Industrial project site near Monmouth Battlefield preserved in $15m deal

Monmouth County, New Jersey, approved a 192,560-square-foot industrial development on a 22-acre farmland site adjacent to Monmouth Battlefield State Park in 2024. The property, once a strawberry farm, was situated along Route 33 near a significant Revolutionary War battlefield. However, in August 2026, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) purchased the land for $15 million, preserving it as part of the park and preventing the planned industrial development.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park, covering over 2,700 acres, preserves the site of the June 1778 Battle of Monmouth, a significant Revolutionary War engagement. The 22-acre parcel, once a strawberry farm, was targeted for industrial use, causing concerns among historians, preservationists, and local residents due to potential impacts on the battlefield's setting and visitor experience.

The 2024 approval allowed for the creation of 192,560 square feet of industrial space, initially seen by supporters as a source of jobs and tax revenue. However, it sparked opposition from local residents, historical societies, and preservation groups who feared the warehouses would visually intrude on the park, increase traffic, and alter the historic character of the site.

In August 2026, the NJDEP acquired the 22-acre property through the Green Acres Program and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, permanently protecting it as part of Monmouth Battlefield State Park.