Old NJ Golf Course Rezoned To Make Way for Senior Homes and Commercial Areas

The potential transformation of Eatontown's long-standing Old Orchard Country Club into a community of senior homes took a significant step forward on Wednesday night. Council members passed an ordinance that outlines new zoning restrictions for the site.

Concerns raised: In June, Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr. announced that the 94-year-old golf course was on the verge of being sold to a contractor with intentions to convert the area into a community featuring age-restricted homes and commercial buildings. Since then, residents have voiced their opposition to the proposed change at council meetings.

During the recent council meeting, residents presented a petition containing over 200 signatures opposing the development and rezoning of Old Orchard. Their concerns encompassed wetlands preservation, increased traffic, and potential conflicts with the borough's Master Plan. Although the petition had not been officially certified, the council ultimately reached a super majority to approve the new zoning.

The official response: In response to the concerns, officials in the Monmouth County borough have emphasized that the sale is imminent and that this latest proposal for the site is the "most realistic" compared to previous plans. Mayor Talerico acknowledged that preserving the golf course would be preferable, but given the impending sale and development, they have opted to work out a scenario that minimizes the impact on residents.

Previously, the golf course was zoned to allow developers to build single-family homes without a buffer. Jennifer Krimko, an attorney representing the contractor purchaser and future developer of Old Orchard, commended the council's efforts to secure a more modest zoning framework, with added protections for neighboring residents. Krimko also noted that over 40 acres of the golf course will be preserved and remain undeveloped.

The technical aspects: The newly passed ordinance establishes a zoning district for Old Orchard, permitting the unnamed new owner to potentially construct up to 145 age-restricted, single-family homes. These homes may include amenities such as a pool, pickleball courts, and a clubhouse. Additionally, certain commercial-use developments along Route 36 will be allowed. The ordinance mandates a 100-foot buffer between the new development and existing homes in the area.

It's important to note that while this ordinance sets the framework for potential construction on the golf course, it does not grant the new owners the immediate right to build. Developers must submit site plans for approval from the Planning Board.

The site’s history: This isn't the first time that contractors have shown interest in Old Orchard, which borders Route 36 and residential roads. In 2013, there was opposition to a proposal by the National Realty and Development Corporation subsidiary, Eatontown Ventures, to build age-restricted townhomes and commercial space on the site. A lawsuit ensued after the planning board rejected the proposal, but it was eventually dropped.

Old Orchard Country Club, an 18-hole, 136-acre golf course designed by the renowned architect Albert Warren "Tilly" Tillinghast, opened in 1929 on the grounds of an old apple orchard.