Statement by Governor Murphy on Protecting Henry Family Farm in Cranbury

“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.

“From the very beginning, I have opposed efforts to seize the Henry Family Farm through eminent domain. While every town in New Jersey must do its part to resolve our state’s affordable housing crisis, these efforts must be pursued thoughtfully and collaboratively.

“That is exactly why this agreement is so important. It hinges on an impending revision of a rule proposed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency that we anticipate will be finalized by the end of the year, permitting responsible development that will make housing more accessible and more affordable for families in Cranbury and across our state.

“I want to thank Andy and Christopher Henry, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Jacquelyn Suárez, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Executive Director Melanie Walter, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Fair Share Housing, and Cranbury Township for working in good faith to reach this resolution.

“New Jersey will always protect its farmers and farmland. And we will always live up to our reputation as the Garden State.”

For a copy of the agreement, please click here.