Cranbury township plans to seize family farm for housing
- Cranbury Township is under pressure to meet state affordable housing targets.
- The Henry family has fought against the seizure of their farm for months.
- The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between development needs and preserving family heritage.
In New Jersey, a fifth-generation family farm risks seizure by the local township through eminent domain as part of state-mandated affordable housing development. The Henry family, owners of the farm located in Cranbury, have maintained the land for 175 years, against pressures from warehouse developers and other entities. Recently, the township council discussed its affordable housing plan, designating the Henrys' farm as a potential site for development. The state mandates municipalities to produce housing plans periodically, with Cranbury required to accommodate approximately 265 affordable housing units. The Henry family argues that the proposed site is unsuitable for such development, suggesting alternative locations with better infrastructure. They emphasize the importance of protecting family farms and have received attention from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who expressed support for their cause. The situation exemplifies the legal complexities and emotional challenges families face when local governments pursue eminent domain for housing needs, raising discussions on the balance between development and preservation of heritage lands.