Lopatcong Mayor: No plans to rezone golf course, development restrictions remain in place
LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) — Mayor William Wright has addressed public concerns regarding the potential for housing development on the township’s golf course, emphasizing that no changes to zoning, the master plan, or sewer service areas are being considered.
“There has been quite a bit of concern and speculation surrounding the potential for additional homes to be built in Lopatcong recently,” Wright said, noting the goal of his statement was to “provide some background, try to answer some questions, and hopefully quell some concerns.”
Wright explained that the golf course is located in the township’s R3/2 Zone. “A developer could build detached single-family homes on 2 or 3 acre lots (two acre lots would be clustered and there would be open space dedicated under this scenario). That has been the case for decades,” he stated.
He was clear that, “No multi-family options are allowed, so there would have to be a master plan and ordinance to change it.” He added, “There is no plan to review the Township’s master plan and I personally do not support doing one now or any time in the near or even distant future.”
Regarding the Highlands designation of the property, Wright said, “The Golf Course’s Highlands designation does not support development here either.” He stressed that, “There is no plan by the Township for the Golf Course’s Highland’s designation to be reviewed or changed nor has the Township Council or me asked for one.”
The mayor also underscored that, “The only portion of the property that is in the sewer service area is the clubhouse. There is no request by the Township to expand the sewer service area beyond the clubhouse and no plan by the Township to do so.”
While he acknowledged the golf course’s owner has reached out to officials, Wright noted, “To the best of my knowledge, [the owner] has heard the same thing from everyone he approached.” He reiterated his personal view, saying, “It’s a really nice golf course and I look forward to playing on it for years and years to come.”
Wright concluded by inviting residents to stay involved, stating, “I welcome anyone with questions to attend our next meetings, ask questions, and stay engaged.”
