Developer seeks to preserve Pinelands tract instead of building housing project amid controversy.
Plans to construct a residential development next to the Black Run Preserve in Evesham Township, Burlington County, have ignited considerable opposition among local hikers and residents. The proposed project seeks to build 250 single-family homes on approximately 300 acres of land owned by Kettle Run Investments LP, which is part of a larger 778-acre tract. This area falls within New Jersey’s protected Pinelands region, known for its delicate ecosystems and scenic landscapes, where limited development is permitted.
In response to the development proposal, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA)—a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation—has initiated a petition that has amassed thousands of signatures. Opponents of the project argue that the construction would significantly disrupt local wildlife habitats and the headwater forests that are crucial for the health of the Black Run watershed.
The development effort is overseen by Devel LLC, a company linked to the legacy of the late South Jersey developer Joseph Samost. His daughter, Linda Samost, currently managing the family business, has expressed her commitment to finding a solution that balances community needs with environmental preservation. According to Samost, she has been actively seeking potential conservation partners since 2020, emphasizing her desire to benefit both the ecosystem and local community.
If successful in securing a conservation deal, Samost indicated that the project would be abandoned, and the land would remain preserved. However, she has stated that she felt compelled to submit the development proposal only after previous negotiations failed and she aims to explore those options again.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the residential project, the Pinelands Commission is considering a rezoning initiative that would transform 2,400 acres from a rural development designation to a Pinelands Forest Area, intensifying protection for the Black Run watershed. Such a change could significantly limit future development opportunities within that area.
The current zoning allows for one home per 3.2 acres, equating to approximately 243 homes on the Samost property. If the proposed rezoning occurs, this could reduce development potential dramatically to about one residence per 25 acres, potentially lowering the number of homes to around 30.
Preservation advocates, including those from the PPA, emphasize the vital importance of safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Black Run Preserve and its surrounding waterways. Current efforts include assessing the land for endangered species, a necessary step before any development can move forward.
The Pinelands Commission is responsible for overseeing land use regulations within this sensitive region and any final development plans would require approval from both Evesham Township and the Commission, ensuring that environmental considerations remain at the forefront of any proposed changes to the landscape.
