Mayor Julia Fahl Finalizes Historic Purchase of Closson Property

Above: Mayor Julia Fahl shakes hands with Ed Closson as they complete the real estate transaction that puts over 8 acres of open space into the hands of the City of Lambertville

June 7, 2021— Lambertville, NJ — The City of Lambertville, led by Mayor Julia Fahl, has closed on the historic Closson property, located at 260 North Main Street. This effort began in October when the Closson family announced their retirement from the Homestead Farm Market, after more than 30 years of serving the community. With their retirement, they announced the sale of the over 8.5-acre property at the northern gateway of the Lambertville community.  

“A preservation opportunity like this occurs once in a generation. This property is the last remaining large tract of undeveloped land in Lambertville.  This property is a key ingredient in the rich history and character of our city,” said Mayor Julia Fahl, who led this preservation effort along with some members of the City Council, local advocates, and conservation organizations across the county and the State.

“The City of Lambertville and its residents owe a great debt of gratitude to the Closson Family. They have helped shape our community, including the donation of Ely Field and the lot for the Lambertville Public School and now their partnership in the preservation of this property.” Quoted Mayor Fahl “Debbie and Ed Closson have ensured that our community can maintain its rural and historic character for generations to come.”  

“We are just getting started on our work with this property. I will be working with the incredible volunteers in our Community Advisory Team, led by residents Sarah Gold and Paul Kuhl, to build a long-term plan for the use of the property and I hope to announce several grant funding agreements before I am done with my mayorship.” Said Mayor Fahl, “This property is full of endless opportunities that we look forward to envisioning with the community, including ideas like community meeting space, creating community gardens, a local dog park, and walking trails, and more.” says Mayor Fahl.  

Mayor Fahl worked with some members of City Council to ensure that the purchase of this historic property to the Lambertville community would not become an additional tax burden, leveraging the open space tax monies which are collected and restricted for the express purpose of preservation and maintenance of open space. She is also working on potential reimbursements and grants from state agencies such as Green Acres and the State Historic Trust.

The City has partnered with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Hunterdon Land Trust, and others to ensure that this property is preserved in perpetuity.  “Our goal is to keep this property largely untouched, preserving this historic asset and viewshed at the north end of our town. ”The property is home to the historic Holcombe House, where George Washington planned the Battle of Monmouth. The Closson family generously allowed Cow Hill to be Lambertville’s favorite spot for sledding. The property also houses multiple historic barns.

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