Gov. Phil Murphy Reverses Condemnation of Private Property to meet the affordable housing mandate in this town just before Election Day
Phil Murphy just took away one of Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign issues.
And he did it by preserving a farm.
Here’s the back story.
Earlier this month, Ciattarelli hosted a press conference at Andy Henry’s Farm in Cranbury.
All candidates like talking about preserving farms in the Garden State, but this one was a little different.
The township had announced plans to condemn the farm through eminent domain and build affordable housing on it.
Ciattarelli was not alone in condemning the idea, railing against both the state’s affordable housing mandate and the ill-advised use of eminent domain, which is designed to eliminate blight.
This farm was anything but. It was – and is – a vibrant, 21-acre livestock farm. And as Ciattarelli spoke, an interested cow and steer were nearby.
The candidate promised to stop such excesses of government if he is elected.
Well, at least with this farm, Ciattarelli will not have to do anything.
On Thursday, Murphy announced a deal that would stop the condemnation and keep the farm as is. Here is part of what the governor said in a statement:
“New Jersey’s family farms are an essential and deeply cherished part of our state’s story. For 175 years, the Henry Family Farm has stood on South River Road in Cranbury as a proud symbol of that agricultural tradition. For that reason, I am proud that – with the help of our Administration – the Henry family, Cranbury Township, and Fair Share Housing have reached an agreement that will ensure the farm remains under the family’s ownership, while local leaders look elsewhere to meet the town’s affordable housing obligations.”
While there are still details to be worked out, the agreement will negate the need to use the farm in the municipality’s housing plan, and as such, avoid the need for condemnation.
The governor hailed the agreement.
Ciattarelli did not immediately comment, but his overall development thinking is unlikely to change.
He has pledged to challenge the state’s affordable housing policies legally, and if necessary, appoint state Supreme Court judges who share his views.
The GOP candidate supports redevelopment in older cities and towns. A prime example, he said, is where he lives in Somerville.
He said smart growth around the train station has revitalized the town with not only new housing, but a Main Street filled with “mom and pop” businesses.
Ciattarelli says that is far better than forcing development into suburban areas – even if condemnation is not involved.
By William Swanson, Special to The Central Observer