Commissioner urges preservation of Revolutionary War site in Upper Freehold threatened by development

An unidentified commissioner told colleagues that commissioners are working to preserve a parcel in Upper Freehold that is currently "earmarked for a very large development," and that local residents oppose the proposal.

The speaker said the tract is historically significant because "it was a British encampment literally only 2 days before the Battle of Monmouth," and noted George Washington was tracking British movements in the lead-up to the engagement. "The preservation of this property and the environment around it is important," the commissioner added.

Why it matters: The speaker framed the parcel as directly tied to Revolutionary War movements shortly before the Battle of Monmouth, describing the site as part of the historical record and arguing that development would have a "dramatic" local impact. The transcript does not record a developer name, the proposed project's specific scale, a formal motion, or any vote on preservation measures.

What was said and what remains unknown: The commissioner said the constituency in the area "does not want" the project and emphasized historical connections to the battle. The transcript provides no details about the developer, a project timeline, permits, funding for preservation, or any formal action taken by the body. There is no recorded motion, referral, or vote in the provided segments.

Next steps: The record in these segments documents advocacy for preservation but does not show a formal decision, direction to staff, or procedural outcome. Additional meeting records or future agenda items would be required to show whether the body will act to protect the site or consider alternatives to the proposed development.