A family in New Jersey is fighting hard to stop the government from taking their land. For over 100 years, this farm in Holmdel, Monmouth County has been part of their life, their history, and their future. But now, the township wants to take it and use it to build affordable housing. The family says they are not against affordable homes, but they don’t want to lose the place they call home.
The Casola family owns about 8 acres of farmland on Holmdel Road. They say they’ve worked on that land for generations, running a local business, growing plants, and helping the community. Now, they’ve been served with an official notice: the town wants to take their land using something called “eminent domain.” This means the government can take private land if they say it’s for public use, but the family says this is not fair.
The township says they need this land to meet state requirements. New Jersey law requires towns to make sure they have enough housing for people with low and moderate income. Holmdel officials say they have to build new homes to meet that rule, and they’ve picked the Casola farm as the site.
But the family says the town has other options. According to them, Holmdel has over 400 acres of public land that could be used for the housing project instead. They don’t understand why the town is choosing private land that is already being used for farming and business.
In interviews, the Casola family said the farm is more than just land — it’s their life. It’s where their children were raised, where they run their garden center, and where they’ve built their future. Losing it would be like losing part of their identity. “This isn’t just a field,” one family member said, “it’s everything to us.”
Residents of Holmdel are also speaking up. Many support the family and have signed petitions asking the town to change its plans. People in the town say they don’t want to see a working family business shut down. They believe the town should look at other sites first and find a way that doesn’t hurt people who have lived there for generations.
The family’s lawyer has also come forward. He said the town is moving too fast and hasn’t properly explained why the Casola land must be taken. He believes the government should prove that this is the only option — and show that they’ve seriously considered other land. If not, he says it’s not just unfair, but it may be illegal.
The township has said they are simply following a court-approved agreement to build affordable housing, and that the Casola property was one of the most “suitable” sites. However, many people believe the process has lacked transparency. Questions are being raised about whether the township explored all its options or rushed into this decision.
As the legal battle continues, the family is not backing down. They’ve held public meetings, spoken to media outlets, and built a strong following online. Supporters have shared their story widely on social media, using hashtags and videos to bring attention to the issue. “We’re not going to give up without a fight,” the family says.
The debate has now become larger than just one piece of land. It touches on bigger issues — like how towns balance development with protecting local heritage, and whether government actions really represent the will of the people. For many, this is a test of how much power local officials should have over private property, especially when other options are available.
Affordable housing is important, and no one denies that people need homes they can afford. But this situation has created a deep divide. One side argues that the town must meet legal requirements. The other side believes those goals can be met without destroying a family’s legacy.
As the court proceedings move forward, the outcome remains uncertain. What’s clear is that this small farm in New Jersey has now become a symbol. A symbol of resistance, of local pride, and of the struggle many Americans face when private land comes up against government plans.
For now, the Casola family keeps working their land, not knowing what the future holds. But they are holding on to hope — and to each other — as they continue their fight to save the farm that has been in their family for more than a century.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
