Commissions Concur on Country Club's Future

The future of the Country Club of Woodbridge was discussed at a joint meeting of three commissions on March 26.

The three commissions—Conservation, Town Plan and Zoning and On the Use of Publicly Owned Property (CUPOP)—split into two groups and came to similar conclusions.

The groups believe that the majority of the property should be preserved as open space for golf or recreation; and that some limited development for active adults (55 +) should be allowed to generate tax revenue and reduce Town debt. There was also talk of selling the open space with a conservation easement.

At the May 2009 Annual Town Meeting, residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of buying the property. Shortly thereafter, the Town purchased the Country Club of Woodbridge property for $6.9 million. Since then, the Town has contracted with an outside company to run the golf course. In keeping with a national trend, the golf course has been losing money.

“By looking at the CCW acreage in the context of all the other property already owned by the town, CUPOP is able to bring a broad perspective to questions of potential future uses,” said CUPOP Chair Sheila McCreven.  “Our commission's official role, to study and recommend to the Board of Selectmen the proper use, or any changes in use, of all publicly owned property, is an important process that helps inform the Selectmen as they seek to balance Town needs."

“The Conservation Commission members were glad to ask questions and get immediate answers from the other commission members,” said Conservation Chair Jason Morrill. “The Commission members look forward to similar meetings in the future particularly in light of the upcoming Plan of Conservation and Development which should consider the Country Club property among others.”

The Town has been actively discussing options for the property’s future. In October of 2013, the Town held two forums at which the consensus was similar to that reached by the three commissions: Residents wanted to preserve open space; they were open to allow limited development on the property for active adults and they wanted to preserve golf, if possible.  

In February of 2014, the Town’s consultants Milone & MacBroom presented their recommended suggestion for the property, which includes keeping golf and creating a limited development for active adults along Woodfield Road. 

“Town Plan and Zoning believes that limited development on the Country Club of Woodbridge site is appropriate as long as the majority of the land is preserved as open space,” says TPZ Chair Jeff Kaufman.

“This is the Town’s most pressing and controversial issue,” said First Selectman Ellen Scalettar. “I am very pleased that these three commissions that deal with land use discussed and came to similar conclusions about the direction this property should take. Their thoughtful conversation along with input from residents during prior public meetings will inform the preparation of an RFP for the site.”