TOWNSHIP OF BYRAM MEETING OF THE BYRAM TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE June 14, 2021 7:30 P.M.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly scheduled meeting for June 14, 2021 will be held by remote video conference, using Zoom. The public may access on computer, tablet, or smartphone at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83115851106?pwd=V252TFFrQkNWaWxkd0pPR1JYUjBVdz09
Dial by your location +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia) OR +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) Meeting ID: 831 1585 1106 Passcode: 108244 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kx50csACu
The public will have an opportunity to comment at appropriate times during the meeting. The following is the agenda to the extent known: 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Law. This meeting has been electronically sent to the newspapers and uploaded to Byram’s website, www.byramtwp.org not less than 48 hours in advance of the meeting. In addition, a copy of this notice is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk. 3. ROLL CALL 4. OS FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT a. Reserve for Open Space- $482,226.59 b. Reserve for Debt Service- $145,009.32 c. Debt Service P & I- $259,200.00 5. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION- Return to In-Person Meetings 07/01 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 12, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes 7. OLD BUSINESS A. Forest Stewardship • Volunteer Day report (Tamarack Park) • Stand 20 review for stewardship purposes B. Trails • Cranberry Overlook Trail updates/expansion (flags and records from Heather) • Trails Grant Application - Sussex County OS Funds C. CO Johnson Park • Latest proposal being reviewed • Green Acres loan application (letter of support and progress) D. Byram Outdoors • Brochure printing: quotes, packet contents, and mailing date • Website updates: further content (links, photos, etc.) E. Riverside Park Kayak Launch: group discussion on site F. Historic Preservation • Historic Markers: Potential committee support for this project • Brookwood Cemetery: priorities and challenges 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Johnson Lake Kayak Launch: survey results 9. MEMBER REPORTS – Reports from OS committee members on any actions by their committees, if pertinent to OS. 10. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS THE COMMITTEE DEEMS NECESSARY 12. CLOSED SESSION- POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS 13. ADJOURNMENT
Report Printed 06/07/2021 15:33:34 Page 1/2 17-286-56-000-001 Reserve - Open Space From 01/01/2021 to 06/02/2021
Date Source PO# Contract# Check # Vendor# Vendor/Description Budget Debit Credit PO Encumber PO Payment Balance (CR)* ======06/26/2020 ENC 22407 FOREST STEWARDSHIP WORK ON OPEN SPACE PARCEL 5,437.50 12/10/2020 ENC 22991 REVIEW OF E-MAIL FROM MR. SABATINI & PROPOSA 80.00 12/17/2020 ENC 23040 ENGINEERING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL SERVIC 8,200.00 ACTIVITY/BALANCE (YEAR START) - 479,057.40
01/11/2021 DJ 75 22991 3190 1902 VOGEL, CHAIT, COLLINS AND SCHN REVIEW OF E-MA (80.00) 80.00 479,057.40 01/20/2021 GJ 17 6-2017 Improvement Authorization Cancelled R# 20,060.60 499,118.00 01/25/2021 ENC 23230 BYRAMOUTDOORS.ORG WEBSITE & DOMAIN REGISTRATI 96.00 499,022.00 01/31/2021 RJ 375 January 2021 Interest 207.05 499,229.05 02/03/2021 DJ 176 22407 3269 3535 GRACIE & HARRIGAN CONSULTING F PARTICIPATION (750.00) 750.00 499,229.05 02/17/2021 DJ 420 23040 3333 3581 FRENCH & PARRELLO ASSOCIATES, ENGINEERING & (1,332.50) 1,332.50 499,229.05 02/17/2021 DJ 550 23230 3337 3235 GREENER BY DESIGN, LLC BYRAMOUTDOORS.ORG WEBS (96.00) 96.00 499,229.05 02/24/2021 ENC 23366 FOREST STEWARDSHIP SERVICES - APPROVED 02/16/ 5,000.00 494,229.05 02/24/2021 ENC 23368 OS & REC HOLDINGS MANAGEMENT - APPROVED 02/16 12,000.00 482,229.05 02/28/2021 RJ 404 February 2021 Interest 199.60 482,428.65 03/05/2021 ENC 22407 2020 Services Completed. (4,687.50) 487,116.15 03/17/2021 DJ 865 23040 3493 3581 FRENCH & PARRELLO ASSOCIATES, ENGINEERING & (849.35) 849.35 487,116.15 03/17/2021 DJ 868 23366 3496 3535 GRACIE & HARRIGAN CONSULTING F PARTICIPATION (125.00) 125.00 487,116.15 03/17/2021 DJ 869 23368 3497 3235 GREENER BY DESIGN, LLC JANUARY - MARCH 2021 O (3,000.00) 3,000.00 487,116.15 03/22/2021 RJ 551 Open Space-Gracie & Harrigan Consulting-Timbe 1,600.00 488,716.15 03/31/2021 RJ 1054 March 2021 Interest 234.45 488,950.60 04/08/2021 ENC 23514 ITEM #BS3500SP - BRITE STRIPER #3500 SELF-PRO 5,338.52 483,612.08 04/30/2021 RJ 1238 April 2021 Interest 211.26 483,823.34 05/05/2021 DJ 1309 23366 3686 3535 GRACIE & HARRIGAN CONSULTING F PARTICIPATION (125.00) 125.00 483,823.34 05/05/2021 DJ 1338 23514 3706 3604 PIONEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY ITEM #BS3500SP (5,338.52) 5,338.52 483,823.34 05/06/2021 ENC 23664 UPDATE HEADER LOGO & BYRAM TRAILS LOGO; RENAM 1,500.00 482,323.34 05/12/2021 ENC 23704 PREP NJ DEPE REPORTS 96.75 482,226.59 05/19/2021 DJ 1397 23040 3740 3581 FRENCH & PARRELLO ASSOCIATES, MARCH/APRIL 20 (3,408.00) 3,408.00 482,226.59 06/02/2021 DJ 1502 23704 3799 649 HAROLD E. PELLOW & ASSOCIATES, PREP NJ DEPE R (96.75) 96.75 482,226.59 ------*RANGE* - - 22,512.96 4,142.65 15,201.12 482,226.59
======- - 22,512.96 17,860.15 15,201.12 482,226.59
17-286-56-000-002 Reserve - Open Space (Debt Service)
From 01/01/2021 to 04/01/2021 Balance Date Source PO# Contract# Check # Vendor# Vendor/Description Budget Debit Credit PO Encumber PO Payment (CR)* ======ACTIVITY/BALANCE (YEAR START) - 149,809.32 Page 2/2 17-286-56-000-002 Reserve - Open Space (Debt Service)
From 01/01/2021 to 04/01/2021 Balance Date Source PO# Contract# Check # Vendor# Vendor/Description Budget Debit Credit PO Encumber PO Payment (CR)* ======03/23/2021 ENC 23475 SEMI-ANNUAL INTEREST PAYMENT - 2005 OPEN SPAC 4,800.00 145,009.32 04/01/2021 DJ 1008 23475 2021024 2868 THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY SEMI-ANNUAL INTE (4,800.00) 4,800.00 145,009.32 ------*RANGE* - - - - 4,800.00 145,009.32
======- - - - 4,800.00 145,009.32 OPEN SPACE MEETING – April 12, 2021 Members Present: Joseph Sabatini, Ray Bonker, Russel Raffay, John Morytko, and Eric Duch. Members Absent: Scott Yappen Also present: Heather Gracie, Ben Spinelli, and Caitlin Phillips John Morytko called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. OS Financial Status Report: Open Space Trust Fund Balance: $488,716.15 Reserve for Debt Service Balance: $145,009.32 Outstanding Debt Service Balance: $259,200.00
Mr. Bonker noted that the committee should continue to highlight the Item D money reserved for Byram. Mr. Spinelli will check the amount in this fund. Mr. Morytko asked if there’s anything outstanding from the Trust Fund and Mr. Sabatini said there’s no encumbrances, but they did recently purchase the equipment for the line painting machine that may not have been encumbered yet, for about $6,000.
Approval of Minutes – February 8, 2020 – Motion by Joseph Sabatini, second by Raymond Bonker to approve minutes as presented, all in favor. Motion Carried.
CO Johnson Park
Improvement Plan Concepts Review:
Mr. Bonker said they had two options with this plan. There was initial preference by the Council for the second option, as it does not involve moving the CO Johnson building. But when everyone had more clarity on the plan, most liked the first option that involves moving the building towards the back parking lot. There was discussion involving the dog park placement, in which across the street makes sense for access to the trail. The downside to option 1 is it's expensive relative to option 2, but this is a ten-year plan so the costs won’t be all at once. Given the committee’s record of finding alternative funding sources, Mr. Bonker doesn’t think the price should bother them too much. He thinks the committee should first make sure the plans are correct and then focus on something simple like the dog park implementation as one of the first sub-components. So, the committee should have a 1-2 year plan as well as the 10 year plan. Mr. Sabatini added the Council should consolidate the plans and consider the comments provided, including relocating the field house. He thinks it would take a month or more to get that done, and will follow up with them. He confirmed that the expectation is to have the plan before the council before the next Open Space meeting in June.
Mr. Bonker encouraged the committee to look at the dog park components, that way they can start looking at grant funding, highlands approvals, etc. Mr. Spinelli said the one issue for the CO Johnson Park improvements would be the dog park in regards to highlands regulations. Mr. Duch asked if this had to do with impervious coverage, and Mr. Spinelli said it’s about the quarter-acre of disturbance. Mr. Duch asked if there’s any new material about this project. Mr. Sabatini stated that on the 03/16 Council meeting, 2 concept plans were presented and one option was to put the dog park near the existing retention basin, or to put it across the street. The benefit of placing it across the street is that it’s near the trailhead and a small parking area could be made. The area is flat and has been cleared by the timber harvest of the ash trees. The general consensus was that if it’s possible to move the park across the street, that would be the preferred option. Mr. Spinelli asked Mr. Sabatini to request of them to put Tamarack Trail on the map. Mr. Bonker said he thinks he’d move the parking Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021 near the peach tree area for less disturbance. Mr. Sabatini said the two issues with that are that there’s a right-of- way to get to the cemetery, and he doesn’t want to put a dog park right in people’s backyards. He thinks the committee should let French and Murillo come up with the options and present them to the committee, since they’re aware of the topography. One of the issues presented was that the park is left-sided when looking at it regarding parking. Putting athletic recreation on the right would be too close to the dog park with limited parking. To accommodate people going to the dog park, part of the thought process was to move it across the street. Additionally, it sets up a new lot, so that gives more flexibility to the other side of the street for any desired improvements. Mr. Spinelli said it looks like they’re getting the most out of the CO Johnson park possible, so it’d be hard to put the dog park there because of the configuration. Mr. Sabatini said the next expectation is to get the final proposed plan outlined with issues they would have combining the concepts into one, possibly revising the preliminary estimate, and having a meeting with the council and stakeholders. The goal is to review what’s presented before they’re authorized to finalize the plan.
Potential Grant and Loan Programs: A) Rec Improvement Grant Opportunity B) Green Acres Grant/Loan Program
This grant was announced through the Department of Community Affairs and is due by 05/24. Mr. Sabatini said he met with Mr. Spinelli, Mr. Morytko, and Mr. Beecher, the Chair of Recreation. He believes it makes sense to consider a project at CO Johnson park. When you look at the grant, there’s around 2.5 million in funding, focused on communities with systemic strain from COVID-19 and those with unmet recreational improvement needs. Byram would not likely be at the top of the list, but there is an application in place for Riverside Park to replace the playground equipment, which would not need engineering work. Mr. Sabatini will work with Mr. Spinelli on the narrative that needs to be put together for the grant, and look to do a resolution for the council.
Mayor Rubenstein joined the meeting at this time.
Mr. Duch asked if there is any room in the application for Riverside Park for improvements on the kayak launch. Mr. Sabatini responded this isn’t a heavy lift in funding, and the launch would be about $100,000 project. He sees that more as an approval issue than an improvement issue. Mr. Spinelli said any capital expenses would need to be minor. Mr. Morytko said Byram may not necessarily be the target for this grant, but what they’re doing is a community project, which fits the requirements. Mr. Spinelli reminded the committee this is a reimbursement grant, so they have to reimburse the money after it’s spent. Mr. Bonker clarified that for this grant they’re targeting Riverside Park, not including the kayak access but also not dropping it. Mr. Bonker asked how to go about that loan, using it all at once or spreading it over time. Mr. Spinelli said it’s unlikely to get the money for the whole project, so it’d be funded from different sources like bonds and Open Space funds. The committee would put together a financing package with the sources being used. Mr. Sabatini said these loans are available every two years, so they’d apply for the application consistent with the level of work for the park, and then two to four years later when there’s another phase ready, a new application would be submitted. Mr. Bonker asked if the loan must be spent in the two year timeframe, or can progress be shown instead. Mr. Sabatini responded that he thinks you’d need to couple the loan with a bond ordinance or alternative funding measure, and once the funds start being used is when the loan would begin. Mr. Bonker noted it’s important to see how to balance the funding sources over the next 10 years. Mr. Sabatini said French and Murillo should put together a strategic plan to show what priorities go first since some improvements may be dependent on other improvements. The key for this grant is to get the concept in place and see what the committee deems a critical element. Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021
Forest Stewardship
Ash Tree Timber Harvest at CO Johnson and Tamarack
Heather noted the weather conditions of the winter did make the harvest more difficult, but it was successful. Smaller loads were taken out and transloaded at a different site because the rigs were too big, and straw was put down. The site is in a disturbed state, and she will monitor it over the next few months. She noted that on one of the volunteer days there will be tree planting done. She’ll be working with Mr. Morytko and Mr. Duch on Friday at the CO Johnson/Cranberry site to consider the trail expansion project. Mr. Duch asked if she took a look at trees that were left standing 6-8 feet off the ground after the harvest, and it looks like in a couple spots stumps were dragged. When Heather is there on Friday she will take a look.
Volunteer Day:
There is a volunteer day on May 8th that Heather and Donna Fett are working on. It’s a half-day event to control invasive plants along the Tamarack Trail. There’s an RSVP to know how many are in attendance; if it’s a large group (over 15) they’ll need to be broken up. Mr. Morytko said when the details are confirmed they’ll circulate it to the committee and others who may be interested. They’ll be targeting barberry, garlic mustard, narrowleaf bittercress, etc. They are encouraging people to bring their own tools, including hand tools, trimmers, shovels, pitchforks, bug spray, and water. There will be waivers for the volunteers to sign beforehand and a sign-in sheet. Heather is hoping to have enough volunteers to form a Friends group to monitor the trails.
Visit to CO Johnson/Cranberry Overlook:
Heather will be looking at the CO Johnson/Cranberry trails with Mr. Morytko and Mr. Duch on Friday. Mr. Duch hiked there two weeks ago and tracked where he went to get an idea of the landscape. Heather said her plan is after this to look at improvements for Stand 20. In Stand 19 there’s mile-a-minute weed that needs to be handled. They’ll also look at Glendside Park to address invasive plants, and will consider doing a small harvest. Heather said she’d have some maps with her for Friday. She also noted there’s oak regeneration in Stand 20 that’s impeded by less desirable trees, which she wants to take a look at, potentially to thin those trees to give the oaks more sun. Heather reiterated her concern regarding the mile-a-minute weed. Mr. Raffay asked if there’s an app to track invasive species. Heather noted that she knows there’s one from the invasive strike team, and one for plant identification. There are some invasive plants that go beyond the scope of volunteers, so that’s when you could use forestry groups.
Mr. Bonker asked if based on the data from the timber harvest, how big does a harvest need to be in order to be economically viable. $3,000 was generated from this harvest but they lost money, spent on the legal framework, so he’s hoping that now this is all in place so that there’s less of a loss for future harvests. He also wondered if the harvesters would be willing to do the harvest with less trees. Heather responded that this harvest wasn’t economically viable, and the harvesting depends on the species. This harvest had a short distance to haul the trees, and species have different values at various times. If a harvest is a small job but there’s something else going on in the vicinity, the small harvest becomes more appealing because the foresters’ fixed costs are less. So this question really depends on species, distance, accessibility, market fluctuation, etc. Looking at long-term impacts, Heather said she doesn’t want to harvest trees and then get a low price, so they could have things ready to go and gets bids in, and Heather could recommend to wait more time for better prices. Right now there’s so much ash being salvaged and not enough people to do it, and she doesn’t want anyone doing the harvest that they’re not familiar with and doesn’t have the proper insurance. Mr. Morytko said he knows there’s a lot of discussion about state legislature about forestry and stewardship plans that goes in many directions. He’d like to discuss this to hear Heather and Ben’s insights.
Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021
Byram Outdoors
Mr. Spinelli said he discussed with Mr. Sabatini how to best manage this social media project. Mr. Sabatini took the artwork for the new logo and applied it to the website, and has a concern about managing two websites. Mr. Spinelli said they could develop the content and then post it on the Byram Township website under its own set of tabs. They can add places to fish and kayak, and things that would have been added to the other site. They’ll keep the Byram Outdoors domain name and have it redirected to that portion of the town website. Mr. Sabatini and others can update the website, so the administration becomes more manageable. Mr. Sabatini said they’re looking to repurpose existing functionality on the website. There’s a page on the site labeled Recreation, and they’re looking to rename that Byram Outdoors. Under the “Departments” section they’ll put a Recreation department, and that’s where they’ll put program-oriented information and recreational activities that are occurring through that department. Byram Outdoors will take over the section of the website that already exists with trails; there’s an existing functionality that was modeled off of the New York/ New Jersey Trail Conference a few years ago. The hope is to incorporate the same functionality for the other targeted items. Under “Community,” there’s a list of lakes that would get moved over to Byram Outdoors, and would cover canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. They’re also looking to integrate the new logo on the main page of the website. The other goal is to get some new photos for the website, perhaps more seasonally driven, to give the main page a new look.
Mr. Morytko asked if social media was a goal down the line. Mr. Spinelli said they’ll still get some content; they’ll take photos of the timber harvest and the volunteer events to be posted, and Mr. Spinelli will take photos of people enjoying activities in the various seasons to keep the content refreshed. Mr. Morytko asked if there would be a way for people to submit photographs, and Mr. Spinelli said they could email the photos to him. Mr. Sabatini said Facebook would remain Byram Outdoors, and Mr. Spinelli will post 2-3 times a month regarding the outdoor activities in Byram.
Mr. Bonker asked if the brochure Mr. Spinelli made can be sent out with the mailing from the EC about phosphorous, which is mailed out during the summer. Mr. Sabatini said he would be okay with it being sent out now. Mr. Bonker said it’s important to have the social media links and content on those pages already, so that if people are excited by the information in the brochure, they can actually find more details online. Additionally, this way when people see the new logo for the town, they understand that it’s not just to update the design but that there’s new projects going on. Mr. Bonker said he doesn’t mind waiting until the summer so long as he knows the brochure will be sent out at that time. Mr. Duch asked if the brochure is ready to be printed, and Mr. Bonker said it was approved by everyone so it’s ready to go. Mr. Morytko suggested reviewing it again to make sure the links and info are all current. The question would be if the content is online before the brochure, or start advertising now. Mr. Sabatini said the brochure should have a mayoral cover letter, representing the Council. If the goal is to have the brochure direct people to other information, the committee needs to lay out what those items are and how to get that ready so the timing of the brochure mailing is appropriate. Mr. Morytko said that whatever is being promoted in the brochure, there needs to be content online to back it up. He’d like to make a decision at the next meeting on when to send the brochure and check in with where the committee is at with the information. Mr. Bonker agreed, and said he’d like to just make a decision at the next meeting with all the questions and discussions having already been done ahead of time. He likes the supplemental cover letter, since it can talk about Byram Outdoors and what they’re hoping to do with CO Johnson Park. This way people get clarity on projects going on in Byram, and the letter can tell them what to look forward to. Mr. Morytko agreed, saying the letter is a way to show the assets of the town.
Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021
Trails Expansion
Hudson Farms trail system development, Byram Trail connections to Hudson Farms properties, Trails Grant Application:
Mr. Spinelli said he had discussions with landowners who owned properties that were identified in the trails plan as key missing links. In order to get the Kellogg property, they need access to those properties to make it unified. He feels the Hudson Farms property is ready to move forward, and would like some control over the visuals of the trail markers, where the kiosks will go, etc. The committee needs to lay out the routes first for clarity. Mr. Spinelli said Autumn is looking to hire someone to administer the open space program so she can put the money out to the municipalities.
Mr. Bonker asked what the issue is with making progress, and Mr. Spinelli said the personnel were cut back. Mr. Morytko asked if there’s a way to say this is approved money that should be used. Mr. Spinelli said it has to come from elected officials that say the voters approved this money, and there are projects ready to access that money that would be of benefit to the county. Mr. Bonker asked who to go to in order to solve it. Mr. Sabatini said he’d refer to Mr. Spinelli on this, and wonders if this falls under the county administrator or goes directly to the commissioners. He asked how much money is available to the committee for grant opportunities. Mr. Spinelli said that is part of the county budget every year; a lot goes to farmland preservation and are split between the state and county. Mr. Bonker added that it was 90% farmland preservation and 10% open space acquisition, but the maintenance money doesn’t have the 90/10 split. Mr. Sabatini asked if it’s certain the money is set aside for the maintenance grant, and Mr. Spinelli said he’d could find that out. Mr. Bonker noted if they have a ten-year development plan, the committee will go back to the money quite a bit so it’s good to have this resolved. Mr. Spinelli also noted he’d like to do the wayfinding of the trails, which would be a $10,000 grant.
Mr. Morytko circled back the Hudson Farms trails, and Mr. Spinelli said they’ll push that forward. Mr. Spinelli added that it’s important to get these trails connected to the greater trail system, because otherwise they’d be isolated. Right now, there’s a good chance they can connect the Hudson Farms trails to the township.
Riverside Park Kayak Launch
Mr. Spinelli said Riverside Park is difficult to deal with because it’s in the buffer zone and highlands preservation, so it’s regulated. The project has been to bring a kayak launch in, working with Judy Thorton from the Highlands. She contacted the DEP, who likes the idea and thinks the challenges of this project are not hard to overcome. Ms. Thorton told Mr. Spinelli that as long as they don’t disturb more than a quarter of an acre, this would be considered a capital project. The next step is to get someone from the DEP, highlands, and township out on the site together. Mr. Morytko said the concept for this project is minimal anyway; they want to put something in that’s functional, accessible, and the least disturbance. Mr. Spinelli noted they’d need a modified riverbank with a level area and cleared pathway so people can access the water. That section of the Musconetcong is popular with kayakers. Mr. Spinelli said the site visit should happen before the next open space meeting.
Historic Preservation: Lockwood Cemetery
Mr. Morytko spoke with Mr. Gonzalez from the Historical Society regarding historical markers and trails. Mr. Gonzalez has three markers identified, and will get a summary of the signs considered a priority. The signs are a Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021
50/50 split with the county, at about $2,400. They discussed doing something in relation to the trail, mansion, etc. and if there’s an opportunity for marking. Mr. Gonzalez also identified the lost hamlet of Byram that is near the canal trail. He also identified Sussex railroad, which doesn’t have any marking. It’s a state property so there’s likely another process to put something there. He also discussed Cranberry Lake, regarding the rail trail. That property is currently being redeveloped and the applicant is looking to incorporate a historic stone entry, so there should be a discussion with the people working on the property. Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Morytko also discussed involving groups like the Boy Scouts in cleanup of the cemetery. At the next open space meeting there will be more information to see if the committee has more specific interest. Mr. Sabatini asked that if Mr. Morytko speaks to Mr. Gonzalez, that he asks what needs to be done and the challenges regarding the cemetery; the superintendent noted that some of the gravesites are collapsing, so how can this be taken care of. He knows there’s some focus on identifying individuals buried there and getting headstones restored, but would also like to focus on general cleanup and see who takes care of that.
Member Reports
Environmental Commission – Mr. Duch said there is an Arbor Day event on 04/24, where they will give out 500 seedlings from South Jersey. On 05/08 there is a spring trail cleanup with invasive plant removal with Heather.
Planning Board – Mr. Morytko said the Adam Todd property is being redeveloped and they’re looking to preserve some historic stonework near Cranberry Lake.
Open to the Public
Mr. Morytko opened to the public. No one from the public came forward. Mr. Morytko closed to the public.
Mr. Duch reminded the committee that there is still an open spot. He met someone previously that he’ll invite to a meeting to see if he’s interested in joining.
Adjourn – Motion by Eric Duch, second by Joseph Sabatini to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. All members in favor.
Open Space Minutes – April 12, 2021
WOODLAND VEGETATION MAP ® Township of Byram Cranbury Overlook TOWNSHIP OF BYRAM ad d o oa SUSSEX COUNTY R R BLOCK 226, LOT 25.02 & 26 k ny c Po 105.91 acres ra st a o m h Ta G O ld In d i a
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S p r in g R o ad
r D O C
r D r ge r o D R te u n K
Forest Stand Improvement Area: 5 Acres
Legend Trail Stream Stonerow YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Property boundary Stand boundary
This map was developed using NJDEP GIS digital data, but this secondary product has not been verified by NJDEP and 1 inch = 500 feet is not state-authorized. This is not a wetlands delineation. TRAILS MAP ® Township of Byram Cranbury Overlook TOWNSHIP OF BYRAM ad d o oa SUSSEX COUNTY R R BLOCK 226, LOT 25.02 & 26 k ny c Po 105.91 acres ra st a o m h Ta G O ld In d i a
n
S p r in g R o ad
r D O C
r D r ge r o D R te u n K
Legend Trail Stream Stonerow YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Property boundary Stand boundary
This map was developed using NJDEP GIS digital data, but this secondary product has not been verified by NJDEP and 1 inch = 500 feet is not state-authorized. This is not a wetlands delineation. History of Sussex Mine Railroad and its successors Sussex Railroad, Sussex Branch Railroad of DL&W
Compiled by X F Gonzalez, Byram Township Historic Society, 2019; updated 2021
In 1846, Cooper and Hewitt, industrialist, build a new iron foundry located on the banks of the Delaware River at Trenton with a furnace at Phillipsburg, NJ with access to the Morris Canal. The Trenton Iron Company produced iron rails for the emerging railroads and wire and had a need for iron in large quantities. Hewitt came across iron bars made from the “old Andover Mine” during the Revolutionary war and found they produced high quality rails. The Andover Iron Mine, part of the colonial Andover Iron Works, was reopened (c. 1848) and was profitable with the access to the Morris Canal. To access the Morris Canal port at Waterloo Village, a wagon pulled by a team of horses would to travel south on the Morris Turnpike (now 206), pay a toll at the “Byram Toll Gate”1 before continuing south on the turnpike and go west onto Waterloo Road to Waterloo Village.
Cooper and Hewitt decided to build the Sussex Mine Railroad2 as a mule tramway for small ore cars to by-pass the Morris Turnpike Toll Gate and provide a more direct route to Waterloo Village port on the Morris Canal. The Sussex Mine Railroad, chartered on March 9, 1848, was the predecessor of the Sussex Railroad that was to be used for the sole purpose of hauling iron ore from the recently re-opened Andover Mine. The narrow-gauge railway was drawn by mules from the Andover Mine down to the Morris Canal at Waterloo Village and was then taken on to the Iron Furnaces in Philipsburg, NJ. The initial 11 mi (18 km) of the Sussex Mine Railroad from the mine in Andover, which was named after the mine, was started in May 1849 and completed in August 1851. [1]
1855 New Jersey State Geologist Annual Report: Andover Iron Mine near Limecrest Road
The Act by the New Jersey Legislature that incorporated the railroad also allowed for the provision of extending the rail into Newton, the county seat. During construction of the railroad, the legislature approved a supplement to the charter on March 18, 1851, that allowed the railroad to extend the line to the Morris & Essex Railroad (M&E), which was extending its line to Hackettstown. The Sussex Mine Railroad struck a deal with the M&E that would work in their favor if they were to have the connection ready for operation by the time the M&E's extension reached Waterloo. In preparation for this extension and what eventually became a rebuilding of the entire existing line, the New Jersey Legislature approved another supplement to the charter on January 26, 1853, that allowed the company to change its name to the Sussex Railroad, reflecting its new purpose beyond just serving the mines and authorized the company to extend the track to any point in Sussex County on the Delaware River. [1][2]
Expansion (1853–1881) The renamed Sussex Railroad Company gained support by issuing stock and bonds, which raised the necessary funds to lay the new track. Ground was broken on the 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) rail gauge line from Newton to Waterloo on May 5, 1853. The company wanted to proceed quickly to meet the deadline for the agreement that, if met, would mean a substantial source of revenue. Because of this fast pace, steeper grades and tighter curves were adopted than might have been preferred otherwise. Work progressed quickly, even though the M&E was trying to slow down progress any way they could, including compensating employees of the Sussex Railroad to delay the necessary cuts south of Newton. To speed work along, the Sussex Railroad Company used employees of the Andover Mine temporarily on the railroad right-of-way. All of this effort paid off as they were successful in meeting the deadline. The new railroad was completed and the first train entered Newton on November 27, 1854, with traffic between Newton and Waterloo being opened on December 11, 1854. The M&E connected to the Sussex Railroad in January 1855, thus the financial agreement made earlier was upheld. [1][2][3]
1 Sussex County Historical Marker – Morris Turnpike Toll Gate marker is at this location on Route 206 Byram. 2 Refer to map of the mule railroad path from reproduction of the 1850 Sussex Mule Railroad New Jersey at the State Archives. 1854 Sussex Railroad at the Andover Mine.
1854 The Sussex Railroad constructed a bridge across the incline plane at Waterloo (Mt. Olive, Morris, NJ) to connect to the M&E Railroad line in Morris County.
1855 New Jersey Herald announced: "we understand that [the railroad] is now engaged in delivering at Waterloo, two hundred and fifty tons per day of iron ore from the Andover mine."
Sussex Branch Railroad of the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad In 1881 John I. Blair, president of the Sussex Railroad, sold control of the company to the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad creating the Sussex Branch Railroad of the DL&W. Over the next fifty years, competition from the much faster and expansive railroad brought about the eventual demise of the Morris Canal. During it most successful period, the late 19th century, the Sussex Branch Railroad and its’ connections to other railroads provided freight and passengers service to much of Sussex County. The “Stanhope cut-off”, a connection to allow efficient eastward rail access to Hoboken, was constructed in 1900. The advent of the auto and subsequent road improvements for trucking reduced the profitability of the Sussex Branch Railroad and lead to abandonment of the Sussex Branch Railroad. The last passenger train traveled the rails of the Sussex Branch Railroad in 1966 ending an era. [1][2][3][5]
The railroad right of way was purchased by State of New Jersey and now serves as a hiking and biking trail. The Sussex Branch section trail in Byram Township, within the Allamuchy Mountain State Park, is approximately 3 miles starting from Waterloo Road and extending to the summit at Cranberry Lake. [6]
NOTE: A lifelong railroad enthusiast, Robert L. Dennis, is a member of the Byram Township Historic Society.
1. Wright, Kevin W. (2000). Newton and the Iron Horse: A History of the Sussex Railroad. Accessed online: 3 December 2007. 2. Taber, Thomas Townsend. (1977). The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad; The Road of Anthracite: In the Nineteenth Century: 1828-1899. 144-147. 3. Rutan, Dave. (2003). Sussex Branch Memorial: Sussex Branch Timeline. Accessed online: 3 December 2007. 4. Cooper & Hewitt: Iron Manufacturing Abram S. Hewitt and Edward Cooper assumed the responsibility of managing and expanding Peter Cooper’s iron works at Trenton, NJ. Cooper, Hewitt & Co. became the sales organization for the products manufactured by the Trenton Iron Co. 5. Rutan, Dave, Remembering the Sussex Branch of the Lackawanna Railroad, 2013. 6. NJ Parks and Forest/ Allamuchy Mountain State Park; web access May 2021.
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Location for Marker “Sussex Railroad” The bridge over the Musconetcong River provided the connection to the Sussex Railroad Station at Waterloo, Mt. Olive, Morris County. Constructed in 1853, the bridge pier and abutments are still visible in the Musconetcong River. This tract serviced the Sussex Railroad and its’ successor, Sussex Branch Railroad of the DL&W until 1900 when the “Stanhope Cutoff” was built. At Waterloo Road the two right-of-way (track to Waterloo vs track to Stanhope) are separated by about 550 feet. The Stanhope Cut-off, north of Waterloo Road, serves as a parking area for the Sussex Branch Trail at Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Just north, about 500 feet, from the parking area, the split-off between the two tracks occurs. A path along the Waterloo track leads to Waterloo Road to the proposed site for the “Sussex Railroad” Marker.
The Sussex County Marker for the “Sussex Railroad” should be placed at the north side of Waterloo Road (Sussex County Route 604) near or at the abandoned right-of way track to Waterloo Station. At that area, there is ample room to park 3 cars to view the signage. Access is also available via the path along the track to Waterloo from the Sussex Branch Trail parking area. Across Waterloo Road a path along the track to Waterloo leads to the bridge pier and abutments. Continental Drive, utilizing part of the Stanhope Cutoff, provides access to the Sussex Branch Trail and Waterloo Village from Route I80. The Marker will be available for visitors to Waterloo Village.
Historical Background The Morris Canal influenced some of early industrialization of Warren, Sussex and Morris Counties. The “Hamlet of Byram”, as shown on the 1860 Sussex County Map1, is an example of early industrialization during the mid 1800s, the hamlet included several dwellings, a boarding house for workers, acid works for making tannic acid from tree bark, a saw mill, a flax factory, possibly creating material for weaving, a weaver likely involved in the making of carpet, several stores. It had a port with a store on the Morris Canal. The Waterloo Railroad Station at the junction of Sussex Railroad with Morris and Essex Railroad was accessible across the Musconetcong River.
Around 1840 John Humphries, a carpet merchant, arrives in New York City from Kidderminster, England. In 1853, Humphries purchases property with access to the Morris Canal with a storehouse (c. 1834) on the towpath of the Morris Canal. James Frenche comes into the enterprise in 1856 as a manager and co-owner. They constructed a factory to make Brussel carpet2 that were mainly made for barge bumpers and also constructed tannic acid factory. By early 1900’s James French has absorbed most of Humphrie’s assets with significant property and buildings including a mansion known as “Frenches Castle”. Frenche commuted via railroad taking the Lackawanna train at the Waterloo station to his office at Hoboken, NJ.
1 Hopkins, G.M., Map of Sussex County NJ, Carlos Allen, Philadelphia, 1860 2 Snell, History of Sussex and Warren County, 1881; John Humphries is listed as manufacturer of Brussel carpet. With the Morris Canal opening in 1831, properties along the canal route became highly valued. The undivided property in Byram Township, extending west from the provincial New Jersey Line to Sussex - Warren County border, drew interest from prominent citizens3.
January 17, 1834, Sussex County Deed (Book P3, page 449) from Wm. Robeson, John Maxwell, et al. transfers the property to Royal Hopkins, et. al. 996.5 Acres.
March 3, 1834, Sussex County Deed, Book S3, page 5, dated March 3, 1834 Oliver Ogden to Royal Hopkins of Hanover, land in Byram, 98.5 Acres.
March 7, 1834, Sussex County Deed, Book P3, page 447, Royal Hopkins, Roswell Mason, et al purchased from Samuel Rea land along the Morris Canal adjacent to General John Smith’s property at Waterloo. The deed cites; “to a line of land taken for use of Morris Canal along canal line of berm bank … to the line of said land now General John Smith, 8 acres. The deed also cites; “…edge of towing path of the Morris Canal about 2 chains from the storehouse of Royal Hopkins4 along- side of towpath to the middle of the to the middle of the Musconetcong River thence to middle or center of river to line of land now John Smith, 3 Acres”.
After several property transaction, on July 15, 1846, John Humphries, an English carpet merchant, purchases 1106 acres from John Sullivan (Sussex County Deed, Book F4, page 204). On March 28, 1851, John Humphries obtains a mortgage on the property from Daniel S. Griswald of New York City. The agreement cites 1.) “Loan of $12,000 mortgage …for purchase erecting and carrying on the manufacture of iron or such other business or speculation…” 2) “Mansion House” and “lumber to use for saw mill for finishing said mansion and making any improvements”.
An agreement dated Feb 2, 1856, between James Frenche and John Humphries, recorded Sussex County Deed Book R4 page 603-605. “to wit whereas Byram Village as extends from the storehouse thereon being to the canal foot bridge next to water too and being on the side next to Waterloo... reserves the length of one boat …may be required by any business in which Frenche or his representatives are interested; Said storehouse, the sawmill and its appurtenances, and water source…”. James French had immigrated from Ireland, settled in NYC and about 1860 moved into Byram Township and listed in the 1870 U.S. Byram Township, NJ census. Humphries and Frenche developed the industrial enterprise that lasted until the beginning of the 1900’s.
About Brussel Carpet Weaving The weaving of Brussel carpet was brought to this area, in 1850, by an English carpet merchant, Humphries5. Humphries originated from Kidderminster, England where Brussels Capet was manufactured6. Stourport, England is a canal basin at the Severn River and located a short distance from Kidderminster. Ms. Snook was not able to confirm that a Brussels Carpet made at Byram was placed at the U.S. Capital but, carpets were manufactured here to be used as bumpers for barges and tug boats.
3 John Maxwell, Esq. (1804-1845) was a Congressman and editor of Belvidere Apollo Newspaper. Wm Robeson, Esq., was a Warren County judge (1829-1849), also had a controlling interest in the Belvidere Apollo Newspaper. Samuel Rea was Director of the First National Bank of Hackettstown. 4 Prior to 1823 Royal Hopkins was in Hanover near Morristown as noted in several deeds. Hopkins was listed as living in Morris County in 1830. And is listed at Byram Township, Sussex County in 1840. While living in Hanover, Hopkins belonged to the Cincinnati Lodge #3 and was Worshipful Master 1823-24, according to “lodges and societies” p157 of History of Morris County 1882. George Washington was a member of this lodge for army veterans of the US Revolutionary War. The Free Mason Lodge still exist at Morristown, NJ. 5 Snell, History of Sussex and Warren County, 1881; John Humphries is listed as manufacturer of Brussel carpet. 6 In the late 1700s, Kidderminster, England was the British center of carpet weaving specializing in a carpet weave developed in Brussels, Belgium named Brussel Carpets. Kidderminster manufactured product principal distribution center is via Stourport. Stourport is about 2.5 miles south of Kidderminster at the canal basins at the Severn River terminus of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Research to Support the Historical Significance of this section of Morris Canal Greenway During a Spring 2020, a research field visit, along this section of the Morris Canal Greenway Trail, Ms. Myra Snook provided information on the historically significant ruins of the “Lost Hamlet of Byram” (c. 1840 – 1900)”. Myra Snook, a colleague at Sussex County Historical Society, has done researched on the Warren County Morris Canal Greenway for the Canal Society and had done specific research on the “Hamlet of Byram”. Much of the historical background is from her work and discussions.
Pictured c. 1890 on the Morris Canal at Starport / Stourport Storehouse c. 1834 and footbridge over the Morris Canal.
A map of the Morris Canal found by Ms. Snook at the Morris County Library
Canal Society sign near the footbridge and storehouse foundations
Foot bridge footing
Storehouse foundation on the canal
Button Factory Foundation
Musconetcong River valley along trail
End of trail at Route I80 bridge over the Musconetcong – on the other side is Waterloo Village
Location for Marker “Lost Hamlet of Byram” The Hamlet of Byram was located on the westerly side of Byram Township, just east of the Sussex/ Warren County boundary, west of Waterloo Village with access to the Morris Canal and the Musconetcong River. The Route I80 construction bisected, with road fill, this portion of the Morris Canal within Byram Township. On the northerly side of Route I80 lies Waterloo Village and to the south is Hamlet of Byram along the Morris Canal.
Some of the structures that were part of the Hamlet of Byram are now within the Allamuchy Mountain State Park on the southerly side of Route I80 and bounded by Morris Canal and the Musconetcong River. The property on the north side of Route I80, “Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation”, has the remining portion of the Hamlet of Byram. Perched high on the Allamuchy Mountain with several lakes (now called Frenche’s Pond and Upper Lake) and a Turmeric Swamp that drain to the Musconetcong River. The provincial “New Jersey Line” dividing East and West Jersey forms the eastern boundary of the “Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation”.
At Allamuchy Mountain State Park, there is a portion Warren County Morris Canal Greenway trail1, within Sussex County, that follows the Morris Canal towpath. Along the trail several remains of the Hamlet of Byram are visible that are cited in the following historical section.
The Sussex County Marker for the “Lost Hamlet of Byram” should be placed at the right-of-way of Sussex County Route 604 at Morris Canal Greenway trail head in Byram Township that is on the south side of Waterloo Road (Sussex County Route 604), west of Route I80. There is off road parking for about three autos for possible viewing and access to the trail.
View of the Morris Canal just off Sussex County Route 604 in Byram Twp.
1 This part of Morris Canal Greenway is segment 12 Saxton Falls to Waterloo Village. Connection of the Greenway to Waterloo Village is proposed.