I was sad to hear that our local golf club has gone the way of most acreage, in Bergen County. Built in 1966, the club was a rarity --- an 18-hole course with a lovely dining room and pro shop, set in the middle of a lovely residential setting. It was a landmark we all took for granted would be there forever. But, as with most things, money talks. My understanding is Toll Brothers, among others, made an offer the owners simply couldn't refuse.
I can remember playing the course, and thinking I should have taken up mountain climbing --- that's how hilly the course is. But, for a semi-private club, the course was actually pretty good. I was a member at Upper Mountclair CC, until the ex decided I wasn't (the club was a much greater loss than the ex), and that course was a magnificent 27-hole wonder replete with a ton of water hazards. So, playing High Mountain, evern with it's hills, was much better for my ego.
But, I wonder how the people who bought homes bordering the course will feel to know they paid for a location they'll no longer have. And, what about all the members? How are they feeling? The Franklin Lakes Town Council will be meeting tonight to assuage the concerns of its residents, but there's little the town can do to make this go away, or, for that matter, to rein in the plans of the developer.
While Toll Brothers has a reputation for building lovely homes, I'd put them several steps above Hovnanian, but certainly not in a class with local builders like John Avanzato.
While Franklin Lakes continues to develop its remaining acreage, Wyckoff has purchased the former Russell Orchards --- to the tune of over $3 million, and will turn it into another park. As I recall, the original purchaser, a local builder, only paid a smidge over $1 mil for the property. I think I'm glad I moved out of Wyckoff. I smell a tax increase on the horizon.
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