HOWELL – A much-anticipated win for Victory Road residents was approved at the most recent Township Council meeting. The council voted to purchase a parcel of land under the open space fund, securing it from future development.
The agenda item called for Howell Township to purchase land and properties. These include ordinance O-26-24, which calls for “the acquisition of certain real properties located at the block 110, lots 160, 160qfarm, and lot 164, also known as 814 Hulses Corner Road in Howell Township,” according to the agenda. Another hot item on the agenda was ordinance O-26-26, which calls for “the acquisition of certain real property located at block 41, lot 17, also known as the Victory Road property in Howell Township.”
Residents who attended the meeting spoke at the podium after the vote to thank the council. Citizens included Joe Bizonos, who spoke before the vote and summarized the ordinances for the public unfamiliar with the wording.
Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel also spoke after the vote, commending the council for passing the Victory Road purchase. “Tonight is a very special night for Howell Township,” said Velez-Gimbel. “More than 100 acres of land are moving toward preservation, and I want to sincerely thank Howell Township and Monmouth County for recognizing that protecting open space and preserving the character of Howell is an investment in our future.”
Velez-Gimbel, who has addressed the council before on this topic, said Victory Road is special to her. She also thanked the planning board, saying “they got it right.” She also noted that Monmouth County helped with the purchase of the land. According to officials who spoke at the meeting, Howell Township will provide 25% of the total money for the land while the county will provide the remaining 75%.
Velez-Gimbel also spoke with The Howell Times after the vote to explain why this is such a big win for the area.
“My involvement began in 2021, when a solar farm application came before the Howell Township Zoning Board. My initial concerns centered on the proposed clear-cutting of mature woodlands, including environmentally sensitive areas containing vernal pools. What began as an effort to protect this natural landscape and the quality of life of the surrounding residents eventually evolved into a much larger fight against a proposed warehouse development.
“For nearly five years, I have remained actively involved, organizing residents, working with professionals and local officials, and advocating for responsible land use. Even when the challenges seemed insurmountable, I continued pushing for a better outcome.
“What began as an effort to protect environmentally sensitive land and our quality of life became an opportunity to permanently preserve more than 19 acres, a part of Howell’s natural landscape,” she said.
Velez-Gimbel then went on to discuss what her main concerns were with the property being preserved instead of developed:
“My concerns extended beyond the proposed warehouse. The property contains mature woodlands and environmentally sensitive areas that are an important part of Howell’s natural landscape. The surrounding roads, infrastructure, homes, and farms were not suited for the impacts of a large-scale, 24/7 warehouse operation. Equally concerning was the permanent loss of valuable open space. Once land like this is developed, we cannot get it back. I believed preservation was the most responsible long-term solution, protecting both the environment and the quality of life of surrounding residents.”
Velez-Gimbel wants the public to understand some important ideas behind preserving the property.
“Victory Road is proof that residents can make a difference when they stand together, remain engaged, and refuse to give up. This was never about being against development. I support economic growth and recognize the importance of strengthening Howell’s tax base. However, responsible development is not just about what we build, but where we build it and how it impacts the surrounding community.
“Victory Road was simply the wrong location for a warehouse. I’m proud to have led this effort, but it was never something I accomplished alone. Residents, business owners, professionals, and local and county officials all played important roles in reaching this outcome. More than 19 acres will now move closer to preservation for future generations. That’s a tremendous victory, not just for the surrounding neighborhood, but for all of Howell,” she said.
Some proponents of the land preservation would like to see the land developed at some point. Velez-Gimbel said she still wants to see this area protected in some way, not allowing for commercial development so close to residents.
“I strongly believe this property should remain permanently preserved as open space. That was the goal we worked toward, and I believe we have a responsibility to honor it.
“I would, however, be open to exploring environmentally sensitive passive recreation, such as nature trails or walking paths, provided those uses are compatible with the property’s preservation restrictions and do not compromise its ecological value.
“I would not support residential or commercial development on this property. My hope is that future generations will be able to appreciate the mature forest, natural beauty, and rural character that make Howell such a special place to call home,” she said.
Mayor John Leggio also spoke about the Victory Road ordinance, saying that it has been a point of contention for many years. “We all talk about preserving the character of Howell,” Mayor Leggio said. “So, unless you grew up here and witnessed the changes that have happened here over the years, you may not understand how much development has happened in the past 40 years or so.”
Leggio said he served on the planning board while the application for the warehouse was first heard. He spoke about the issue, saying it is a good night for Howell, referring to the preservation of wildlife and the protection of open space.
“I’m proud of this council for moving forward, and I want to thank the county for stepping up and working with us on this. This is what our open space fund is for, and it’s what it should be used for,” he said.
Mayor Leggio spoke about his time on the Planning Board years ago, when the board voted to reject the warehouse proposal. “When Mike (Wrubel) and I were on the Planning Board, this was unanimously voted down 9-0, and it just took one judge to look at it and undo what nine of us voted for…,” said Mayor Leggio.
