New Jersey Golf Course Gives Way to Sprawl

Once upon a time, golf courses were a popular component of development plans. Much more common now: single-family detached housing on the former site of a golf course.

1 minute read

October 5, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The Planning-Zoning Board has approved a company’s application to build 44 single-family homes on the 50 acres of the Apple Ridge Country Club property within the borough [of Upper Saddle River]," reports Marina Villeneuve.

A key condition of the plan, as approved, is the environmental remediation that will be necessary to prepare the land for the homes. Adds Villeneuve: "The ownership group Apple Ridge USR also is proposing to remediate all 50 acres of arsenic and lead-contaminated soil, a legacy of former farming of the land, as well as restore a brook running through the property and remove and replace hundreds of trees."

The article includes more details about the conditions of approval, as does additional reporting by Villaneuve from August. Upper Saddle River, in New Jersey is located northwest of New York City, along the border of the state of New York. Upper Saddle River made news earlier this year when a developer sued on grounds that the borough violated its "civil rights" to provide housing, by failing to act on a zoning request for 240 residential units included in a mixed-use development. Apparently projects coming in under a unit an acre are easier to develop.

Friday, October 2, 2015 in The Record

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog