In all the chaos of today’s America we are slowly loosing our history and historical landmarks. There is an urgency in dissecting and preserving the valuable legacies we leave for our children and theirs. We must overcome this trend to erase our history. This farm, in Cranbury, New Jersey, is a 175-year-old family farm standing as a symbol of resilience. Andy Henry and his brother Christopher have spent decades protecting their 21-acre property on South River Road, rejecting $20-30 million offers from developers. Now, the township wants to seize the land through eminent domain to build affordable housing, sparking a heated battle over heritage versus housing needs. Here’s why this clash to save Andy Henry’s Farm matters.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Since 1850, the Henry family has farmed this land, starting with Andy’s great-grandfather, Joseph McGill. Despite a farmhouse fire in 1879 and economic struggles after a family death in 1936, the family held on. Today, the brothers lease the land to a local farmer raising cattle and sheep, keeping the farm alive.
“Our family sacrificed for 175 years,”
Andy says.
“We won’t give up now.”
The farm is a rare green oasis in an industrial zone. The New Jersey Turnpike, built in 1952, and a nearby exit in 1972 turned Cranbury’s northeast corner into a hub of warehouses. The Henry’s adapted while neighboring farms vanished, preserving a piece of history.
Save Andy Henry’s Farm Against Eminent Domain Threat
Cranbury Township plans to take the farm to meet New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates, requiring 265 units in their area by 2035. On May 12, 2025, the township administrators passed an ordinance targeting the Henry farm, citing its access to sewer, water, and proximity to transit. If the brothers defy and don’t sell, eminent domain could force them out. The Henrys, backed by attorney Timothy Duggan, are ready to fight in court. They argue the farm’s location—surrounded by warehouses and near the noisy Turnpike—is unfit for housing. Residents like former Mayor Jay Taylor agree, noting the site’s isolation, two miles from downtown.
“It’s unfair to low-income families,”
Taylor says.
Community Rallies Behind the Henrys
Locals are standing with the Henrys. Signs reading “Save Andy’s Family Farm” dot Cranbury, and a GoFundMe has raised over $35,000 by June 2025. Community members pack township meetings, urging officials to find another site. The farm’s story has spread on platforms like X, with users like @wakeupnj calling for action. The township insists options are limited by state rules, but critics question why a historic farm in an industrial zone was chosen over other properties. The debate highlights New Jersey’s struggle to balance housing needs with land preservation.
Why Save Andy Henry’s Farm Matters
Uplifting the Henry farm fight is about more than one family. It’s sparks protection of our heritage in a world of rapid development. Losing the farm means erasing 175-years of history, with three generations buried in Cranbury. Yet, affordable housing is critical, and the township faces legal pressure to act. Can both needs be met? You can support the Henrys by donating or emailing township officials conveying your views. Stay updated through local news. As the June 30, 2025, housing plan deadline looms, the Henrys’ fight continues.
Their story reminds us: some things are worth more than money.
