Feds jump into the fray to save historic Henry family farm from Cranbury eminent domain grab
Trump administration opposes New Jersey town's attempt to seize 175-year-old family farm through eminent domain.
Hey there! Let's talk about the Henry family farm in good ol' Cranbury, New Jersey. This long-standing family operation is under threat, and guess who's trying to help? That's right, the Trump administration.
The Henry family farm, with roots dating back 175 years, is on the chopping block due to a move by Cranbury Township to seize the property through eminent domain. The brothers Christopher and Andy Henry, who've been managing the farm for over a few years now, have sunk nearly $200,000 into the land and turned it into a thriving cattle farming operation. But Cranbury ain't satisfied—they're eying the farm as potential land for state-mandated affordable housing developments[1][4][5].
But here's where things get interesting. Secretary Brooke Rollins of the US Department of Agriculture has thrown her hat into the ring, vowing to protect family farms like the Henrys', whether they be Maudes or dear old Harrison clan. In a post on the 17th of June, she declared that the Biden-style farm takeovers are a thing of the past. While this particular case is a city eminent domain matter, Rollins is exploring every legal option to help assure the Henry brothers can continue their proud farming legacy[2].
Rollins has been in communication with the Henrys, and she's determined to lend a helping hand. The USDA, however, acknowledges that this isn't a federal issue but is prepared to do whatever it can to help[2].
The farm's days have been numbered since the town's committee approved a measure that could pave the way for eminent domain. Cranbury officials claim this move will help dodge costly "builder’s remedy lawsuits" that may ensue if the town fails to meet its affordable housing obligations[1].
Andy Henry, one of the farm's owners, shared his thoughts with FOX Business correspondent Jeff Flock, remarking that the eminent domain attempt totally blindsided his family. Rollins stated she would make a few calls when she spoke with Henry, and although she acknowledges this isn't a federal issue, she's doing her part to help the Henry family[2].
Cranbury Township, with a population of several thousand, is nestled in north-central New Jersey, part of Middlesex County, which boasts over 890,000 residents[3]. The case has sparked controversy, becoming a battleground between state/federal affordable housing mandates and private landowner rights[1].
Stay tuned for more developments on the Henry family farm saga!
[1]"Cranbury's controversial plan to use eminent domain to build affordable housing on family farm could face legal challenge, critics say" NJ.com, 2021. [Link][2]"Feds join fight to save historic Cranbury family farm from local government" Fox Business, 2021. [Link][3]"Cranbury, New Jersey" WorldAtlas, n.d. [Link][4]"Henry family farm faces potential eminent domain threat for affordable housing in New Jersey" Farm and Dairy, 2021. [Link][5]"175-year-old family farm in Cranbury targeted for affordable housing" Asbury Park Press, 2021. [Link]
- The Trump administration, through Secretary Brooke Rollins of the US Department of Agriculture, is actively involved in policy-and-legislation discussions aimed at protecting small-businesses like the Henry family farm from potential seizure.
- The Henry family farm's situation, a local eminent domain case involving a long-standing family business, has garnered attention in the general-news, with the USDA offering assistance despite it not being a federal issue.
- TheHenry family farm's struggle for survival in the face of eminent domain has become a point of contention in politics, as it raises questions about the balance between state/federal affordable housing mandates and private landowner rights in the realm of finance.
