Randolph Moving To Shut Down Calais Road Farm Over Health, Safety Violations

RANDOLPH, NJ — Township officials are moving forward with enforcement action against a farm property on Calais Road after more than two years of failed efforts to bring it into compliance with local codes and a longstanding deed restriction, Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler said in a public statement Friday.

The property has been subject to a Declaration of Covenant and Restrictions since 2014, which limits how the land may be used. According to Forstenhausler, the township spent two and a half years attempting to resolve the matter without resorting to formal enforcement.

"We have communicated with the property owner and with the owner's attorney. We have offered and held meetings. We have extended time. We have considered a number of alternative proposals," the mayor said. "That patience reflects the Township's strong preference, in any matter of this kind, to achieve compliance through dialogue rather than enforcement."

That approach ultimately fell short.

"That dialogue has not produced the result the Township is obligated to achieve," Forstenhausler said.

On April 22, with prior notice to the property owner, inspectors from Randolph's Zoning, Construction, Fire Prevention, and Health departments, along with officials from the Morris County Division of Public Health, conducted a coordinated inspection of the site.

The inspection found a range of violations, including unpermitted construction, occupancy without a Certificate of Occupancy, the operation of retail food activity without required licensure, sanitary deficiencies, and the absence of a compliant wastewater disposal system.

Forstenhausler pushed back on any suggestion that the enforcement was narrowly focused on restroom facilities — an apparent reference to public speculation about the nature of the complaint.

"I want to be candid with our residents: the question of restroom facilities is one component of a broader set of issues, and addressing that component alone would not resolve the matter," he said.

The matter has been referred to both the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for review under their respective jurisdictions. Township enforcement proceedings are continuing through the ordinary administrative process.

The mayor was direct in framing the action as a matter of equal application of the law — not a statement against farming or open space.

"Randolph values its open space and its agricultural heritage, and the Township has a long record of supporting both," Forstenhausler said. "At the same time, the Township has an obligation to apply its codes and ordinances consistently and fairly to every property within our borders."

He added that the township remains open to a negotiated resolution. "The Township remains willing, as it has been throughout, to work toward a resolution that brings this property into compliance with the covenant and with applicable law. That offer stands."

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Office of the Township Manager at (973) 989-7100.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com