Showplace Farms open-space preservation under discussion

Concerned about the prospect of development on the soon-to-close Showcase Farms tract in Millstone Township, two state Assemblymen who represent the community in the Legislature look for ways to preserve it as open space.

Republicans Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton (R-12) lead a meeting of stakeholders this Wednesday, a followup to an initial conference last Friday.

The 150-acre horse breeding center along Route 33 includes tracks, a therapy pool, paddocks and a blacksmith center, the lawmakers said, adding that it's spawned many of America's most successful race horses and trainers since opening in 1979.

"Every effort must be made to preserve Showplace Farms for open space and maintain its beautiful landscape," Dancer said in a prepared statement. "We are not only losing over 100 jobs with the Farms' closing and the relocation of over 400 horses to out-of-state equine facilities, but we are concerned about the possibility of the grounds being sold for development."

Attendees at the parley include Howard Schoor on behalf of the owners; Patricia Butch of the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Commitee; Nancy Grbelja of the Monmouth County Save The Horse Committee; and Amanda Brockwell of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation.