Holmdel Horn Antenna – Courtesy NJ.com

In his role as Holmdel Township Attorney, KMC Partner Michael L. Collins successfully represented Holmdel in preserving the historic Horn Antenna and acquiring a 35-acre hilltop constituting the highest point in Monmouth County to be a municipal park.

The Horn Antenna was used in 1965 as part of research that confirmed the Big Bang theory. The scientists that conducted the testing, Dr. Arno Penzias and Holmdel resident Dr. Robert Wilson, received the Noble Prize for their work.

This historic action made national, statewide, and local publications.

The New York Times – The Holmdel Horn, a Cosmic Shrine in New Jersey, Stays Put

NJ.com – N.J. community to buy the antenna used to confirm the Big Bang Theory

The next step in the process will be for the town to go to state Superior Court to proceed with a friendly condemnation, since the two sides have reached an agreement, Township Attorney Michael L. Collins said. The court will issue a judgement of possession, which serves as the deed. The transaction will be completed within a couple of months, he said.

The Two River Times – Agreement Reached in Horn Antenna Dispute

According to township attorney Mike Collins, the township and Crawford Hill Holdings, as part of a memorandum of understanding, have agreed to a “friendly condemnation,” which means the township will file a condemnation complaint and Crawford Hill Holdings, together with the township, will consent to the condemnation of the property in Superior Court.
. . .
The township has agreed not to exercise eminent domain over lot 7, Collins said. Crawford Hill Holdings will be the designated redeveloper of that property.

Holmdel Patch – Holmdel, Developer Agreement Will Preserve Crawford Hill Site