Hainesport committee backs exploring farmland preservation for Tustin Farm

The Hainesport Township Committee on the evening of the meeting voted unanimously to record the town’s support to explore farmland preservation for Tustin Farm, a parcel identified as block 9, lot 3 at 1430 Marne Highway.

Paula Huelan, who introduced the item from materials included in the meeting packet, said the owner Audrey Winsinger and her agent had asked the township to consider preservation as an alternative to a proposed senior-housing redevelopment. Huelan recounted an EDAC meeting in 2024 and said Burlington County’s farmland coordinator recommended the township be an active partner in any application to the State Agricultural Board.

"The EDAC Committee discussed the site being a viable parcel to preserve under the Farmland Preservation Program," Huelan said, and recommended forming a subcommittee to track the application and process. Committee members signaled broad support; Ken Montgomery and others described the measure as a way to preserve the town’s open-space character.

Committee discussion emphasized that farmland preservation involves many technical requirements and negotiations with landowners and county and state programs. Huelan and other members underscored that preservation does not necessarily convert the parcel into a public park and that landowner consent and program eligibility are key hurdles.

The motion to "put the township's support in the record" passed on a unanimous voice vote. Officials said they expect the work to be lengthy and that they will keep the public informed as major hurdles are cleared.

Next steps: the committee will convene a small subcommittee to coordinate with the landowner, the county farmland coordinator and the Township Solicitor to determine eligibility, application timeline and any potential municipal commitments.