Group believes the issuance of a demolition permit for the property is "imminent."
HILLSBOROUGH -- The citizens group opposing the demolition of the Duke Farms mansion filed papers in Somerset County Superior Court on Monday seeking an injunction to stop the issuance of a demolition permit.
In addition to the request for an injunction, David Brook, an attorney representing the group known as DORIS (Demolition of Residence is Senseless), sent a letter to Judge Edward M. Coleman stating that it is his understanding that the issuance of the permit could come as early as this week.
"Defendants have stated in their Jan. 8, 2016 letter that the issuance of the demolition permit is imminent and it will likely be issued today (Monday), Tuesday or Wednesday," Brook stated in the letter. "Once the permit is issued there will be little if any time to prevent the complete loss of the entire subject of this litigation."
Brook said Tuesday that he's asking the court to act quickly because once the permit is issued, demolition could began almost immediately and once it begins it will be too late to save the mansion.
"We're hopeful that the judge who hears this request will recognize that action has to be taken now," said Brook. "We strongly believe that if the court is allowed to look at the merits of the case it will agree with us. If there's no house before the court rules, it's a miscarriage of justice."
Gregory Collins, a spokesman for the Duke Farms Foundation, declined to comment on the possible injunction, but said the foundation is aware of the situation.
The group is trying to overturn a vote by the Hillsborough Township's Historical Preservation Commission to approve an application to tear down the structure. In a lawsuit, it claims that the township violated the Open Public Meetings Act and the Municipal Land Use Law by allowing the commission to approve the demolition, as well as a decision by the Board of Adjustments to not hear an appeal against the demolition.The court has yet to hold a hearing on the lawsuit.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.