Trump administration steps in to defend 175-year-old family farm from government seizure as New Jersey township attempts to forcibly convert the historic property into affordable housing, ignoring the owners’ refusal to sell even when offered $30 million.
Key Takeaways
- The Henry family farm in Cranbury, NJ, owned by the same family since 1850, faces seizure through eminent domain for a 130-unit affordable housing development.
- Despite rejecting offers up to $30 million and investing $200,000 in the property, the Henry brothers are being forced out by local government officials.
- USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has pledged to explore “every legal option” to help the family retain their property.
- The proposed housing location is surrounded by warehouses in an industrial zone, raising questions about the suitability for residential development.
- The case highlights growing concerns about government overreach and property rights under the guise of affordable housing mandates.
Historic Family Farm Targeted by Local Government
A 175-year-old family farm in Cranbury, New Jersey has become the latest battleground in the fight for private property rights as local officials move to seize the land through eminent domain. Christopher and Andy Henry, whose family has owned the farm since their great-grandfather purchased it in 1850, now face losing their heritage property to make way for a 130-unit affordable housing complex. The township’s actions come despite the brothers’ clear unwillingness to sell and their recent $200,000 investment in the property, demonstrating their commitment to continuing their family’s agricultural legacy.
The township’s decision to target the Henry farm stems from a state mandate requiring New Jersey municipalities to add or rehabilitate affordable housing units. Cranbury officials, led by Mayor Lisa Knierim, defend their actions as necessary to prevent potential lawsuits from developers, despite widespread public opposition. The town has partnered with Walters Group for the proposed development and has stated that a “fair market price” would be offered if eminent domain proceedings move forward – a price that means little to owners who have no interest in selling at any cost.
Trump administration pushes back on New Jersey town moving to seize 175-year-old family #farm via eminent domain —USDA's Rollins said she had been 'on the phone' with one of the farm's owners.https://t.co/9QFPFOaCMC
— FarmPolicy (@FarmPolicy) June 25, 2025
Trump Administration Intervenes
The case has drawn attention from the highest levels of government, with the Trump administration stepping in to investigate the situation. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has taken a strong stance in support of the Henry family, pledging to explore all available legal options to assist them. The administration’s involvement signals a commitment to protecting property rights against government overreach, particularly when it threatens America’s agricultural heritage and family farms.
“While this particular case is a city eminent domain issue, we at USDA are exploring every legal option to help,” said Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary.
The Trump administration’s position represents a stark departure from previous policies that often favored development over agricultural preservation. Rollins has made it clear that protecting family farms is a priority for the administration, stating, “We must protect family farms at all costs. Whether the Maudes, the Henrys or others whom we will soon announce, the Biden-style government takeover of our family farms is over.” This declaration highlights the administration’s commitment to safeguarding America’s agricultural heritage against what it sees as excessive government interference.
Questions About Location Suitability
Beyond the property rights issues, serious concerns have been raised about the suitability of the Henry farm for residential development. The property is located in an industrial zone surrounded by warehouses, raising questions about the wisdom of placing affordable housing in such an environment. Critics argue that this location contradicts the township’s own farmland preservation efforts and may not provide an appropriate living environment for future residents, particularly those with limited means who would qualify for affordable housing.
“This affordable housing’s going to be by itself, surrounded by warehouses. How is that a good decision and how is that fair to the low-income people who are going to live there?” said Timothy Dugan, a local resident.
The Henry brothers have expressed their shock at the township’s actions. Andy Henry described the eminent domain threat as something that “totally shocked us,” highlighting the disconnect between local government priorities and the rights of longstanding property owners. The brothers have previously rejected developers’ offers as high as $30 million, demonstrating that their connection to the land transcends financial considerations. As the next township committee and planning board meetings approach, the Henrys and their supporters continue to fight for their right to keep their historic family property intact.
