The meeting saw emotional appeals from residents and attorneys who opposed the township’s affordable housing plan. One resident, Mark Wowski, criticized the plan as fiscally and ethically flawed, arguing that it isolates 130 families in an industrial zone away from the Cranbury community. Wowski questioned the transparency of the planning process and the lack of public discussion on alternative approaches.

Timothy Dugan, an attorney representing the Henry family, addressed the controversial use of eminent domain to acquire farmland for the housing project. Dugan emphasized the national attention the issue has garnered, with widespread opposition to using eminent domain for such purposes. He urged the committee to explore alternative housing solutions that would not involve taking farmland, highlighting the farm’s cultural and historical significance and the family’s longstanding contributions to the community.

Several speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining agricultural land and criticized the township for not engaging in meaningful discussions with property owners about potential alternatives to the current housing plan.