Readers React, Lash Out at Farmer After Toddler Killed by Shuttle Bus

Patch readers from far and wide have taken to the comments section after the news broke about a 2-year-old girl who was killed after being hit by a shuttle bus Sunday afternoon at Alstede Farms in Chester Township.

The farm stand, long known for its popularity in northern New Jersey, attracting thousands from the tri-state area, has come under fire for allowing too many visitors at one time.

When readers learned of Elizabeth Fuehring’s death, they lashed out at Kurt Alstede, the owner of the farm.

Commenter Jeff said:

“Kurt Alstede should be shut down - every Fall weekend anywhere within a mile of Routes 206 and 510/24 are at a virtual standstill all day because a nice little farmstead has been turned into a full blown circus - and good ol’ Farmer Kurt puts ads in the New York Times so he can be deaf to everything except the Ca-Ching of his cash registers.”

One commenter, by the name of ”badamant,” went as far as to say Alstede himself should be held accountable:

“I was there a week ago and was stuck in the lot trying to exit for 1.5 hours. During this time I saw 2 fights and 1 crash. I called the office 3 times telling them that they lack proper egress and someone is going to get hurt. They did nothing. This is negligence ...”

Reader CWE spoke to the influx of traffic brought by the attractions in town, naming Alstede as one of the main culprits:

“The traffic is moving at a snail’s pace all weekend, from all directions, leading to Alstede farm on any given fall weekend. Was on the road today and traffic was backed up past Furnace Road on 513, on Parker Road, State Park Rd, and of course all the way through Main Street Chester and 206 North. Even tried to sneak down oakdale to Furnace to get across 206 but that was backed up as well. The accident today from what I hear happened on Alstede’s property and involved 2 shuttle buses so yes people should drive cautiously but maybe Alstede farm is trying to fit too many vehicles and people on the property. Our roads and town are not designed for this type of crowd and their property isn’t either.”

But Alstede and his business had its supporters, including Debbie Sedita-Kosiarski, who said:

“The guy is making a living. Isn’t that what we all want to do? the fact that he’s making his living, AT his home is a GREAT thing. What about all the commuters every single day, that’s okay?”

Also, from someone who once worked at the farm, named “ice-cream:”

“Please stop blaming Farmer Kurt, years back the man gave me my very first job. I got the opportunity to meet the real Kurt over time and he’s nothing like you’re making him out to be. He’s very involved and aware of the workings of the town and when we complained he DID respond in the manner that most people requested (via the shuttles).

It’s a tragedy, both Chesters need to make some major changes for sure, but Kurt shouldn’t be blamed for what happened.”

Alstede Farms was open Monday, serving a full lot on Columbus Day when many schools and municipal organizations are closed.

On the business’s calendar, hours of operation for Monday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tells customers, “School’s are closed but we’re open for lost of Fall Family Farm Fun!”

Alstede, whose business has been criticized for encouraging traffic congestion within Morris County’s idyllic landscape, released a statement Monday morning, sending his and his family’s condolences to the victims.

“The Alstede family and staff grieve and mourn for the families impacted by the motor vehicle accident that occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2014,” the statement read. “Our sincere prayers and heartfelt thoughts are extended to everyone involved.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing as a joint effort between the Chester Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. More information may be released Tuesday.

What do you think? Was this an avoidable accident? Is the business to blame for the amount of vehicles it had on its lot? Let us know in the comments.

See All of Patch’s Coverage of the Alstede Farm Tragedy:

• UPDATE: One Dead, Several Injured in Alstede Farms Car Crash, Prosecutor Says
• UPDATE: Girl, 2, Died In Tragic Alstede Farm Crash While ‘Enjoying The Day;’ 2 Adults Injured
• Father of Toddler Killed at Alstede Farms: ‘I Lost a Piece of Me’
• Readers React, Lash Out at Farmer After Toddler Killed By Shuttle Bus
• Sadness, But No Surprise in Wake of Fatal Crash at Alstede’s

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