Local conservation efforts secured a major victory in Burlington County with the permanent protection of nearly 12 acres of pristine land, preventing future commercial or residential development in a highly visible corridor of Medford Township, according to an announcement from Rose Commercial Real Estate.
The transaction involved the sale of an 11.9-acre parcel situated at 131 Church Road. Medford Township purchased the tract from the Burk Jakominich Corporation for $973,700. The deal was orchestrated by Jeff Lucas, director of business development for Rose Commercial Real Estate, who acted as the dual broker representing both the municipal buyer and the private corporate seller.
Transforming the private parcel into public open space required clearing complex regulatory hurdles. To advance the municipal appraisal and funding process, Lucas worked directly with local officials to finalize the formal wetlands delineation on the property, map out the sensitive environmental boundaries, and verify the precise layout of the acreage.
The Preservation Zone: The newly protected land sits in a prime suburban pocket, located just down the street from the well-known Johnson’s Corner Farm and less than a half mile from the campus of Lenape High School.
The acquisition was met with immediate praise from local residents, particularly from the neighbors residing in the nearby Wyngate 55+ active adult community. By shifting the property into public hands, the township ensures the permanent protection of the local ecosystem, preserving mature tree canopies, safeguarding area wildlife, and preventing the traffic congestion that traditionally accompanies commercial sub-divisions.
The successful closing marks a recurring pattern of environmental advocacy for the brokerage firm. Lucas has built a specialized track record of bridging the gap between municipal entities and private landowners; he previously served as a lead broker in a similar transaction that permanently preserved 26 acres of open space in Cherry Hill.
With the transaction finalized, the Church Road parcel will be integrated into Medford’s broader municipal greenway system, protecting the town’s natural landscape for future generations.
