By Barbara A. Preston | August 7, 2025
Savemontgomery.org, a group of Montgomery residents dedicated to preserving the character and tranquility of their neighborhood, is raising money to challenge their municipality's plan to fulfill its Round 4 state-mandated Affordable Housing requirement.
As of 5 pm today, the non-profit group has raised almost $29,000 in less than 24 hours to hire Bruce Afran of Princeton. As a well known civil rights and environmental lawyer, Afran has successfully litigated an effort to block construction by the Institute for Advanced Study on the Princeton Battlefield. He is also active in other NJ affordable housing litigations, such as the grass-roots organization known as WE CARE NJ in West Orange, which seeks to block development on ecologically sensitive tracts in the Watchung Mountain Ridge
According to Save Montgomery's gofundme site, the group of about two dozen Skillman residents is hiring a lawyer to ensure their voices are heard by their elected officials, and to formally challenge the township's plan to allow a developer to construct a 417-unit housing development on the Kenvue corporate campus in Skillman. It would include 70 affordable units on site and an additional 54 units offsite.
The 417-unit housing plan for the Kenvue site. Grandview Road is to the right.
Save Montgomery's website states, "Our community is facing a significant challenge: the Township’s new Affordable Housing Plan threatens to bring increased traffic, environmental harm, and disrupt the peaceful environment we all value. We believe that thoughtful planning can address housing needs without sacrificing the well-being of current residents or the natural beauty of our area."
One of the properties owned by Kenvue on Grandview Road in the Sourlands. As part of the developer's plans, this property would be donated to Montgomery. However, the land would not have a deed-restriction to preserve it as open space.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
The Save Montgomery group says it will continue to promote and advocate the following:
Getting the word out via our website, mailing list, and Facebook group on township meetings, relevant committee meetings, and township actions of interest to this group.
Promote and encourage attendance at all relevant township meetings.
Develop written positions on the issues with input and collaboration of the group.
Publish talking points and facts for group members to cite during public comment opportunities.
Provide PR outreach via The Montgomery News, yard signs, and other community outreach and organizing activities.
Maintain our website as a known source of current information.
Grandview Road in Skillman at the location of the Kenvue sites.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
On the gofundme site, Save Montgomery says,"We have found an excellent attorney who is hopeful that we have a strong case to block the Kenvue part of the Affordable Housing Plan. Our group is committed to working together and advocating for smart, responsible development that respects both new and existing residents."
"We need to act quickly—our legal challenge must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Your support will help us cover the lawyer’s fees and give our community a fair chance to present our concerns. Every contribution brings us closer to protecting our neighborhood and ensuring a balanced approach to growth. If we have any money left over after the initial retainer fee, we will hold for a period in case there are subsequent fees associated with an appeal."
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