If a proposed ordinance is approved, Springdale Farm Market will be among local farms that can apply for farmland preservation funding.
During his years on council and inaugural year as mayor of Cherry Hill, Dave Fleisher has been vocal about his commitment to open-space preservation.
That commitment is only getting stronger with the recent introduction of an ordinance that would enhance the township’s Agricultural-Horticultural Commercial Overlay Zone, creating the opportunity for future farmland preservation.
The proposed ordinance had its first reading during the Feb. 10 council meeting, and will have a required second reading and public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, in council chambers. If approved, the expanded zone will include Springdale Farm Market, Springhouse Farm, McNaughton’s Garden Center and 200 Evans Lane, a total of 248 acres. The overlay zone currently applies only to Holly Ravine Farm.
“This ordinance formalizes the existing agriculture and horticulture uses of these properties, and will enable the property owners to apply for farmland preservation funding in the future,” Fleisher explained. “Without the official overlay, the land is not eligible for state or county farmland preservation funding.”
Fleisher added that the AHC Overlay Zone will not change or supersede current zoning regulations for any of the properties. Under his leadership, the township preserved Holly Ravine Farm in January 2024, ensuring the 23-acre property remains protected open space. Cherry Hill currently has about 1,392 acres of such space.
“This is all consistent with our ongoing commitment to preserve open space and encourage agricultural use,” Fleisher noted, “memorialize it in places where it’s currently occurring, and potentially open up opportunities for landowners who do or are participating in agricultural activities to be able to capitalize on potential funding sources as well.”
