To the Borough Council, Glen Ridge Country Club and other Relevant Authorities,

As a collective of families residing in the surrounding areas of the Glen Ridge Country Club (GRCC), we are writing to express our deep concern regarding the club's proposed expansion plans, which we believe will significantly disrupt our peaceful residential environment. We urge you to reconsider the proposed changes, as they present serious challenges to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of our neighborhood.

While the Glen Ridge Country Club has long been a beloved institution in our area, the current expansion plans, as outlined in the club’s submitted planning documents, threaten to negatively impact the surrounding homes, the environment, and the quality of life for all who live here. Specifically, we are concerned about the following:

1. Violation of the Borough's 100-Foot Buffer Zone Law

The borough’s longstanding bylaw, which has been in place for over 60 years, mandates a 100-foot buffer zone between the GRCC's facilities and neighboring properties. The club's current plans to reduce this buffer zone to just 13 feet would be a drastic and unacceptable violation of this protective measure.

The bylaw reads as follows:

“No portion of any building or structure shall be erected nearer than one hundred fifty feet to the street lot line on which the principal building or clubhouse faces. No portion of any building or structure shall be erected nearer to any adjoining lot line than one hundred feet. The term 'structure' as used herein shall be any type of construction including, but not limited to, a swimming pool, handball court, paddle tennis court and the like, and the paved areas used in connection therewith.”

The proposed expansion would encroach upon this established buffer zone, leading to unwarranted increases in noise, foot traffic, and disruption of residential privacy. For families with young children, the prospect of outdoor events, music, and gatherings just feet away from their homes would be detrimental to their peace and well-being.

2. Environmental Impact and Destruction of Mature Trees

As part of the expansion, the club plans to remove 56 trees—including at least 24 healthy trees, some of which are over 100 years old. This includes several majestic red and white oak trees, which have been assessed by the club’s own hired arborist as being in good condition. These trees provide a sound, privacy and visual barrier for neighbors and are vital for the local ecosystem. Construction fencing and equipment is in place. Cutting down healthy trees for a plan that has not been approved yet is an egregious assumption by the GRCC. The new trees to be replanted will be mere saplings and are proposed to be on the golf course rather than providing the same barriers they once did for locals. (please see photos)

Removing these trees would be a grave loss for many reasons, and we believe there are alternative ways to expand the club’s facilities without resorting to such drastic measures.

3. Alternative Expansion Options

The club has options to expand on the east or west side of its existing facilities, which would allow for the construction of new amenities without violating the buffer zone or removing valuable trees. There is no need to compromise the peace and privacy of neighboring families or disregard longstanding zoning laws. We fully support the club’s right to modernize its facilities, but this must be done responsibly and in alignment with community values and environmental preservation.

As neighbors, we do not want to be forced into a legal battle to protect our homes and environment, but we are prepared to take action if necessary. We believe that many club members and residents would prefer to see a more responsible and transparent approach to the proposed expansion, one that considers both the club’s needs and the interests of the surrounding community.

What We Ask:

1. We respectfully ask the governing authorities to uphold the 100-foot buffer zone as stipulated in the borough’s law and reject any request for variances that would violate this zoning requirement.
2. We ask the management of Glen Ridge Country Club to explore alternative expansion plans that would minimize disruption to neighboring residents and preserve the environment by avoiding tree removal.
3. We call on the community members—whether club members, residents, or concerned citizens—to voice their support for a more balanced and thoughtful approach to the club's growth.

We believe it is possible to expand the Glen Ridge Country Club while maintaining the harmony and environmental integrity of our neighborhood. Please join us in advocating for a solution that respects both the future of the club and the well-being of the families who call this community home.

Sincerely,

Your Neighbors in Glen Ridge

Photo 1: Trees being removed by the Country Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 2: Where new trees will be planted on the golf course close to Broad Street

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 3: The Proposed GRCC Expansion located 13 feet from neighboring property lines

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 4: Proposed Zoning Request by GRCC from 100ft to 13ft ( they are already 25 ft in violation)

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 5: Relevant Glen Ridge Borough Bylaw