A historic family farm in Cranberry, New Jersey, is facing potential seizure by the town over eminent domain issues.
This farm, long-held by the Henry brothers, Christopher and Andy, has been in their family for 175 years. Recently, they received a notice from the USDA’s Brook Rollins Department regarding the situation.
Last week, Rollins mentioned that she was “quickly considering this situation.” She added: “If it’s Maud, Henry, or anyone else, the Biden-style government acquisition of our family farm is over.” This case, she noted, is tied to an eminent domain issue in the city, with the USDA exploring all legal avenues to assist.
Rollins also mentioned she had been in contact with Andy Henry.
According to NJ.com, the family farm is under threat due to recent actions by the Cranberry Township Urban Commission aimed at paving the way for eminent domain seizures.
The local government is contemplating constructing state-run, affordable housing on much of the farm’s land, as reported by the outlet.
The Henry brothers have been fighting for several months to protect their farm from being seized.
They have invested around $200,000 into the property and previously declined an offer of up to $30 million from a developer, NJ.com noted.
While focused on preserving the farm, the Henrys argue that building affordable housing nearby, especially next to warehouses, isn’t ideal and that there are better locations available.
Their attorney, Timothy Dugan, contends that this move conflicts with the town’s commitment to preserving farmland in the area.
Fox Business has reached out to Cranberry Mayor Lisa Nierim and Dugan for comments on the situation.
Andy Henry expressed surprise at the town’s actions, stating it was “a complete shock to us.”
Officials have indicated that if eminent domain is enacted, the Henry family will be compensated at fair market value, according to NJ.com.
Andy Henry also mentioned that he doesn’t want to part with the farm but noted that the town is likely to offer “much less than developers would.”
NJ.com reported that Knierim is pursuing the farm’s eminent domain, which allows developers engaged in expensive litigation to benefit.
No one, as per past records, has expressed support for these eminent domain moves, nor for the farm’s potential disappearance.
Andy Henry mentioned that when Rollins talked to him, she said she would make several calls to assist.
He remarked that she acknowledged this matter is not a federal issue, yet she is striving to help.
Cranberry Township is situated in central New Jersey and has a population of thousands, nestled in Middlesex County, which has over 890,000 residents.
