Updates

The Van Dyke Farm
Efforts are sill underway to protect the farm from future development and to preserve the area for open space. The South Brunswick Town Council has drafted a resolution to the County indicating its desire to preserve the farm. Hopefully, many of the interested funding groups will get together to create a preservation package to save this valuable and historic part of our area.

The EVA is also sponsering a symposium at the Fresh Ponds Chapel on October 20, at 8:00 PM. Featured speakers will be James Shackleford and expert on slavery in the Central Jersey area and Ceil Leedom, Township Historian. Mr. Shackleford's presentation will include a great deal of fasincating information about slavery in many of the homes and farms in New Jersey prior to the Civil War. Since the Van Dyke farm has records of slaves dating back to the 1700's its historic involvement is a significant part of African-American heritage in our Township. We also believe that there is a slave cemetery located on the property and hope to find out more about this as a result of the symposium. Ms. Leedom has been researching significant historic areas in South Brunswick for many years. Her knowledge of our Town is always a welcome addition to any presentation.

Flooding Raises the Waters Again
A summer of drought was quickly washed away in about three inches of rain this past weekend. By Sunday, the trees on the Green Acres site at the back of the Van Dyke farm were under water again.

This is particulary disturbing since we have had no rainfall since early July, and one would think the thirsty gound would have welcomed the water instead of creating new floods. It is just an indication of the complete compromise of nature impervious surfaces, drainage pipes, inadequate detention basins, and careless engineering have caused.

Pitures will post soon. I am suspicious that with all the rain the week is bringing, the flood waters will be even higher the next time I visit.

Morris Builders
The Morris companies have proposed a housing development for the Van Dyke Farm. Such a project would be within the zoning ordinances set by the Township.

EVA hopes to inspire preservation as an alternative. The historic value of the farmhouse and the cemetery where a Revolutionary War veteran is buried is a treasure worth protecting for us all.