Cherry Hill council voted unanimously on Aug. 12 to approve on first reading an ordinance that updates the zoning overlay to permit agricultural use at the Holly Ravine Farm.
The 23-acre property at the corner of Springdale and Evesham roads was purchased by the township in January to preserve as open space. That came after multiple zoning-board meetings in 2023 where residents advocated for the site’s purchase and preservation, the same year that another developer proposed a 175-unit senior living facility.
“As I discussed recently with residents at an Open Space Master Plan meeting, we continue to explore what’s next, what is the next chapter for this property, which will remain as open space and preserved forever,” said Mayor David Fleisher. “This meeting’s vote will make agriculture a viable, potential use in addition to other passive open-space uses.”
The council also passed a resolution for the planning board to review and provide recommendations on the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance, expected to have a second hearing in September.
“That will give us even more flexibility down the line to figure out how we can best preserve that open space and create something really special, something else really special for our residents,” noted Councilwoman Michele Golkow.
During his comments, Fleisher reflected on summer community events, including National Night Out; the last of the Music Under the Stars concert series at Barclay Farmstead; and the 64th annual Cherry Bowl, where all 12 township swim clubs competed.
“I really am appreciative of all of the time and effort that the volunteers of this community give to us,” Councilwoman Carole Roskoph observed.
The last of the summer events is the second al fresco food truck festival on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Croft Farms.
“I look at (the festivals) as two bookends to one of the best summers of programs ever bringing people together in our community in numbers not seen in many, many years,’ Fleisher noted. “Our mission – which has included bringing people together and reinvigorating a sense of pride in our community – continues to move forward.
“By those measures, this summer has been a resounding success.”
Fleisher also acknowledged the Cherry Hill National Athletic Little League’s Cal Ripken 8-Year-Old Player Pitch World Series, which featured players from around the U.S. and as far as Mexico and China.
The next council meeting will be on Monday, Aug. 26.
