175-Year-Old Family Farm in NJ Faces Eminent Domain for Affordable Housing

Cranbury, NJ: Family Farm Faces Eminent Domain Threat for Affordable Housing A dispute is brewing in Cranbury, New Jersey, over a 175-year-old family farm, 21 acres of land, that could be seized via eminent domain to make way for an affordable housing development. The Henry family, who have owned the land since 1850, are fighting back. "They want to keep it in the family," stated the reporter. The land is estimated to be worth upwards of $5 million, according to their attorney. Cranbury's need to meet state-mandated affordable housing quotas has created a conflict, forcing the town to consider this controversial move. The town's ordinance, if enacted, would allow them to begin the process of seizing the property. However, the landowner is still entitled to fair market value compensation. The family's attorney is prepared to take the case to court. The town has a deadline of June 30th to submit their affordable housing plan to the state. This case highlights the tension between development needs and the preservation of family legacies in New Jersey.