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Residents press committee on Wellspring Farm sales and developer plans; Navy flagged site as incompatible
Summary
Residents raised alarms about recent auction sales and a contract by Active Acquisitions for Wellspring Farm, questioning traffic, density and compatibility with a nearby Navy facility. Officials said the Navy flagged the property as within a military influence area and that no site plan had yet been submitted.
Several residents told the Colts Neck Township Committee on Oct. 29 they were concerned after learning Wellspring Farm and other large properties had changed hands and that a buyer (Active Acquisitions) had signaled plans for high‑density housing.
Residents said they had seen auction and purchase records and asked what the township knew about scope, traffic and infrastructure impacts. One resident said she was worried about an age‑restricted community of several hundred units near Route 537 and said, “I do not want 500 units... trying to get out on 537.”
Town officials responded that Active Acquisitions had a contract for Wellspring but had not submitted a detailed site plan to the township. Mayor Bus and other committee members said the Navy had issued a letter expressing concerns because the property falls within a military influence area (the meeting referred to the Navy’s setback and compatibility guidance), and that the Navy considers high‑density residential uses in that zone incompatible with operations nearby. Officials emphasized the Navy’s letter is advisory: the Navy is not a local regulatory body, but its input is a significant factor in planning and litigation.
Committee members said the town is exploring preservation options, discussing the matter with county and Navy officials, and preparing a strategy that may include legal protections and preservation funding. One committee member noted past preservation successes (Overbrook Farm) and said the town will defend its zoning and environmental protections where appropriate.
What residents asked: how the town will protect farmland and enforce preservation, what infrastructure (water, roads, fire response) would be required for a large development, and whether the township can lock in moratoria or preservation agreements. Officials said they are actively talking with property owners, the county and the Navy, and that final outcomes will depend on applications developers file and any litigation that follows.
What’s next: Officials said they cannot disclose litigation strategy but will continue to coordinate with state, county and federal partners, and will inform the public as permitting or legal processes proceed.
