Tinton Falls Buys Historic Carney Farm to Preserve Open Space

The $3 million purchase will protect 13 acres from development and provide community green space.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Borough of Tinton Falls, New Jersey has purchased approximately 13 acres of land known as Carney Farm, preventing the property from being developed and instead preserving it as open space for public use. The $3 million purchase was funded primarily by the Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund, with the remainder coming from Tinton Falls' own Open Space Trust Fund.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Carney Farm ensures the land will be permanently protected from development, providing lasting environmental and recreational benefits to the Tinton Falls community. Public green spaces are known to improve mental health, serve as community gathering places, and offer opportunities for physical activity.

The details

Tinton Falls officials acted to purchase Carney Farm after learning the property was at risk of being sold to a developer who likely would have built townhouses on the land. The Borough Council unanimously passed an ordinance to acquire the 13-acre site, which is located in a primarily residential area near the Garden State Parkway.

  • On February 17, 2026, the Tinton Falls Borough Council introduced an ordinance to acquire Carney Farm.
  • On February 18, 2026, the Borough issued a press release announcing the $3 million purchase of the approximately 13-acre property.

The players

Risa Clay

Mayor of Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

Mary Elizabeth Carney Quinn

A member of the family with a connection to Carney Farm, who expressed gratitude and hope that the land will continue to serve the community.

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What they’re saying

“Often, developers outbid municipalities for land, preventing towns from preserving parcels ideal for public use.”

— Risa Clay, Mayor of Tinton Falls (NJ.com)

“On behalf of our family and with deep gratitude and pride, we entrust this cherished property to the community. It is our hope that the land will continue to serve as a source of purpose, connection, and opportunity for generations to come — just as it has for ours.”

— Mary Elizabeth Carney Quinn (Press Release)

What’s next

The Borough of Tinton Falls plans to permanently preserve the Carney Farm property for open space and future recreational use, providing a natural asset for generations to come.

The takeaway

The purchase of Carney Farm by Tinton Falls demonstrates the importance of municipalities taking action to protect valuable open space and farmland from development, ensuring these natural assets remain accessible to the community for years to come.