A family in New Jersey is trying to save their farm that has been in their hands since the 1850s. The Hersh family, who owns the farm in Mullica Township, Atlantic County, is strongly opposing the local government’s plan to take over part of their land for an affordable housing project.
The land has been in the Hersh family for generations, passed down from one family member to another. Over the years, they’ve taken care of the land, grown crops, and built a legacy.
Now, the township is trying to take a piece of their land through a legal process called “eminent domain,” which allows the government to take private property for public use, like roads or housing, after paying the owner.
The Hersh family says this is not fair. According to them, the land is not just property—it’s history. It’s a part of who they are. The farm is located off Nesco Road, and the township wants to use about 12.5 acres of it to build affordable housing units.
The town says it needs to meet its legal responsibility to provide more affordable housing under New Jersey state law.
Local governments must submit housing plans to the state and make sure they are building homes that lower-income families can afford. Mullica Township says they don’t have enough land for these projects, and this farm is one of the few spots that fits their needs.
But the Hersh family says they are being unfairly targeted. They believe the government is trying to push them out when other lands could be used. They argue that the township didn’t try hard enough to find alternatives and instead decided to go after private family-owned land.
The family has now taken the matter to court. Their lawyer argues that the farm should not be taken away, especially since it is part of a preserved green zone and has historic value. The family also says the township didn’t follow proper legal procedures and didn’t give them enough opportunity to respond.
Mullica officials claim that the decision was necessary and that the housing plan is legal and follows state guidelines. They also say that there is a need for affordable homes in the area, especially for people who work in local businesses or government but can’t afford to live nearby.
This situation is bringing attention to a larger issue—how towns in New Jersey and across the U.S. are balancing the need for affordable housing with the rights of landowners.
Many people agree that more housing is needed, but they also say it’s wrong to force families to give up land that has been in their care for centuries.
The Hersh family is not giving up. They have spoken to the media and are trying to gain public support. They want people to understand what this land means to them—not just as farmland but as part of their identity and their family story.
This fight has sparked debate on social media, with many people saying the government should find another solution.
Others point out that affordable housing is a serious issue and towns are under pressure to find space for it. Still, many agree that taking such a historic piece of land seems extreme.
The court will now have to decide whether the township’s plan can move forward or if the Hersh family will be able to keep their land untouched. The legal battle could take months, and both sides are preparing for a long fight.
As the case continues, the Hersh family hopes their story will inspire others to protect family-owned land and raise awareness about how local governments handle housing needs. For now, they are standing firm, saying they won’t give up on the land that their ancestors once worked and lived on.