Potter's Farm: Holmdel Considers Condemnation of Property for Open Space and Recreation

HOLMDEL, NJ - The Enclave at Holmdel is the new owner of Block 49.02, Lots 40, 40Q, and 41 in town. Formerly known as 'Potter's Farm' it was approved to be a dementia center in a split vote by the Holmdel Zoning Board a few years ago.

However, to most residents, it's Potter's Farm.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

For decades, young and old have had the joy of seeing this working farm in action with creatures both big and small. Located just off GSP Exit 114, this gateway to Holmdel and Middletown (and beyond), symbolizes yesteryear and, for many, should stay that way.

Based on a resolution just passed, the Township Committee may force a hand to preserve it just that way.

TAPinto Holmdel & Colts Neck has reported previously on Potter's Farm and the application for a dementia care center that was approved by a prior Holmdel Zoning Board that was Chaired by local resident and regular meeting attendee Ralph Blumenthal. The project and related controversy has a long history.

The resolution approved this month reads, in part:

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

"WHEREAS, pursuant to numerous statutory schemes, including but not limited to the Local Lands and Buildings Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et seq., Home Rule Act, N.J.S.A. 40:61-1, New Jersey Green Acres Land Acquisition Act, N.J.S.A. 13:8A-1 et seq., and Municipal Trust Fund Act, N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.1 et seq., the Township is authorized to acquire land and premises that are necessary for maintaining open space and enhancing recreational opportunities by condemnation; and WHEREAS, all condemnations in New Jersey are procedurally governed by the Eminent Domain Act of 1971, N.J.S.A. 20:3-1 et seq. (the “Act”); and WHEREAS, as a condition precedent to a condemnation, the Act requires the Township to engage in bona fide negotiations with the prospective condemnee, which negotiations shall be based upon an appraisal, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 20:3-6 (“Bona Fide Negotiations”); and WHEREAS, the Township Committee seeks to authorize the exercise of Bona Fide Negotiations for the acquisition of the Property with its fee simple owner, Enclave at Holmdel, Inc."

So, the township resolution begins a process of appraisals and bona fide negotiations with the new owner that may result in a goal of many in town, which is to preserve one of the last gateways to Holmdel and the region that has not been impacted by development. The language indicates that, if needed, Holmdel can take it by legal force. There have been calls to preserve the property for years. \

During the meeting, local resident Patrick Trischitta asked about the resolution. "That's a pleasant surprise. My question is.. that was approved to be a dementia center by United Methodists Church. Could you tell me what happened...?"

The governing body wouldn't comment. The resident asked if it was a 'friendly' acquisition. The attorney for the town, Mike Collins, stated "A prerequisite to pursuing condemnation is good faith negotiations and that's exactly what this authorizes."

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net