Drew University Agrees to Sell the Forest to Borough of Madison

The Borough of Madison and Drew University reached an agreement to preserve Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum, Drew University President Hillary Link announced Friday afternoon. 

In an email to students and faculty, Link said the university signed a nonbinding term sheet that outlines the sale of the Drew Forest to the Borough of Madison for over $65 million. 

Link said that the agreement and land sale are a part of the university’s “continued progress toward a sustainable financial future for the University and the preservation of The Forest.”

The Drew Forest Preserve boasts 51 acres of ecologically important resources, including mature trees and glacial ponds. The preserve also provides benefits to many surrounding municipalities, including acres of public trails, unique carbon sequestration and regional opportunities for education.

“The long-term preservation of the Drew Forest as an environmental, educational, and recreational resource for our community, along with ensuring the future of the University, are solidified in reaching this nonbinding agreement with the Borough,” said Link. 

Mayor Robert Conley also expressed the importance of the land sale to the surrounding community. 

“This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal. We are thrilled to have reached this major milestone and grateful that the Drew Forest will remain a treasure for our community and region,” he said.

The agreement also outlines the transfer of ownership of frontage along Madison Avenue, including Madison House, to the borough. Madison House currently serves as offices for Drew’s Human Resources, Finance and Student Employment Departments.

“Going forward, Drew University and the Borough of Madison will work together toward the closing of the Drew Forest acquisition, and the rezoning and subdivision of two other parcels of university property, with an anticipated closing in the second quarter of 2025,” the borough and university said in a joint statement.

In response to the statement, students and faculty speculate that the additional parcels of land include Sitterly House and the Sitterly Parking Lot. 

Sitterly houses the English department and The Other End, a historic café that students are working to revitalize. The Sitterly Parking Lot is commonly known as “the Commuter Lot” and is the closest parking lot to Brother’s College, the Hall of Sciences and many faculty offices.

“The language of the email is vague enough that students without the proper background knowledge may overlook the impact that this decision will have on the student experience,” said current student Gillian Sampson (C’24, G’26). 

Students who are impacted by the additional land sale said they feel upset by the implications it has.

“It’s such an inconvenience and slap to the face that they don’t care about us or faculty,” said Dee Cohen (‘26).

Students are also expressing concern that the sale and rezoning of this land would add to the current issues students have with parking.

“I’m not even a commuter or have a car here and even I know there’s already a parking crisis, this is gonna make it 10 times worse,” said Sabr Keres-Siddqui (‘27).

The borough and university said they would keep the community updated as the sale proceeds. In their statement, they said, “Further details about the agreement and next steps in the preservation and development process, will be shared as they become available. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the redevelopment plan as it progresses through the Planning Board.”

Sierra Walker is a senior majoring in marketing and media & communications and minoring in Spanish.