Town attorney says enforcement action against Oak Hill Barn continues; owner disputes account

Township attorney Mike Collins summarized the township's verified complaint and court activity related to 177 Stillwell Road (owned by Oak Hill Barn LLC), saying inspectors recorded alleged violations of zoning, the uniform construction code and the uniform fire code and that the superior court issued temporary restraints and a preliminary injunction on code counts. "After Holmdel brought the lawsuit, to enforce its zoning laws," Collins said, "the court found that Holmdel met the heightened burden to obtain injunctions ... the injunction on the Uniform Construction Code and Uniform Fire Code issues remain in full force and effect."

Owner Franco Roussell told the committee he disagreed with the township's account and said the appellate court denied an appeal he filed; he characterized the judge's earlier ruling as finding the property "arguably" a farm and asserted there was no active injunction. "The injunction is gone," Roussell said during public comment. Collins responded that the superior court enforcement action remains pending on the UCC/UFC counts, that motions to enforce and to amend are docketed, and that the township will file at the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board as directed by the judge.

The mayor and counsel said the township's goal is compliance and public safety, and not to close a farm. The mayor cited a construction‑official photo showing children near exposed wiring as a rationale for enforcement. The township said it will file the MCADB referral this week and that a neighboring property owner already filed a related complaint there.

What’s next: Counsel confirmed ongoing superior court activity on construction and fire code counts and imminent filings at the agricultural board; parties and the board will have the opportunity to respond according to statutory process.