SO WHAT'S THE OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND? AND IS IT USING YOUR TAX DOLLARS WISELY?

It's been 10 years since Maplewood residents voted to approve the creation of the Open Space Trust Fund, which created a 1 percent tax on all properties to fund projects associated with "recreation and conservation purposes."

The fund raises about $300,000 annually to be spent on such projects, with the appointed Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee responsible for deciding where the money goes. The Township Committee must approve all such projects as well.

The tax raised $204,000 the first year and $308,000 this year, according to Township CFO Juan Uribe.

 

See who is on that committee HERE and read the responsibilities of the committee HERE.

But are they spending the money as they should?

We have all noticed the spanking new park benches in front of the Maplewood Library.

A review of Township documents finds they were funded through the trust fund and cost $6,841.

See below:

 

The Trust Fund has been in heavy use this year, previously paying for the new $174,000 skate park at Maplecrest Park and most recently the replacement of the Memorial Park tennis courts at more than $200,000. 

Some wonder why the Maplecrest Park tennis courts were not upgraded as well.

See the entire list of its projects dating back to 2006 HERE.

Is this proper use of the funds? Let us know what you think below.