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Township presses state agencies after two tent collapses at Princeton Show Jumping; SADC denied footing request
Summary
Montgomery officials discussed public‑safety concerns after two catastrophic tent collapses at Princeton Show Jumping/Hunter Farms and said the state Agricultural Development Commission denied a request to allow small footings because of farmland preservation restrictions. The committee discussed escalating the issue to the secretary of agriculture and coordinating with the Department of Community Affairs.
Township officials flagged public‑safety concerns Feb. 19 following two tent collapses at the Princeton Show Jumping events held on farmland preserved by the State Agricultural Development Commission (SADC). Staff told the committee SADC denied a request to allow small, non‑permanent footings that would anchor tents more securely because of preservation easement restrictions, and the committee discussed escalating the issue to the Secretary of Agriculture while urging better coordination between SADC and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Open Space staff recounted repeated tent damage in high winds and said they worked with the construction official and SADC on a proposed mitigation approach—small footings for tent anchors designed to minimize ground impact—but that SADC denied the request. Township members said the site has experienced two “very catastrophic” collapses and that the tent locations are prone to high winds; they emphasized the need for a safety solution that respects the farmland preservation rules.
Committee members proposed sending a letter to state officials to explain the repeated safety incidents and to request interagency coordination, noting DCA is reviewing how towns with large equestrian tents manage safety. Staff said they have inspection photos from prior collapses and may escalate the matter above SADC to pursue a workable safety accommodation.
The committee asked staff to continue coordinating with state agencies and to explore middle‑ground options so events can continue without placing attendees and competitors at risk.
