Bayonet Farm to become nonprofit

Nonprofit status would allow Bayonet Farm to be used for fundraising events. HOLMDEL — Bayonet Farm will soon operate as a nonprofit organization as a result of the Township Committee's approval of the advisory committee's presentation.

"We are in full support of this," said Mayor Serena DiMaso at the Sept. 18 Township Committee meeting. "Really we are indebted to [the Bayonet and Cross Farms Advisory Committee] for all the work that you have put into this."

The advisory committee made a presentation at the meeting highlighting potential uses and sources of revenue, including using the farm as a catering facility for events such as weddings, should the farm operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity.

"Thursday's Township Committee meeting approvals allow us to take the next step, which will probably take a few months to complete," stated Bayonet and Cross Farms Advisory Committee Co-Chairs Bill Hennigan and Phyllis Ameduri in an e-mail.

"Our first objective will be to draft bylaws that govern the nonprofit and concurrently work on a memorandum of understanding which would detail the responsibilities of both the township and nonprofit. Once these documents are approved, the nonprofit can be incorporated in New Jersey, and then we will begin the IRS application process to obtain a 501(c)(3) taxexempt designation, which may take several more months."

The advisory committee remains enthused about Bayonet Farm and its new path.

"The good news, however, is that we can begin all operations except fundraising activities as soon as New Jersey incorporation takes place," the co-chairs stated.

In February, the Township Committee approved a mission for use of the farm. That mission states that any uses should adhere to the advancement of the cultural, historical and environmental heritage of Holmdel and its surrounding region through educational programs, exhibitions, performances, recreation and other related activities.

"Our programming will hold true to our mission to advance the cultural, historical and environmental heritage of Holmdel and its surrounding region," Ameduri and Hennigan explained in an e-mail. "If our plan is implemented as projected, positive operating revenue could be realized by the third full year of operation. However, revenue cannot be realistically projected until decisions are made concerning how much and how quickly capital investment will be approved and then spent to ready the buildings for their proposed uses. A host of variables could impact this projection."

Ameduri and Hennigan said that the advisory committee had worked hard on proposing nonprofit status and have confidence in the group's work.

"We know we have a good plan, the township concurs, and we will work together to ensure it succeeds," they stated.

As to why the advisory committee felt nonprofit status was appropriate for Bayonet Farm, Ameduri summarized the group's thoughts during the presentation Sept. 18.

"A 501(c)(3) status provides for long- term planning," Ameduri said. "We will need to file with the state, file with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for tax exemptions. We will need a board of trustees with a diverse mix of talents and skills and we will need to adopt bylaws regarding the farm."

The presentation noted that some existing ordinances would have to be revisited, such as the ordinance addressing consumption of alcohol on township property.

DiMaso suggested that the advisory committee present to other groups such as the Holmdel Board of Education and parent groups since so many of the proposed programs center around education and the arts.

The advisory committee's presentation will be available on the Holmdel Township Web site and in the Holmdel Township Public Library.

The Township Committee approved the resolution acknowledging Bayonet Farm as a nonprofit by a 5-0 vote.

"We have worked very hard over the past nine months on this proposal and are extremely happy that the town has accepted our recommendations. There is considerable work ahead but this approval helps us to see light at the end of the tunnel," Ameduri and Hennigan wrote Sept. 23. "We are eager for the day the nonprofit will hang up its 'Open for Business' sign at Bayonet Farm."

Tucked away on Middletown Road, Bayonet Farm was acquired by the township for $1.6 million in township and Green Acres funding from former owner Laura Harding.

It had been a retreat home for the New York City socialite and aspiring actress.

Harding, a Rumson resident, bought the