Union County Sues Open Road Subaru Affiliates Over Alleged Clearing of Protected Parkland
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Union County has filed a civil lawsuit against entities associated with Open Road Subaru on Route 22 in Union, alleging that approximately 1.5 acres of county-owned parkland were cleared without authorization.
The complaint names Morais Automotive LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates LLC, and 2685 Route 22 Property Associates LLC. County officials allege the companies removed about 300 mature trees and placed encroachments on protected public property adjacent to the dealership.
The area in question, now used as a parking lot for Open Road Subaru, was formerly home to the Clinton Manor hotel and banquet hall. Demolition of the long-vacant structure, which dated to 1960, began in July 2025.
Union County Life is reporting on this environmental protection lawsuit. The dealership property borders the Rahway River and is near Smithfield Park in Springfield. According to the lawsuit, the alleged clearing took place on parkland protected under New Jersey's Green Acres program, which provides additional safeguards for public open space and natural resources.
County Manager Ed Oatman emphasized that public parkland belongs to residents. "Public parkland belongs to the people of Union County. According to the allegations in this lawsuit, approximately 300 mature trees were removed from County-owned property, resulting in significant damage to protected public land," Oatman said.
Oatman noted that the impact extends beyond trees alone. "The destruction of vegetation and mature tree canopy affects wildlife habitat, including areas used by migratory birds, deer, and other species, and diminishes the ecological value of the park. The county has a responsibility to protect public land and hold responsible parties accountable when damage occurs."
He added that the lawsuit aims to achieve multiple goals. "This lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable, restore the affected parkland, and protect the interests of Union County residents. Our parks are public assets, and we will continue to take all appropriate action to safeguard them for future generations."
Union Business Administrator Don Travisano said the township places high value on preserving trees and open space. "Here in Union, we take our green spaces seriously. We recently held a tree seedling giveaway, providing 150 free trees to residents, and we have a tree ordinance that regulates the removal and replacement of trees within the township. The ordinance is intended to protect trees and prevent their indiscriminate destruction," Travisano said.
For more information about Union County environmental protection and legal actions, stay informed on Union County Life.
FAQ
Q: What is Union County suing Open Road Subaru for?
A: Union County filed a civil lawsuit alleging that entities associated with Open Road Subaru on Route 22 cleared approximately 1.5 acres of county-owned parkland without authorization and removed about 300 mature trees. The companies also allegedly placed encroachments on protected public property adjacent to the dealership.
Q: Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit names Morais Automotive LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates LLC, and 2685 Route 22 Property Associates LLC.
Q: Where is the parkland that was allegedly cleared?
A: The parkland is county-owned land in Union, adjacent to the Open Road Subaru dealership on Route 22. The property borders the Rahway River and is near Smithfield Park in Springfield.
Q: What was on the site before it became a parking lot?
A: The site was formerly home to the Clinton Manor hotel and banquet hall, which dated to 1960. Demolition of the long-vacant structure began in July 2025.
Q: What is the Green Acres program?
A: Green Acres is a New Jersey program that provides additional safeguards for public open space and natural resources, protecting them under state law.
Q: What does the county want from this lawsuit?
A: According to County Manager Ed Oatman, the lawsuit seeks to hold responsible parties accountable, restore the affected parkland, and protect the interests of Union County residents.
Q: What is the environmental impact of removing 300 mature trees?
A: The removal affects wildlife habitat used by migratory birds, deer, and other species, and diminishes the ecological value of the park. The loss of vegetation and mature tree canopy reduces the environmental function of the protected land.
