Neighbors sue Allaire Community Farm over construction project
Posted: Updated:Neighbors of Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township have filed a lawsuit to stop construction that is ongoing at the farm.
JoAnn and Sean Burney have programs on their farm to help disabled and autistic children. IN order to expand into a year-round program, they moved to a new space next door to their old farm and have started several construction projects. But their neighbors are unhappy.
"It’s just been a nightmare…we’re into our eighth month at this point. And all we want to do is make a positive impact on our community,” JoAnn says.
The construction include a pavilion for their teaching program, tractor shed and shelter for the animals. The Burneys say that the projects need to be completed sooner than later.
"Winter is fast approaching and we need to be able to protect the animals. We could lose animals come winter without having the proper shelter,” says Sean.
RELATED: Mental Health Awareness Day held at Allaire Community Farm
RELATED: Farm provides therapy for children with special needs
But neighbors have filed a lawsuit saying, “The proposed development is not a farm. The development, which would actually destroy the farm, is a destination venue involving 14-buildings."
The lawsuit also says that the owners are violating the neighbors’ “right to quiet enjoyment of their homes."
One neighbor, Ellen Steinlauf, whose house is located nearby, sent an email to the family saying,
"There are a lot of us folks who will be aggressively doing everything we can to limit the uses that are being planned..."
The Burneys says that on several occasions Steinlauf has blasted loud music toward the farm in retaliation.
"For our autistic population and for our animals that becomes very disturbing and so it's just mean. It's just mean spirited,” says JoAnn.
And there have been other attempts.
"Just on cutting trees they called the [Department of Environmental Protection], saying we are clear cutting wetlands. They came, it was unfounded,” says Sean.
The Burneys say that they hope the attempts to drive them out stop. They say that the farm is a commercial farm, so everything they're doing, from having a petting zoo to building, is allowed. They say that they have the township permits to prove it.
Neighbors have also named Wall Township in the lawsuit filed against Allaire Community Farms.
The Burneys say they hope the lawsuit doesn't mean the end to the services they provide for children in need.
Top StoriesNewsMore>>
Princeton scholar held in Iranian prison released in prisoner swap
Princeton scholar held in Iranian prison released in prisoner swap
A Princeton University graduate student held in an Iranian prison for more than three years was released after a prisoner swap Saturday.A Princeton University graduate student held in an Iranian prison for more than three years was released after a prisoner swap Saturday.NYPD officials: Razor found in deli sandwich that injured officer was an accident
NYPD officials: Razor found in deli sandwich that injured officer was an accident
On Saturday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted that after a thorough investigation, "It has been determined that the razor incident was indeed an accident."
On Saturday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted that after a thorough investigation, "It has been determined that the razor incident was indeed an accident."
The NYPD officer injured after biting into a sandwich that contained a razor blade was the result of an accident, NYPD officials say.The NYPD officer injured after biting into a sandwich that contained a razor blade was the result of an accident, NYPD officials say.Heavy deployments brought in to maintain order at Hoboken SantaCon
Heavy deployments brought in to maintain order at Hoboken Santacon
Hundreds descended on Hoboken for the annual SantaCon bar crawl, prompting a heavy deployment of patrols Saturday.Hundreds descended on Hoboken for the annual SantaCon bar crawl, prompting a heavy deployment of patrols Saturday.Single-car crash brings down power lines in West Orange
Single-car crash brings down power lines in West Orange
A single-car crash brought down power lines in West Orange Saturday morning.A single-car crash brought down power lines in West Orange Saturday morning.Runners jingle their way through Asbury Park 5K Santa Run
Runners jingle their way through Asbury Park 5K Santa Run
Runners put on their Santa suits Saturday for the Asbury Park Santa Run.Runners put on their Santa suits Saturday for the Asbury Park Santa Run.
New Jersey SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!The Download Photos
The Download Photos
The Royole FlexPai touts itself as "the world's first commercial foldable smartphone with flexible display."
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!