By Genine Hopkins
After learning that the City of Harrison returned its lease on two parcels on Budd Lake near Saginaw & Hillcrest and that the properties were placed for sale by Harrison Community School’s Board of Education, a Special Meeting by the BOE was held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., to address concerned residents. In the end, the sale was approved by Paper Moon, a company owned by a Budd Lake resident and owner of several Air BnBs in and around Budd Lake. The purchasers agreed to keep the parcels open to the general public.
While the perfect solution for many would have been for the City of Harrison to remain in the lease, many understood the investment that was needed so that access was better and maintenance was required as well, all of which would be costly to the city.
The environment was welcoming and all who attended agreed they felt heard, despite having a 4-3 narrow approval. The board members recognized that the sale of the property need not be approved solely to the highest bidder, that the good of the community was also to be considered. Board members who voted against the sale to Paper Moon noted that Harrison is home to “20 lakes in 20 minutes,” but supporters of the sale to the local entity noted kids who live around the Budd Lake area may not be able to travel to most of the lakes that many consider to be “close” to the area since they are on bikes or on foot.
With the finalization of the sale in the near future, it is hoped this chapter can be put behind the residents of Budd Lake and they look forward to enjoying these parcels for years to come.
