WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange is seeking Green Acres funding from the state in connection to the Rock Spring Golf Club. However, it’s still unclear what that money would be put towards if it’s granted.
The town council gave its unanimous approval to Resolution 49-24 at their meeting on Tuesday.
The resolution allows West Orange to apply for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program, which provides funding to local governments and nonprofits to buy and develop land for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes.
According to the resolution, the township is asking for a $6.3 million grant that it will put to use at the property, which it purchased in 2019.
Mayor Susan McCartney, who was a member of the town council at the time of the purchase, previously said she and her peers voted to approve the deal with the intent of preserving the 138 acres of land – a decision that got a standing ovation from meeting attendees when it happened three years ago.
But from the get-go, town officials had proposed that a small portion of the site could possibly be developed, all while “preserving the integrity of the course,” she added.
Speaking at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, McCartney said the town is applying for the Green Acres funding to “preserve the golf course.”
Responding to questions from the council, chief financial officer John Gross said the resolution doesn’t determine exactly what would be funded if the state approves a grant for the Rock Spring Golf Club.
“The purpose of this resolution is basically throwing our hat in the ring for the money,” Gross said. “It’s like raising our hand to say, “We want you to consider this.’”
