At the October 13th, 2022 Township Committee meeting, it was brought to the attention of the Township Committee that there is incredible public interest in the preservation of “Marve Farm”, 185 Whitebridge Road. Please note that there is currently NO farmland preservation application made to State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), the Hunterdon County Agriculture Board or the municipality. Discussions are currently being organized with SADC, the County, the Land Use Board and the Township Committee to update the Township’s Farmland Preservation Plan and to coordinate a list of properties to determine priority preservation efforts. It is recognized that 185 Whitebridge Road has been a historically recognized priority target for preservation. Neither the SADC, the County or the municipality can preserve the property without cooperation or interest from the property owner who has recently put the property up for sale. The municipality has no control over the private sale of real estate. Please note that the property is zoned for Agricultural and Residential uses with 7 acre minimum lot restrictions. It is NOT zoned for commercial uses. Should a zoning violation be brought to the Township’s attention, the Township will make every effort to cease and correct any such violation.
On behalf of the Franklin Township Committee.
Christine Burke, Municipal Clerk