Holmdel’s mayor details a “Preservation First” mission to protect historic landscapes and open space from over-development.
As residents of Holmdel, we are defined by the landscape that surrounds us. In Holmdel, the phrase “Garden State” is not a mere slogan or marketing tagline; it is a promise kept to our residents through the preservation of hills, farms, and fields within our borders. As development pressure continues to mount across Monmouth County, the character of our community depends entirely on our willingness to protect it.
Over the past two years, your Township Committee has treated land preservation not as some secondary goal, but as a core mission. We recognize that once land is paved over, it is often lost forever. That is why we have moved aggressively to secure significant tracts of land remaining in our borders, and have successfully protected over 63 acres of open space over the past three years.
A Victory for Science and Scenery: Crawford Hill
Perhaps our most significant achievement has been the acquisition of Crawford Hill. For decades, the fate of this 43-acre site – the highest point in Monmouth County – hung in the balance. It is a site of global scientific importance, home to the Holmdel Horn Antenna, which provided the evidence that confirmed the Big Bang theory.
By officially declaring this property a municipal park, we have ensured two things: that the “Cradle of Cosmology” will be preserved for future generations of students and scientists, and that the breathtaking views from the hilltop will belong to the public, not a private developer. We didn’t just save a hill; we saved a piece of human history.
Protecting Our Rural Character
Preservation is a multi-front effort. While Crawford Hill represents our scientific heritage, properties like the St. Catharine’s tract, Potter’s Farm, and DePalma Farms represent our rural soul:
- Potter’s Farm: Securing this “Gateway to the Township” prevents the potential encroachment of projects that would strain our infrastructure and change the feel of this entranceway to our community.
- St. Catharine’s Tract: By bringing this land into the public trust, we have extended these gateway considerations from Potter’s Farm along Red Hill Road through to the Middletown Road corridor, which serves as a gateway to Bell Works.
- DePalma Farms: Our work did not stop with the hill or these gateways. In 2025, we acted to issue a new farm lease upon the working portion of the 100-acre DePalma Farms, ensuring that this historic Centerville Road landmark remains a farming landscape. The Township Committee also took action to further deed restrict this acreage, through which we have sent a clear message: Holmdel’s heritage is not for sale.
These acquisitions are strategic efforts to preserve open space against over-development.
The Road Ahead: The Pappas Property and Beyond
Our work is far from over. We are currently in active discussions regarding additional acquisitions, including the Pappas property. Our eyes are constantly on the map, identifying parcels that offer the highest value for conservation, recreation, and environmental protection.
This vision has been a consistent thread of leadership in Holmdel. This mission has been the top priority for Mayor Luccarelli, Mayor Foster, and me. While the gavel may pass between us, the commitment to preserve Holmdel remains the North Star of this Committee.
Our Promise to You
As we look toward the year ahead, our mandate is clear. We will continue to be a Preservation First administration. We will continue to leverage local and state funds to buy land where suitable for public purposes.
We thank the residents for their continued support of these initiatives. Together, we are ensuring that the Holmdel our children inherit is just as beautiful, open, and historic as the one we enjoy today. That is the Holmdel way.
