In 1989, Mercer County established an Open Space Preservation Board whose primary responsibility is to make recommendations regarding the overall administration of the county open space program. The board’s duties include preparation of a county open space plan, recommendation of open space areas for acquisition and development of a funding assistance program. The Open Space Preservation Board consists of eleven members who serve five year terms. The board consists of: the County Executive, a Commissioner, representatives from the Park Commission, Mercer County Planning Board, Cultural & Heritage Commission, State Green Acres and the County Agricultural Development Board and one citizen representative from each of the four geographic regions of the county. The Mercer County Planning Department administers the open space program and provides staff support to the Board.

Open Space Board members:

• Dan Benson, County Executive
• Vacant, Commissioner Representative
• Mike Long, Park Commission Representative
• Vacant, Planning Board Representative
• Vacant, Cultural and Heritage Representative
• Vacant, State Green Acres Representative (NON-VOTING)
• Vacant, Agricultural Board Representative
• Haig Kasabach, Chairman, Assunpink Region Citizen Representative
• Alan Hershey, Vice-Chairman, Piedmont Region Citizen Representative
• Timothy London, Urban Citizen Representative
• Wendy Mager, Millstone Citizen Representative

Staff Support:

• Maria G. Connolly, County Executive Designee, Director of Planning
• Cindy Taylor, Secretary, Land Preservation Coordinator
• Dilworth and Paxson, LLP, Counsel

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Annual Notice: Schedule of Meetings

Pursuant to Chapter 231, P. L. 1975, please be advised that the regular meeting of the Mercer County Open Space Preservation Board shall be held at 5 p.m. on Zoom according to the following schedule: 

• Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (Annual Reorganization)
• Tuesday, April 7, 2026
• Tuesday, June 2, 2026  
• Tuesday, August 4, 2026   
• Tuesday, October 6, 2026  
• Tuesday, December 1, 2026  
• Tuesday, February 2, 2027 (Annual Reorganization)

 ^{* The Mercer County Open Space Preservation Board may meet during interim months if necessary at 5 p.m. on Zoom.}