Madison & Drew Sign Deal To Preserve Drew Forest, Open Other Land for Housing Redevelopment

MADISON, NJ - Drew University and the Borough of Madison have signed a set of agreements intended to permanently preserve the Drew Forest while allowing the sale and redevelopment of other university-owned land along Madison Avenue for multi-family, inclusionary residential housing, according to announcements released Jan. 12.

Under the purchase agreement, Madison would acquire what the Jan. 12 release describes as the 47.3-acre “Drew Forest Preserve” to protect it “in perpetuity.” The settlement also includes the Borough’s acquisition of the Madison House property and establishes a framework for selling other “surplus” university land for redevelopment.

The deal reflects a negotiated approach to two recurring local pressures in Morris County: preserving scarce open space and expanding housing options, while also addressing the financial and land-use needs of a large “anchor” institution.

“In Congress, I worked with state and local leaders to deliver millions of dollars in federal funding to preserve the Drew Forest, and I am excited that Drew University and the Borough of Madison have reached an agreement that both protects our natural resources while expanding access to housing that is affordable in Morris County,” Governor-elect and former Rep. Mikie Sherrill said.

What the Drew Forest is, and why it matters regionally

The forested area, which includes the Zuck Arboretum, is described by the Borough and Drew as an "ecologically significant" mix of "mature woodland and glacial ponds" on Drew’s 163-acre campus. Officials say the area contributes to groundwater recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer and provides roughly 22 acres of public trails. Drew will retain access for academic and research use.

Earlier public documents have described the preserve at a larger size. A Nov. 2024 Borough release referred to “51 intact acres,” and a Morris County open-space document lists the project as 51 acres, describing it as an aquifer recharge area and noting habitat concerns, including for the Indiana bat. The Jan. 2026 agreement announcement, by contrast, specifies a 47.3-acre acquisition figure.

[Credit: Friends of the Drew Forest]

Housing and “inclusionary” redevelopment

The agreement contemplates multi-family “inclusionary” housing on other university-owned parcels along Madison Avenue. In New Jersey, “inclusionary development” is defined in state law as a residential development in which a substantial percentage of units are provided for a reasonable income range of low- and moderate-income households.

No unit counts, timelines, or specific redevelopment plans were included in the Jan. 12 release. Officials said additional information on implementation, redevelopment planning, and public input opportunities will be shared as the process advances.

“Preserving Drew Forest while responsibly redeveloping surplus campus land for multi-family residential housing is a win for everyone involved,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

Funding and next steps

At the signing ceremony, Mayor Robert Conley and Drew President Hilary Link highlighted a private fundraising goal of $5 million by the Friends of the Drew Forest to help complete Madison’s purchase package, according to the release.

State and local funding have also been part of the preservation effort in recent years. Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco said the agreement was supported by $9 million in state funding. Morris County documents and advocacy materials also reference county open-space support, including a 2023 $5 million county open space grant and a separate 2024 county grant amount listed at $1,087,766. 

Madison Mayor Conley called the agreement “a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal,” and credited the Friends of the Drew Forest and several individuals for assistance. 

Drew University President Hilary Link, PhD., said the agreement “ensures the long-term protection” of the forest while strengthening Drew’s financial foundation.

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