A Family Legacy Under Siege
The Henry family farm, a 175-year-old American agricultural treasure, is facing destruction—not from storms, not from debt, but from government seizure. In a move sparking statewide outrage, officials in Cranbury, New Jersey are advancing plans to forcibly take the 21-acre property through eminent domain to make way for a state-mandated affordable housing complex.
Chris Henry, whose family has farmed the land since 1850, stood before the Cranbury Township Committee last month, issuing a heartfelt plea:
“We’re asking that the township committee look at other alternatives that don’t require this blunt force method of eminent domain against a family that does not want to sell their property.”
The response from officials? A unanimous vote to proceed with the land grab.
Their “Crime”? Saying No to the Government
The Henrys have invested over $200,000 in the property, preserving its historical and agricultural value. Currently, a local rancher raises sheep and cattle on the land—keeping it alive and productive. Both of the Henry parents served in World War II, and the family’s name is engraved in the town’s war memorial.
But now, their farm is considered expendable because they refused to sell it to the government. For deep-blue bureaucrats in Trenton and Cranbury, property rights no longer matter.
The Mount Laurel Mandate: Social Engineering by Court Decree
At the heart of this crisis is the Mount Laurel Doctrine—a controversial set of New Jersey Supreme Court rulings that force municipalities to build their “fair share” of affordable housing. Towns like Cranbury are racing to meet their June 30 deadline to submit housing plans, under threat of legal action.
Under the state’s mandate:
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Cranbury must build 265 new units over the next decade.
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Statewide, municipalities are expected to add or rehab over 146,000 affordable units by 2035.
Instead of repurposing abandoned land or working with willing developers, the township is choosing to bulldoze American history and family heritage.
A Dangerous Precedent
If this can happen to the Henry family in Cranbury, it can happen anywhere. Private citizens who hold on to their land for generations are now being told that their property is expendable—and their refusal to sell is irrelevant.
This is eminent domain abuse—where the supposed “public good” is used to justify the violation of property rights.
The Fight Isn’t Over
The Henry family is making a final public stand to protect their farm. Local residents and freedom advocates are rallying to their cause, demanding the Township seek alternate solutions that do not destroy what generations have worked to preserve.
