Oyster Bay officials are exploring the possibility of rezoning private golf courses in an effort to limit future housing development. The potential changes come as part of a broader trend of golf course redevelopment driven by declining membership and financial challenges. The town of Oyster Bay recently conducted a study on all golf course properties in the area, examining their zoning classifications and how increased restrictions could help protect open space.
The study, conducted by environmental firm Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, evaluated six private courses and three public courses in the town. The only course excluded from the study was an East Massapequa golf course that the town acquired through eminent domain last year.
The study recommended specific zoning changes for two private courses: North Shore Country Club in Glenwood Landing and Engineers Country Club in Roslyn. For North Shore Country Club’s 83 acres, the study proposed changing the zoning from allowing one home per half acre to one home per two acres. This change would reduce the number of potential single-family home lots from 127 to 25. Similarly, the study recommended a two-acre zoning change for the four acres of Engineers Country Club within the Town of Oyster Bay. The current zoning allows for one single-family lot per 0.16 acre.
However, Oyster Bay spokeswoman Marta Kane clarified that there are currently no plans to develop any of the golf courses in the town. Despite that, there are concerns from stakeholders regarding potential impacts on property values and ongoing development proposals. Allan Hyman, a lawyer for North Shore Country Club, expressed that the property would likely be sold for housing development in the future and opposed the recommended zoning change.
Meanwhile, Anthony Guardino, a lawyer representing developer RXR, which owns Engineers Country Club, requested that the property be excluded from any zoning changes due to a pending housing development proposal in Roslyn Harbor, where most of the golf course is located. Throughout the discussions, the town highlighted its commitment to environmental protection and open space preservation, with the proposed changes intended to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas from overdevelopment.
The study also suggested prohibiting any future construction on sections of private courses that have steep slopes or contain environmental features like wetlands. This proposed change would affect around 35 acres within Oyster Bay’s jurisdiction across four private courses.
Public comment on the proposed zoning changes will be open for approximately one month before town legislators vote on the matter. Lisa Cashman, associate director of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, expressed support for the changes at a recent meeting, emphasizing the importance of considering water supply concerns when discussing future development.
The potential rezoning of these golf courses reflects Oyster Bay’s commitment to balancing development with environmental preservation. By establishing more stringent restrictions, the town aims to protect open space and maintain the integrity of environmentally sensitive areas, while still addressing the evolving needs of the community.
