Owner of 175-year-old farm ‘shocked’ as New Jersey town tries to seize land for affordable housing – Fox News

Report on the Preservation Efforts of a Historic Family Farm in New Jersey Amid Affordable Housing Development

Introduction

A 175-year-old family farm located in Cranbury, New Jersey, is currently facing challenges due to local government efforts to seize the land for affordable housing development. This report highlights the ongoing dispute, emphasizing the implications for sustainable development and community heritage in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background of the Henry Family Farm

• The Henry family has owned the farm since 1850, maintaining it as a historic agricultural site.
• The farm supports livestock including approximately 40 cows and numerous sheep.
• The property has been preserved against multiple development proposals over the years.

Government Action and Eminent Domain

1. On April 24, the Henry family received notification from Cranbury Township officials regarding the intent to seize the entire 21-acre farm through eminent domain.
2. The seizure is part of a broader affordable housing plan mandated by New Jersey, requiring the construction of over 146,000 affordable housing units by 2035.
3. Subsequently, officials proposed taking only half of the farm, which would render the agricultural operations non-viable.

Community and Family Impact

• The farm represents a significant legacy for the Henry family and the Cranbury community, symbolizing historical agricultural contributions and local heritage.
• Local residents have expressed strong support for preserving the farm, demonstrated by a GoFundMe campaign raising over $100,000 to assist with legal costs.
• The farm’s preservation aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by maintaining cultural heritage and promoting sustainable land use.

Government and Agricultural Sector Response

• The Trump administration and USDA officials, including Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, have publicly opposed the government takeover of family farms.
• USDA is exploring legal avenues to support the Henry family and similar cases nationwide, reflecting a commitment to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by protecting agricultural livelihoods.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Preserving family farms ensures continued local food production and agricultural sustainability.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Maintaining historic farms supports cultural heritage and sustainable community development.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting farmland contributes to sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The legal battle underscores the importance of fair governance and community rights in land use decisions.

Conclusion

The case of the Henry family farm in Cranbury, New Jersey, highlights the complex balance between affordable housing development and the preservation of historic agricultural land. Emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable agriculture, community heritage, and responsible governance, is essential in guiding equitable and sustainable land use policies. Continued community support and legal advocacy remain critical in safeguarding this legacy for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the local government’s affordable housing plan and eminent domain seizure, which relates to urban planning and sustainable community development.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The preservation of the 175-year-old family farm is connected to food production and local agriculture, which supports food security.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The farm’s land use and agricultural heritage relate to sustainable land management and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The legal battle over eminent domain and property rights touches on justice, legal frameworks, and protecting community rights.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.
   • Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied by the focus on affordable housing development).
   • Number of housing units built or planned to meet affordable housing mandates (implied by the New Jersey mandate for 146,000 affordable housing units by 2035).
2. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Number and size of family farms preserved or lost (implied by the fight to keep the 21-acre farm viable for livestock).
   • Livestock numbers maintained on family farms (40 cows and many sheep mentioned as a viability measure).
3. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Area of agricultural land preserved or converted (implied by the land seizure and its impact on farm viability).
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of legal cases or disputes related to eminent domain and property rights (implied by the legal battle and government interventions).
   • Public participation in decision-making processes (implied by community support and fundraising efforts).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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