Burlington County government is purchasing four Palmyra houses because of owners' concerns about their proximity to tracks that will form part of the proposed Southern New Jersey Light Rail Line.

The board of freeholders authorized settlements Wednesday for the purchase of four downtown homes on West Broad Street for a total of $263,000. The county plans to demolish the homes so the land can be added to the municipal park behind them, officials said.

The prices of the homes range from $61,000 to $92,500. They are at 306 to 316 W. Broad St. on quarter-acre lots between Park and Chestnut streets.

Freeholder William Haines said it is an opportunity to expand open space and ease citizens' concerns.

"We do not envision the county buying other properties," he said. The situation is unique because the homes are alongside a park, Haines said.

Fred Hardt, lawyer for the four families, said some of the houses are only seven feet from the railroad right of way and less than 20 feet from the center line. The families are satisfied with the purchase offers and the final papers are expected to be signed next month, Hardt said.

When the rail line starts operating in another year, trains will make several daily trips between Camden and Trenton compared with two freight trains a day that use the line now.

"They are very much concerned that when the New Jersey Transit operation goes full-bore, their lives will become very, very terrifying. Some have small children and they feel it would affect quality of life," Hardt said.

He represents homeowners Julio Valazquez, Robert and Cathy Trommelen, Anthony and Jennifer Morgan, and Elizabeth Angst and Joseph Atkinson. The families deferred comment to Hardt.

Half the money for the purchases will come from the state Green Acres program, Haines said. The county is financing the other half with money from the county's dedicated property tax for open space. However, it is negotiating with Palmyra to contribute 25 percent of the total cost, Haines said.

County spokesman Ralph Shrom said the state has agreed to pay demolition costs.