Neighbor says years-long issues at 390 Cobain Road remain unresolved despite promises from the council as illegal petting zoo and synagogue continue to cause quality of life issues for his family and his neighbors.
Jackson, NJ – A Jackson resident confronted township officials this week, accusing the council and administration of failing to act on what he described as ongoing illegal activity at a Cobain Road property that he claims has disrupted his neighborhood for years. Tom Giattino, who lives on Cobain Road, told officials the situation at 390 Cobain Road—including what he alleges is an illegal petting farm, paid parking lot, and large gatherings related to the home allegedly being used as a makeshift synagogue—has continued despite repeated complaints and assurances from township leadership.”Illegal”
Update 3/27 9:55 am: Shore News Network has reached out to the Monmouth County SPCA and the Ocean County Department of Health to inquire about human and animal safety and welfare at this business. Neither agency has responded.
According to reviews online, the Jackson Petting Farm , “is a family-friendly petting farm that offers visitors the opportunity to interact with various animals, including goats, rabbits, and farm dogs. The primary purpose of the farm is to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for children and families through hands-on animal interactions and feeding activities. Visitors can purchase food to feed the animals, making it an engaging outing for families.”
“So earlier we were talking about porta potty issues and the potential smells associated with. Okay. What about oppressive smells from male goats on an illegal commercial farm on Cobain Road?” Giattino said during public comment. “A residential neighborhood, not a commercial neighborhood.”
Giattino said he met with township officials in February and expected progress, but has not seen results. “I feel no closer to a resolution today than I did on February 20th,” he said. “It is well documented that many of you on this board have been copied on my email chain… But yet nothing gets done.”
He described the township’s response to his complaints since last year as a circle jerk by township officials.
Complaints span months, the resident says
Giattino said the issue dates back even further, pointing to a conversation with Mayor Jennifer Kuhn last fall.
“The mayor has assured me that something was going to get done on September 14th, Jackson Day,” he said. “It’s now been over six months… and I’m not closer to a resolution than I was two years ago.”
He described ongoing disturbances that he said have affected his family and neighbors daily.
“I got school-aged children,” Giattino said. “Roosters crowing repeatedly at midnight, not 6:00 a.m., midnight.”
He added that noise and odor issues extend beyond livestock. “Dogs barking at all hours of the night where I can’t even open my windows at night to get fresh air into my home,” he said. “I pay over $11,000 in taxes in this town. I can’t even open a window.”
Reviews online about the business confirmed Giattino’s allegations.
“really nice petting farm! It was a pleasant laid back experience. You can purchase food to feed the animals with. We bought carrots and we got to feed and pet the animals. There’s goats, farm dogs, rabbits, ducks, hens, roosters, guinea pigs and sheep. My family especially enjoyed feeding and holding the rabbits and petting the small white dogs. There was a small toddler moon bounce that the owner let the kids jump on which definitely made it exciting for them! very friendly! Great trip! Thank you,” one visitor wrote.
Admission to the farm is $10.
Many reviews claimed poor treatment of animals, though no complaints have been found with state agencies or animal welfare groups at this time.
Allegations include regular and consistent farm use, gatherings, and parking
Giattino outlined multiple alleged uses of the property, which he said are not permitted in a residential zone. He claimed the site is operating as a paid-admission petting farm and includes animals being sold on-site. He also alleged regular gatherings tied to religious use inside the home.
“Synagogue services where he has at least 60 people in the home,” Giattino said. “Is the fire department aware of this?”
He also raised concerns about traffic and parking associated with the property, noting that a paved lot is being used without proper approvals.
“His illegal paved parking lot… 20 cars per weekend,” he said. “Anybody within 200 feet is supposed to get a notice… Got nothing.”
Giattino estimated total attendance tied to the property could reach dozens of people at a time. “That comes out to at least 60 people,” he said. “Why do we have ordinances and laws if we are not going to enforce them?”
Key Points
- Tom Giattino says alleged illegal farm and gatherings continue at 390 Cobain Road
- Resident cites noise, odor, and traffic impacting neighborhood quality of life
- Township says new ordinance and enforcement coordination are underway
Township cites enforcement efforts, new ordinance
Council President Mordechai Burnstein responded during the meeting, pointing to steps taken following earlier discussions with Giattino and others.
“One of those ideas that code enforcement together with code enforcement animal control… brought up was the ordinance that was introduced tonight,” the official said. “We have to give our code enforcement and our zoning the tools to be successful.”
Burnstein said the council unanimously adopted the ordinance and emphasized the need for coordination between departments.
“I know that the mayor and the business administrator have been in constant communication with the chief of police… making sure that all the various positions within government are working together,” Burnstein said.
The township also said code enforcement is working to ensure any action taken follows proper legal procedures. “Our code enforcement wants to make sure they’re following the law and have the resources to enforce whatever they are enforcing,” the official said.
Resident says situation remains unresolved
Despite those assurances, Giattino said conditions have not improved and warned he may continue escalating complaints. “This is my third time here,” he said. “Are we going to sit on this?”
He described the situation as ongoing and repetitive. “It’s a circle jerk… round and round,” Giattino said. “I got to live across the street.”
Giattino ended his remarks by urging the township to act decisively. “Let’s do something about it,” he said.