Cranbury’s long-protected agricultural heartland will continue to thrive after state leaders, township officials, and the Henry family reached a compromise that prevents the seizure of one of Middlesex County’s most cherished farms.
Governor Phil Murphy confirmed on October 23, 2025 that the iconic Henry Family Farm will stay in agricultural use and remain under family ownership. The announcement ends a tense and widely watched dispute that revolved around whether the township could take control of part of the land through eminent domain to construct affordable housing.
The Henry Farm has roots stretching back 175 years and is considered a signature piece of New Jersey’s farming heritage. Local residents, preservationists, and advocates for farming communities rallied behind the family as the legal battle intensified. Interest in farm preservation continues growing across the state, especially as open land becomes increasingly rare. Readers can explore more on New Jersey’s agricultural identity at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/agriculture-farming/
Cranbury officials faced pressure to satisfy state affordable housing requirements and had argued that they were running out of suitable development locations. A ruling from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency previously restricted construction near warehouses, a common land use in the region. With limited options, township leaders voted in May 2025 to acquire 12 acres of the Henry Farm to build 130 affordable units.
The family, who has worked the land since 1850, pushed back in court, arguing that their property was crucial to both history and food production. The case quickly spread beyond New Jersey and sparked national interest. Support for the Henrys surfaced from agriculture advocates and federal officials, illustrating how farmland conflicts can become flashpoints in debates about housing and land use across America.
The final agreement relieves both sides from some of the most difficult aspects of the dispute. The property stays exactly where the Henry family and longtime Cranbury residents want it, protected and functional as farmland. Cranbury will continue fulfilling housing obligations but at different sites, thanks to a state-level easing of the 250-foot warehouse proximity rule. This regulatory shift opened the door to more flexible planning that avoids sacrificing historic farmland.
Governor Murphy called the outcome a product of teamwork and a model for future problem solving. He emphasized that New Jersey can protect its farming traditions while also ensuring families have access to affordable homes. According to Murphy, a community succeeds when progress and preservation move forward together, rather than clashing.
Cranbury Mayor Lisa Knierim echoed those sentiments, praising persistent advocacy from residents determined to protect the farm’s legacy. Supporters believe this moment will be remembered as one where local voices helped guide state decision-making in a constructive direction.
Andy and Christopher Henry expressed gratitude that they can continue stewarding the land passed down through generations. Their representatives noted that the family feels deeply relieved, appreciative of the broad coalition that stood with them throughout the process.
Safeguarding this farm ensures that Cranbury remains a place where agriculture still has room to breathe. Fields that once seemed threatened by development pressure will keep producing crops and nourishing a sense of place that defines Central Jersey’s rural past and present. For many New Jerseyans, that outcome is worth celebrating and investing in. Anyone interested in more of the state’s essential farming landscape can explore coverage at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/agriculture-farming/
The agreement gives Cranbury a path forward that honors community needs while keeping history alive. In a rapidly changing state, achieving that balance is no small accomplishment.
