Carbon County has officially taken ownership of 45 acres near Mauch Chunk Lake.

On Thursday, Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the board closed on the purchase of the property, owned by Edward Kanick, on Tuesday. The acreage parallels Lentz Trail at the Summit Hill/Jim Thorpe line to about 200 yards past the breast of the dam heading into Jim Thorpe.

“I would like to emphasize that it’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to preserve Mauch Chunk Lake Park and the outdoor recreational facility that is utilized by many county residents and visitors alike,” Lukasevich said.

Kanick offered 45 acres of the 55-acre property to Carbon County last month after his plans to construct nine homes on the site caused significant discussion due to the close proximity of a proposed on-site septic system to the lake. Kanick had requested a zoning change to allow the septic system because hooking up to the borough sewer line would have cost upwards of $500,000.

In March, Carbon County approved an agreement of sale for the property at a cost of $238,000, which will come from a $10 million land preservation bond. The land will remain undeveloped.

That same day, Jim Thorpe Borough Council shot down the proposed zoning change for the septic systems on properties five acres or larger at least 1,000 feet from the lake.