Brick Closes on Purchase of 4-Acre Lot Where Six Homes Had Been Approved

A map showing the property at 2416 (Old) Hooper Avenue, Brick, N.J. (Credit: Google Earth)

Brick Township has officially sealed the deal on the preservation of more than 4-acres of property that previously had been approved for the development of six homes, officials said Friday. Funding for the purchase was appropriated last year.

Brick has closed on the acquisition of the 4.22-acre property located at 2416 Hooper Avenue, directly adjacent to the Drum Point Sports Complex. The township plans to restore the land to its natural forested state for use as passive recreation, officials said. The site had previously received subdivision approval for six single-family residential lots. It includes a two-story home, two sheds, a workshop and a small freshwater pond. The township intends to demolish the structures and return the property to open space.

“This is a win for our entire community,” said Mayor Lisa Crate. “Instead of six new houses, we’re preserving this land and enhancing our recreational offerings for residents. Every time we preserve land like this, we’re not just protecting trees and wildlife. We’re protecting the character of our town and the quality of life for everyone who calls Brick home.”

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County records also show that while still in the hands of the previous owner, a company known as Hooper Avenue Development LLC successfully obtained a development permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection that authorized the construction of six single-family homes, reconstructed access drives from public streets, three bioretention basins and an underground network of pipes and utilities. The state permit was required since the property is located within a tidal flood hazard area. While the state permit was approved in 2022, the project never appeared for site plan approval before planning or zoning boards in Brick. The parcel is located within the Rural Residential (RR2) zone.

The total purchase price for the property is $930,000. The township anticipates receiving reimbursement for 75 percent of the cost through the state’s Green Acres program.

The property was recommended for acquisition by the Brick Open Space Savers (BOSS) Committee, a citizen advisory group that evaluates parcels for potential open space, conservation and recreation use.

“Open space is not just about what we save today,” said Crate. “It’s about the legacy we leave for the next generation. I encourage any property owners in Brick who may be considering selling or developing their land to reach out to us first. We are always looking for opportunities to preserve land and prevent over-development. Together, we can protect the character and environment of our town.”

The committee, which was formed in 2021, has seen several land preservation deals come to fruition, most notably the 31-acre Breton Woods property that was slated for development. The committee has also partnered with the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust to defray the cost of acquisitions.

“Our commitment to open space is unwavering,” said Crate. “Every property we preserve is a promise to our residents that we will continue to fight for a greener, healthier and more livable Brick Township.”