By Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
MONROE — A drive down the N.J. Turnpike might convince most people that the Garden State is an ironic label.
While the state is in no danger of losing its status as the most densely populated in the nation, Middlesex County, Monroe Township and the Byrne Schauer family have ensured that more tracts of land will remain part of New Jersey’s farming tradition.
On Oct. 26 the 27-acre Byrne Schauer vegetable and flower farm on Cranbury Station Road became Middlesex County’s 50th permanently preserved farm. The county purchased the development rights from Barbara Byrne Schauer for $1.78 million, with $1.05 million being contributed by the state and $377,752 being contributed by Monroe.
”The dedication of this farmland is an opportunity for farmers, and for the people living in these communities,” Freeholder Camille Fernicola said. “Through these programs, farmers get to continue to maintain their property, and the people around them can buy these fresh foods.”
The farm was originally purchased by Ms. Byrne Schauer’s parents in 1929. Following the 1942 death of her father, Ms. Byrne Schauer’s mother rented out rooms in the house to schoolteachers to make ends meet. Her son, Dave Byrne, 44, and grandson, David, 22, run the farm today.
”It is very relieving for my mother and the family to know that we will be able to keep the farm in the family,” Dave Byrne said. “We are glad to have this whole process done and finalized.”
Byrne Schauer becomes the 37th farm in Middlesex County to be protected by the Farmland Preservation Program, for a total of 3,317-acres. An additional 13 farms have been preserved throughout Middlesex by state and local programs, bringing the total to 50 farms, and 4,859-acres.
According to Monroe Mayor Richard Pucci, the township will continue to pursue opportunities to preserve lands like this.
”Monroe is currently only 35 percent developed, so whenever we have a chance to make a purchase like this, or aid in one, we will go after it aggressively,” Mayor Pucci said. “I think this is a great example of the state, the county, the township, and a family coming together to accomplish something very important.”
