Agreement for Madison to buy Drew Forest signed by borough, university

MADISON EAGLE– By BRETT FRIEDENSOHN Managing Editor Jan 13, 2026

Mayor Robert Conley and Drew University President Hillary Link signed an agreement for the borough to purchase the Drew Forest on Sunday, Jan. 11, Conley announced during the Borough Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.

The council had previously passed a resolution to enter a settlement with Drew to purchase the forest for preservation for $23.8 million at a special meeting on Monday, Dec. 22.

The borough also plans to buy the Madison House, a historic home at 2 Vinal Place on the campus, and some surrounding land and parking area, for $400,000.

The settlement would also involve the creation of two new parcels to be subdivided for inclusionary housing and other development. One area, Parcel B, is behind the United Methodist Church in Madison, and the other, Parcel C, is between Madison Avenue and the frontage of Ranger Stadium.

The council passed a resolution at the Jan. 12 meeting directing the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation as to whether this area qualifies as an area in need of redevelopment.

In another resolution, the council directed the Planning Board to amend the Third Round affordable housing plan to include this area.

Next steps include environmental testing, a settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, the redevelopment process for the areas set aside for housing, and closing on the deal by Dec. 31, 2026, Conley said.

While there are grants from federal, state, county and local government, the deal is contingent on a $5 million capital campaign by the Friends of the Drew Forest, Conley said.

Judy Kroll, co-chair of the Friends, said the group already has an anonymous donor who has agreed to match donations up to $2.5 million, so the Friends will need to fundraise for the other $2.5 million.

“The goal for us has always been a signed agreement for conservation purchase of the forest,” Kroll said. “As the mayor indicated, there are still some important steps that need to be taken before the ownership of the forest is transferred to Madison. And of course, nothing is done until it’s done.”

Steve Johnson, interim chief academic officer at Drew, said that preserving the forest and ensuring the university’s financial stability have been essential to the accord that was signed.

“The forest remains an integral part of the community, of the region and Drew’s academic mission,” Johnson said. “And we’re thrilled that our shared goal of preserving this invaluable land is happening.”

Link, who could not attend the meeting because she was travelling to Texas for business, said in a statement that this milestone ensures the long-term protection of an extraordinary environmental and educational asset while strengthening the university’s financial foundation and ability to serve future generations of students.

“This agreement comes at a moment of tremendous excitement and momentum for Drew as a national leader in innovating a liberal arts education for the future,” Link said. “I am deeply grateful for the partnership with the Borough of Madison and look forward to our continued collaboration for the vibrant future of Madison and Drew University.”