FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRANBURY, NJ
June 28, 2025
Stacy Butewicz with a town resident’s sign
Cranbury Community Rallies to Save Historic 21-Acre Farm from Eminent Domain
Cranbury, NJ — The historic 21-acre farm located at 1234 South River Road, owned by the Henry family for 175 years, is at the center of a passionate community effort to prevent its seizure by eminent domain. On May 12th, the Cranbury Township Committee voted unanimously to move forward with the eminent domain process, prompting an outpouring of support from residents and local advocates.
Brothers Andy & Chris received a letter in the mail one day of the township’s plans to seize the property if they did not agree to sell for Affordable Housing. The Henry family has turned down offers over $30,000,000. The property is not in preservation because the Henry family never intended to sell it.
Stacy Butewicz, a well-known advocate for farmland preservation who championed for Gaitway Farm in Manalapan with her partner, Amy Butewicz, was introduced to the issue by Former Mayor, Jay Taylor. Stacy attended the township meeting and spoke passionately in defense of the Henry Family Farm. The farm, known for its beloved Oreo cows and sheep, has become a symbol of the town’s rich agricultural heritage.The farm fed the town long before commercial grocery stores existed.
The movement to save the farm quickly gained momentum, evolving from a grassroots effort into a widespread campaign. The Cranbury Historical Society organized creative fundraising initiatives, including selling stuffed animal cows, and a GoFundMe campaign exceeded six figures in donations. The cause attracted notable supporters, including former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate and radio host Bill Spadea, who visited the farm twice to lend his support.The campaign has also received bipartisan political backing.
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie introduced legislation aimed at protecting active farms from being seized, while U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and New Jersey District Attorney Alina Habba have also been engaged, calling on the township to reconsider its plans.
Stacy and Amy Butewicz, have dedicated their careers to promoting and protecting sustainable and responsible land use. As the community unites to save the Henry family farm, the fight to preserve New Jersey’s agricultural legacy continues.
Stacy with Farmer Tom and Brendan on the Property
The beautiful home on the Henry Family Farm
Former Mayor of Cranbury Township, Jay Taylor and Bill Spadea
For the GoFundMe link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-andys-family-farm-a-150year-legacy-at-risk
For more information, please contact us at our website: www.butewicz.com