Letter To The Editor: Concerns Over Kirby Farm

Dear Editor and Concerned Residents,

Have you driven past the Kirby Farm lately, take a look at it. This is not the way a Historical Farm home should be kept. Keep in mind the Historical Kirby home was in beautiful condition until its tenants were asked to move out, can you guess why? No wonder Mr. Lynch, VP of KDC stated he see’s garbage when he drives down Country Club Road. What an insult to the residents of Bedminster and let it be known that when Sanofi signed their contract with KDC the landscape and character of the Kirby Farm changed. Visit preservebedminster.com for more photos of the Kirby Farm.

Have you read the following in the Bedminster Master Plan?

Historic Preservation Plan

“The subject property also contains an historic homestead that merits protection. Block 62 Lot 10 is identified as Site #136 “Mellick Farm” on Figure 8 Historic Points and Districts and in the Inventory of the Bedminster Historic Preservation Plan, which provides this description of the property:

“Mellick Farm Mid-19th century high Victorian Farmhouse, barn, and wagon house. Farmed by the Mellick family circa 1860 - 1940. The homestead of Tunis Mellick, a great bear of a man with a voice like a fog horn. Described as the most grotesque and bizarre figure in attendance at the 1912 Republican Convention. “Tune” Mellick, known as the “Mayor of Pluckemin,” drove around in a buggy dressed in black like a Boer farmer, often following the Essex Drag and encouraging the riders. A descendant, Clarence Mellick, sold the 147-acre farm to John Stephenson in 1940.”

Bedminster’s Historic Preservation Plan also notes that this site is designated in two other historic site surveys, prepared by the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA site103), now named Raritan Headwaters Association and by the Somerset County Planning Board (SCPB site 184).”

Where does the Bedminster Historical Commission stand on this issue? The public has not heard from them or the Environmental Commission. What is the position of the Township Committee candidates on this crucial matter?

I firmly believe in Preserving Bedminster and protecting our Master Plan,

Jill Barone