CHERRY HILL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A farm in Cherry Hill is safe from development after the township bought it from the family who’s owned it for nearly 100 years.
Holly Ravine Farm has been in the Gilmour family since the 1930s and was once a dairy farm. Now, it’ll be preserved as open space. Cherry Hill Township agreed this week to buy the 23 acres of property for more than $3.8 million, after a few independent appraisals all came back with similar valuations.
Mayor David Fleisher says they are working on a permanent plan for the farm at the intersection of Evesham and Springdale roads. Officials will apply for state and county grants to cover some of the costs, but Fleisher says it was important to jump at the opportunity when it opened.
“Like most areas in South Jersey, these parcels are very rare,” he said. “It’s an important property, environmentally sensitive. The fact that we are able to acquire it and protect it as open space forever is a big milestone for the township.”
He says they are considering use options, like walking trails, but nothing is final yet. “It will absolutely not be developed. We do envision environmental and passive uses,” Fleisher said, while thanking the Gilmour family for the opportunity to save the farm from development.
“Our family is thrilled that the legacy of Holly Ravine Farm will be preserved forever,” said Robert Gilmour in a statement. “We are confident that the township will be a good steward of the land and are happy to be part of creating a greener Cherry Hill.”