Herman, Updike farms preserved

Mercer County purchases properties for $10.9 million (April 13)

By: Rob Heyman
   WASHINGTON — After a year of often bitter contention over the future of the Herman and Updike farms in the village of Windsor, the fate of those properties has finally been determined.
   Mercer County officials announced April 7 that all 148 acres will be preserved as farmland, with the county purchasing the properties from the owner, Leon Herman, and their contracted developer at a price of $10.9 million. Washington Township will reimburse the county a total of $3 million once the purchase is complete.
   "Today’s announcement continues the commitment that this administration has made towards preserving open space and our environment," Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said in a press statement.
   A noon press conference was held April 7 to announce the purchase and was attended by county and Washington Township officials, including Mayor Dave Fried, who’s made the farms’ preservation a personal crusade.
   "Since taking office in 2004, we have preserved nearly 2,300 acres of open space," Mr. Hughes said. "By protecting this farm from development, we are not only preserving the historic agricultural nature of Windsor Village but also helping to keep property taxes down for the taxpayers of Washington Township."
   The county’s purchase of the farms and their preservation ensures no residential development will take place on them. A developer, the Robert Douglas Group, had been under contract to build between 45 and 90 homes on the site.
   Mayor Fried began looking into condemnation of the land last year when it became clear that an agreement could not be reached with the developer over sale of the property to the township.
   In his bid for the mayor’s seat last spring, Mayor Fried, who had served as a member of the former Township Committee, made the property’s preservation an election issue and held a public forum on it before the election. Condemnation drew mixed results from residents at the forum and in other public discussions.
   Mayor Fried said in an interview Friday afternoon that he "couldn’t be happier" with the county’s announcement.
   "I can’t thank the county enough," he said. "Had this property been developed, the village of Windsor would have lost its historic designation."
   Cathy Lubbe, a 45-year resident of the township who lives on Main Street in Windsor, said preserving the Herman and Updike farms was important for the village, which is listed on the state and national historic registries. Many residents there had expressed fear that any nearby development could compromise the town’s historic designations.
   "Having that property preserved is really a great asset to the community and helps to keep Windsor (historic)," said Ms. Lubbe, who has been a member of the township’s Historic Subcommittee, which falls under the Planning Board.
   County officials said preserving the farms also serves as an important link between other preserved properties that run along the Assunpink Creek through Washington to West Windsor.
   "The Updike property has significant stream frontage along the Assunpink Creek and public access will be provided, with the remainder of the property continuing to be farmed," Mr. Hughes said.