FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A developer is seeking approval to construct a new cemetery on nearly 54 acres along Ely Harmony Road in Freehold Township, a proposal that has generated concerns from nearby Jackson Township residents and prompted an extensive environmental review.
The application, submitted by 119 Ely Harmony Road, LLC, seeks preliminary and final major site plan approval, a conditional use permit, and a “D” variance to develop the Ely Harmony Road Cemetery on Block 108, Lots 14 and 17 at 119 and 165 Ely Harmony Road.
Although the property is located within Freehold Township, many of the closest neighboring homes are located in Jackson Township, leading local officials there to advocate for residents concerned about the proposal’s potential impact.
Jackson interim mayor asks neighboring town to consider residents
Interim Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said she has formally contacted the Freehold Township Zoning Board asking that concerns raised by Jackson homeowners be taken into consideration during the review process.
“I have heard from a number of Jackson residents who live near the property and are concerned about how this proposal could impact their homes and quality of life,” Kuhn said.
While acknowledging Jackson Township has no jurisdiction over the application, Kuhn said she requested that, if approved, every reasonable effort be made to reduce visual impacts and protect adjacent neighborhoods.
“The people who could be affected are our residents, and their concerns matter to me,” Kuhn said. “I will always advocate for Jackson families and make sure their voices are heard whenever decisions outside our borders have the potential to impact their homes, neighborhoods, and quality of life.”
Environmental commission requests additional information
During its December 2025 review of the proposal, the Freehold Township Environmental Commission issued 16 comments identifying issues it wants addressed before the project advances.
Among the commission’s primary concerns was the proposed removal of a significant number of trees and wildlife habitat. Members questioned an environmental impact statement suggesting wildlife displaced by the project could relocate to Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area, saying they wanted additional information on habitat preservation and replacement.
Commissioners also requested information on the total number of trees slated for removal, whether any heritage trees exist on the property, flood hazard verification from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and revised grading plans showing how changes in elevation would affect neighboring properties.
Additional comments sought details on landscaping buffers, stormwater management, future restroom and water service, lighting, roadway design, parking safety, soil management for an estimated 30 burials per month, and long-term maintenance of the property.
The commission also expressed concern that portions of the proposed grading appear to extend to property lines without clearly demonstrating how adjacent properties would be protected from drainage or elevation impacts.
The application remains under review and must receive multiple land use approvals from Freehold Township before construction could begin. Additional public hearings are expected as the review process continues.
Although the cemetery would be built in Freehold Township, its location immediately adjacent to Jackson Township has made it a regional issue for nearby homeowners. Environmental impacts, neighborhood compatibility, drainage, landscaping buffers, and property aesthetics are expected to remain central topics as the application moves forward.
- A 54-acre cemetery has been proposed for 119 and 165 Ely Harmony Road in Freehold Township.
- Jackson Township officials are urging neighboring officials to consider concerns from residents living along the municipal border.
- Environmental reviewers identified 16 issues requiring additional information, including tree removal, grading, drainage, wildlife habitat, landscaping, and stormwater management.
FAQ
Where would the cemetery be built?
The project is proposed for 119 and 165 Ely Harmony Road in Freehold Township along the Jackson Township border.
Has the cemetery been approved?
No. The application remains under review and requires site plan, conditional use, and variance approvals from Freehold Township.
Why is Jackson Township involved?
Although the property is in Freehold Township, nearby Jackson residents could be affected because their homes border the proposed development.
What environmental issues have been raised?
Officials have questioned tree removal, wildlife habitat loss, flood hazards, grading, drainage, buffers, lighting, stormwater management, and long-term maintenance plans.
Will residents have another opportunity to comment?
Yes. Additional public hearings are expected before any final decision is made on the application.
Sources: Freehold Township Environmental Commission December 2025 meeting minutes; Freehold Township Zoning Board application and agenda; Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer Kuhn public statement; Monmouth County Development Review Committee records.
