preservation and development process, will be shared as they become available. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the redevelopment plan as it progresses through the Planning Board. The Borough and Drew University are committed to keeping the community informed and engaged throughout this significant initiative and, in advance, thank the communities involved for their support.