Cape May County acquired property in Rio Grande through its Open Space Program. The 3.2-acre parcel is located at 3110 Shunpike Road in Rio Grande. The property was acquired for $520,000 to preserve the land long term. The project had the support of the Township of Middle, even though the area was under the Town Centers designation, which helps municipalities ensure orderly growth of mixed-use development. The County is continuing its commitment to balancing responsible growth with environmental stewardship and quality of life initiatives throughout Cape May County.

“Cape May County continues to support the preservation of public land and to support conservation needs throughout the County,” said Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio. “These decisions are made following a thoughtful process that involves interacting with our local municipalities to determine which properties would be best suited for the County's program.”

The acquisition highlights an ongoing partnership between the County Open Space Program and local landowners and municipalities to preserve valuable land for future generations. Property owners can submit applications to the Open Space Program for land preservation. The project is judged based on land features, community needs and planning, and long-term viability.

“Middle Township is proud to have supported this acquisition,” said Middle Township Mayor Christopher Leusner. “Preserving open space in Rio Grande reflects our shared commitment to protecting the character and quality of life that makes this community special. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cape May County to ensure responsible stewardship of our land for generations to come.”

The Cape May County Open Space Fund was created via a ballot question in 1989, endorsing the establishment of a trust fund to preserve open space and agricultural land. The trust is funded by a County property tax of 1 cent per $100 of assessed valuation. Since its inception, the program has preserved approximately 5,000 acres of open space and farmland.

“Cape May County is a beautiful place to live and maintaining properties such as these helps preserve what makes our area special,” said Cape May County Commissioner Bobby Barr, liaison to the Open Space Program. “This area could be used for dense development, but the County is investing to protect the character of the surrounding community.”