Developer seeks preservation of Pinelands tract instead of building houses on the controversial site.
A proposal to construct 250 single-family homes adjacent to the Black Run Preserve in Evesham Township, Burlington County, has sparked significant concern among local residents and environmental advocates. The development plan, submitted by Devel LLC, involves the development of 300 acres, part of a larger 778-acre tract owned by Kettle Run Investments LP. This particular area falls within New Jersey’s protected Pinelands region, which permits limited development.
Local hiking enthusiasts and community members are specifically apprehensive about the environmental implications of the proposed construction, citing fears of significant alterations to the local watershed. The Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving New Jersey’s Pinelands, has initiated a petition against the development, which has amassed thousands of signatures. Opponents describe the project as one that would replace vital headwater forests with expansive residential structures.
The project is overseen by Linda Samost, who took over the family business after the passing of her father, Joseph Samost, a notable South Jersey developer. Linda expressed her intention to explore conservation options for the land in order to benefit both the community and the surrounding ecosystem. Since 2020, she has been actively pursuing partnerships with conservation organizations to preserve the property. She noted that she proceeded with the development proposal only after initial conservation efforts did not yield results. If successful in finding a conservation partner, the development would be withdrawn, and the land would presumably be preserved.
The Pinelands Commission, which manages land use in the 1 million-acre Pinelands region, is considering a proposal to rezone 2,400 acres currently designated for rural development to a less developed status, thereby enhancing protections for the Black Run watershed. This change could significantly decrease the number of homes permitted on these acres. Currently, the Samost property is zoned to allow approximately 243 homes. However, if rezoned to a forest area classification, development could be limited to merely 30 homes based on the proposed density.
The ongoing discussions and proposals are being closely monitored by both the community and environmental organizations, as they weigh the potential impacts on the local ecosystem against the pressures of suburban development. As of now, the approval of the development plan depends on reviews by Evesham Township and the Pinelands Commission.
Conservation advocates argue that protecting the headwaters of the Black Run Preserve is crucial for maintaining its ecological integrity. The current discourse reveals a community grappling with the balance between development needs and environmental preservation. Further public hearings and assessments of the environmental impact of any proposed developments will continue as local stakeholders engage in this critical dialogue.
Media News Source
