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Friends of the Drew Forest try to deliver poster to President Link, ‘puzzled’ by note on the door
By BRETT FRIEDENSOHN Managing Editor, Madison Eagle Oct 21, 2024 Updated Oct 22, 2024
MADISON – Members of the Friends of the Drew Forest were left “puzzled” by a note on the door when they delivered a poster with several signatures supporting forest preservation to the office of Drew President Hilary Link Friday, Oct. 18.
The note, addressed to the Friends, said that Drew University is also committed to preserving the Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum. The Friends left the poster at the foot of Link’s office door which was locked.
“The ball is currently in Madison’s court to approve the redevelopment of Drew’s non-forest surplus land,” the note said. “As soon as that happens, Drew is eager to move forward with preserving the forest.”
Friends Co-Chair Judy Kroll of Madison said there’s a Planning Board process that has to go forward before anything can be developed on the non-forested surplus land.
“We believe that the university also wants to save the forest, but the process they’re describing and that note on the door is not possible,” Kroll said.
Madison Urges Drew University to Accept Final Offer
Madison Urges Drew University to Accept Final Offer
Total offer valued at $65.1 million
Madison, NJ – September 9, 2024 – In July, after more than two years of negotiations, the Borough of Madison made a final offer valued at more than $65 million. Unfortunately, Drew has not yet accepted that offer. The Borough implores Drew University leadership and its Board of Trustees to accept this offer without delay. While the offer remains on the table, upcoming deadlines for court filings and the potential expiration of grant funds secured for the purchase of the Forest will mean that the offer will be withdrawn as Madison will not fund lost grants with local tax dollars or debt.
The Borough’s comprehensive proposal includes acquiring and preserving approximately 51 acres of forested land, including the Zuck Arboretum, Hepburn Woods, and properties along Glenwild and Green Village Roads. Additionally, the offer allows for residential development on other parts of the Drew campus, consisting of both affordable and market-rate apartments.
Madison has collaborated with various stakeholders, including Federal, State, and County officials, the Friends of the Drew Forest, potential private donors, and the Fair Share Housing Center, to support the forest’s purchase. The Borough continues to negotiate in good faith, as our current offer is, in fact, 30% more than a previous offer made in March 2023.
The Borough extends our gratitude to the Friends of the Drew Forest, the 15,000+ community members who signed the change.org petition, environmental advocates, and various government officials—including Senator Booker, Congresswoman Sherrill, New Jersey Senators Bucco and McKeon, Morris County Commissioners, and members of the Morris County Open Space Committee—who continue to support our efforts. The Borough reaffirms our commitment to protecting the Drew Forest and urges the public to remain engaged in this important cause.
Allies push to preserve N.J. college’s treasured forest amid court battle
The 53 acres of the Drew Forest holds six wetland areas, sits above the water supply of 26 towns and is home to an endangered bat. Known as “the University in the Forest,” the woodlands are a refuge for students and staff at Drew University. Now, its supporters are raising millions of dollars to preserve it as open space, while a Morris County judge is deliberating on its future because of a land dispute.
Day 1 of Drew Forest Trial: Opening Arguments Heard in Forest Preservation Dispute
The trial involving Drew University Forest and whether or not the Forest should have been included as vacant land in Madison’s 2020 affordable housing plan, commenced on Monday May 20th at the Morristown Court House, presided by Judge Stephan Hansbury. The trial will be focused on the preservation and potential sale of forest property located on Drew University’s campus.
On Earth Day tour, Sherrill highlights millions to preserve Drew Forest, Lake Hopatcong
Standing at the top ledge of a geological "kettle" carved by massive glaciers centuries ago, a bipartisan group of elected officials led by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill vowed to keep developers from chopping down the trees there.
Morris County urged to double $5M grant to save Drew University forest from development
The Morris County Commissioners heard passionate pleas at their meeting Wednesday night to approve a $5 million grant to help protect 51 acres of woodlands on the Drew University campus. But, they were told, the funding needs to be doubled if preservationists are to have a shot at saving Drew Forest.
Morris panel recommends $5M for Drew Forest, but activists tell commissioners that’s not enough
Half a loaf is not better than none. Not when a 53-acre forest is at stake.
Drew Forest advocates push for 'full' county funding as committee recommends $5 million grant
Madison is poised to receive a substantial Morris County grant award to help purhase the threatened Drew Forest preserve from Drew University, but advocates say a larger sum would push the deal across the finish line.
Drew Forest supporters pack meeting, urge county to support $10M preservation plan
Speakers at Thursday's meeting included Parsippany resident Ken Dolsky, a well-known environmental advocate and vice president of the New Jersey Forest Watch. Drew Forest, he said, was a habitat for many species "under the threat of extinction."
Drew students, Drew Forest advocates push for land sale grant as county vote approaches
"I'm here to represent the voice of the College of Liberal Arts at Drew. There are lots of Drew students here, from freshmen to seniors, saying that we're here in support of the grant for preserving the forest that we way it is," she said. "We, the student body, we want to have our voices heard." - Drew student, Luiza Vaskys Lima
We Need Your Help (Again): Thurs, Oct. 12, 6-6:30 PM in Morristown
This is it—the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee is voting on a $10 million grant to buy the Forest. But first there’s a public meeting. We packed it last time. Let’s do it again.
Madison to consider 'soft billing' for ambulance rides; hears from Drew University president at council meeting
“The support that exists for the forest could put you on the map both with donors and prospective students. You’re ‘The University in the Forest.’ Own it.” - Claire Whitcomb
Friends of Drew Forest stump for land sale grant at county meeting
MADISON - Members of the Friends of the Drew Forest advocacy group packed a Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee meeting to show their support for the preservation of the threatened forest preserve at Drew University on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
Keeping up the good fight: Ed Lloyd remembered as Drew Forest advocate in Madison
“Environmental legend Ed Lloyd, who passed away on Aug. 5, has been lauded as a “crusading public interest lawyer” by Columbia Law School, “dedicated champion of climate action” by Gov. Phil Murphy and "open space protector" by the Pinelands Commission.
But right here in Madison, Lloyd was known for ‘keeping up the good fight.’”
Where does your water come from? Under your feet.
The Drew Forest purifies 71.5 million gallons of water for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which services 31 towns.
LETTER: Drew student critical of university's 'short-sighted' forest development plan
Michael George (C’23) | Madison Eagle
“I can imagine students learning about how we solved our financial problems by celebrating and making our beautiful campus even more of a biodiversity hot-spot, as well as becoming a national leader on how to promote biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Drew must continue to have the pride of promoting itself as the “University in the Forest.”
LETTER: Does Drew really want to become the school that chopped down its forest?
Alexandra Kiely (C’ 2012) | Madison Eagle
“I am deeply concerned about what the future will hold for Drew if it goes through with this monumentally shortsighted decision. Condemning the forest will define Drew’s reputation for all time, but I don’t think the school has really considered the fallout. The overwhelming majority of colleges and universities across the country are environmentally focused and becoming more so all the time.”
Final Decision Not Yet Reached In Madison Affordable Housing Lawsuit
“After hearing the arguments from both parties, Judge Stephan Hansbury declared that the hearing on Aug. 19 would not result in a decision.”
Madison Officials React To Court Win Upholding Affordable Housing Settlement
By Marianne Carillo | TAPintoMadison
“This past Friday, Superior Court Judge Stephan Hansbury ruled in Madison’s favor stating that the Borough’s Affordable Housing settlement should not be overturned. Drew University had sued Madison asking the Court to vacate its 2020 settlement with Fair Share Housing Center.”
Judge won't vacate Madison affordable housing settlement over Drew lawsuit
By Claudia Ceva | Madison Eagle
“The court will not vacate Madison's 2020 affordable housing settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC).
Superior Court Judge Stephan Hansbury, during a hearing on Friday, Aug. 19 on the lawsuit filed by Drew University against the borough at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown, said while he needed more time to reach a final decision, vacating the settlement is officially off the table.”