Trump Admin Joins Fight To Save Middlesex Co. Farm From Being Seized By Town

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - In a new twist to the historic Cranbury farm saga, the Trump administration has now joined the fight to prevent the town from seizing it to build affordable housing.

Cranbury Township is pursuing eminent domain proceedings against Andy’s Family Farm, a 150-year-old family farm, to make way for a large affordable housing development, setting up a legal battle over the historic property.

Andy Henry, whose family has owned the farm on South River Road since 1850, refuses to sell the land.

This farm has been in the Henry family for three generations. The property is co-owned by Andy and his brother Christopher, who grew up in Cranbury but currently live in New Mexico. They lease the land to a local who raises sheep and cattle.

Earlier this week, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on the controversy, saying the United States Department of Agricultural is exploring “every legal option” to help the Henry Family.

“On the phone with Andy Henry of Highland Ranch in Cranbury, NJ. The city govt has approved seizing his 175-year-old family farm via eminent domain for affordable housing units. Whether the Maudes, the Henrys or others whom we will soon announce, the Biden-style government takeover of our family farms is over,” Rollins posted on X.

Republican candidate for Governor Jack Ciattarelli thanked Rollins for her intervention in the matter.

“As Governor, I’ll end overdevelopment to protect our suburbs, farms, & open space,” he further said on X.

The 21-acre farm is off Exit 8A of the New Jersey Turnpike and currently sits between massive warehouses and busy roads.

According to state mandate, Cranbury has to allow developers to build 265 affordable housing units over the next 10 years. The township has until June 30 to submit their housing plan.

Despite objections from residents, the Council adopted an ordinance last month approving a plan to acquire the Henry farm.

During the meeting, Mayor Lisa Knierim said the township was facing significant restrictions when allotting land due to sewer and water availability, proximity to mass transit, and a new 200-foot buffer zone for warehouse distribution.

Knierim said several closed sessions were held by officials to reviews countless properties and their viability.

“Cranbury, as a township, has very limited land available west of Route 30 that can meet this criteria. I know because I live in a community without sewer due to our open space and protected farmland already in place, there simply was no way to meet the 265 unit obligation and meet the sewer and water requirement, mass transit availability,” Knierim said.

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