Berkeley Animal Sanctuary Needs $10K To Avoid Tax Sale

BERKELEY, NJ — A local animal sanctuary says they need a Christmas miracle of $10,000 to keep their nonprofit afloat.

According to Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary, the farm on Mill Creek Road is at risk. The property is a former farm of more than seven acres. But the farm says Berkeley Township has only approved five acres for tax exempt nonprofit use, leaving them responsible for property taxes for the remainder of the land.

Now, they say they have to come up with $10,000 before the end of December to avoid a tax sale, which would force the farm to be sold.

Owner David Battat has been fighting with township officials since the farm's opening over zoning laws. Read more: Sanctuary Offers Animals In Need A New Lease On Life In Berkeley

While the property was operated as a farm for decades (and sat vacant for a long time), it resides in a residential zone. The zoning board told Battat that he needs a variance to operate as an animal sanctuary.

The sanctuary is calling for community support to help them stay open. Aside from taking care of sick or abused animals, they also work to clean up Mill Creek and are creating a nature trail around the property.

Charlotte Farms has launched a GoFundMe to help with their current financial battle, which you can find here.