Hillsborough Township Moves to Secure $13.1M to Permanently Preserve Approximately 430 Acres of the "Mindel Tract"

Largest Preserved Farmland  in Township History

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. —  

The Hillsborough Township Committee has introduced Ordinance 2026-03, a landmark measure that will permanently protect approximately 430 acres of land near Hamilton and Amwell Roads. By authorizing the sale of a farmland preservation development easement to the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), the Township will ensure the property—known as the “Mindel Tract”—remains an agricultural cornerstone of the community in perpetuity.

 Hillsborough Township is expected to receive approximately $13.1 million in exchange for the development rights. These funds will be used directly to offset the debt associated with the original purchase, effectively preserving the land at a minimal long-term cost to local taxpayers while securing almost 430 acres.

By authorizing the sale of a farmland preservation development easement to the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), the Township will ensure the property—known as the “Mindel Tract”—remains an agricultural cornerstone of the community in perpetuity. The Township purchased the tract in 2021 after being approached by the Mindel family regarding a potential sale to block a warehouse.

Introduced on March 10th, the ordinance marks the final stage of a strategic effort to prevent large-scale industrial and residential development on the site. Before the Township’s initial acquisition of the land in 2022, the property was subject to proposals for a natural gas power generation facility, high-density housing, and warehouse complexes. This legislation ensures those intensive uses are permanently off the table.

"This is a defining moment for Hillsborough’s commitment to preserving our agricultural landscape and farming heritage,” said Mayor Catherine Payne. "By securing this tract, we aren’t just stopping warehouses and power plants; we’re expanding our preserved farmland inventory by over 12% in a single action. This will be the largest single preserved farmland tract in our Township and one of the largest in Somerset County."

The Township originally purchased the property for $14 million in 2022 using a bond ordinance. This strategic move allowed the Township to act quickly to seize the land without depleting the Open Space Trust Fund. Under the new agreement with the SADC, the Township is expected to receive approximately $13.1 million in exchange for the development rights. These funds will be used directly to offset the debt associated with the original purchase, effectively preserving the land at a minimal long-term cost to local taxpayers.

The Township will maintain ownership of the land for the time being. In the future, the Committee may consider selling the property as a "preserved farm," which would allow it to return to private ownership as a working landscape. "We are proud to transition this land from a site of potential industrial sprawl to a permanent legacy of farmland preservation and protecting Hillsborough’s rural character for generations to come," said Deputy Mayor and Planning & Zoning liaison Shawn Lipani.

The public is invited to attend the hearing and final consideration of Ordinance 2026-03 on March 24, 2026. All ordinance details are available on the Township website, and residents are encouraged to provide comments during the meeting. As an alternative option, residents may also provide comments on the Engage Hillsborough public platform. On the "Introduced Ordinances" tab, there is a "Frequently Asked Questions" section for further information on the ordinance and a space to leave comments. Online public comment will open the day after the ordinance is introduced and close on the day after the second reading, available for feedback for 30 days.

About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

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