Controversial plans for a large warehouse in Upper Freehold Township cleared a hurdle last week, but could face another one in the new year.

On Dec. 17, the township’s planning board approved plans to build the warehouse complex totaling more than 450,000 square feet. The proposal has drawn criticism from nearby homeowners on Probasco Drive, whose property lines could soon be within 100 feet of warehouse walls, and others who argue that the land’s historical value would be destroyed by such development.

The land, known as the Stein property, was the site of George Washington’s dispatch of Continental Army troops to intercept the British just before the famous Battle of Monmouth.

“It would be a Revolutionary War park with part of the farmland preserved,” said Upper Freehold resident Sue Kozel. “I could see growing food for the homeless and food-insecure, and making it available to different agencies in the state of New Jersey. I see something very, very creative.”

The borough of Allentown plans to go to court to stop the development, contending the Upper Freehold planning board did not adequately review the project.

“We believe that multiple members on the [Upper Freehold] board never were able to look at this project objectively and had preconceived plans for this to happen all along,” said Allentown Mayor Thomas Fritts. “They were in full approval of these warehouses coming. So we have statements made by some of these members in public meetings, and we believe we have a strong case in that appeal alone.”

Fritts said the lawsuit could happen as soon as January, once the project is authorized for construction.