County looks to buy golf course property
Deputy mayor says his family wants a decision by March 1
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

The Cream Ridge Golf Course property in Upper Freehold may become open space after all.

The Monmouth County Park System (MCPS) is interested in preserving the Cream Ridge Golf Club (CRGC) and its adjacent vacant land as part of the county’s open space program.

In a letter from MCPS Director James Truncer to Township Administrator Barbara Bascom, Truncer noted that “the location of this site is at the gateway to existing county parklands at Walnford, and its open space and public recreation values make this property of particular interest to the county for preservation.”

The letter, which acknowledges that the owners have received proposals for possible residential development of the site, states, “We would like to work with the owners and the township to acquire the development rights on this property to permanently preserve it for our present and future generations.”

The entire tract is approximately 185 acres.

Deputy Mayor William Miscoski, who is part owner of the golf club property, recused himself as the other three committeemen present voted on a resolution supporting county acquisition of the land.

Committeeman David Horsnall was absent.

The site has been the subject of much controversy in the last several months.

Just prior to voters considering a $38.9 million referendum to build a new middle school, the Miscoski family confirmed a rumor that they were having discussions with Toll Brothers to build a 325- to 400-home, age-restricted development. They wished to donate 50 acres of the property for the proposed school — and provide for a package sewage treatment plant — but the deal was contingent on approvals to build the housing development.

However, the golf course land, which is in the 3-acre zone, would require various governmental approvals, including rezoning by the township and an environmental impact approval by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Miscoski came out publicly against the district’s choice for the school — a property on Ellisdale Road.

However, a January letter from the Miscoskis’ attorney indicated that no formal offer had been made to the district.

Phillip Shore, land-use attorney for the Board of Education, said the 32-classroom middle school would not be able to open by its September 2007 target date if the golf club site is chosen.

He said this would not benefit the taxpayers because of the increased costs of construction, as well as the costs of trailers needed to house the students until the school could open.

In December, voters approved the building referendum, which named the Ellisdale Road parcel as the designated site for the new school.

Miscoski had said at the time that he and his family would rather have preserved the property, but decided to consider selling to a developer when that plan fell through.

Township Attorney Granville Magee said the county was looking for cooperation from the Township Committee. He also said the county has continued its efforts to provide open space in western Monmouth County, with Upper Freehold high on its agenda for preserving acreage for open space and recreation.

Committeeman Stephen Alexander said the golf course, located at the intersection of Route 539 and Holmes Mill Road, is at a critical location in the center of town and is a great spot to have a golf course.

Miscoski said he and his family approached the county and asked if officials were interested in acquiring the golf course property.

“My family would rather preserve the golf course and the surrounding land than see buildings,” he said.

He added that his family is willing to take less money than a developer would offer them, but that it must be done quickly. The parcel is owned by four family members, one of whom is not a local resident and is not willing to wait, according to Miscoski.

“We’re looking for a commitment from the county,” Miscoski said. “We’re willing to take less money to make it happen.

“I hope something can come of it,” he said, noting that the county needs to make a decision by March 1.

Truncer later said that there was nothing to add at this time that was not in the letter, and that the next step would be to sit down and negotiate with the family.