Harrison Board Reviews Club's Unapproved Golf Range Work Amid Lawsuit
Old Oaks Country Club sought amended site plan and wetlands permits for golf range improvements, including regrading and paving, which it completed in 2021 without prior town approval. The application moves forward amidst a federal lawsuit by neighbors who allege the club influenced the town and violated environmental laws.
What Happened
- The board moved forward with Old Oaks Country Club's application to legalize golf range improvements, including regrading and paving, completed in 2021 without prior town approval, acknowledging a federal lawsuit from neighbors. This forces the board to review unpermitted work while navigating allegations of preferential treatment and environmental violations.
- For a proposed 17-lot subdivision at 275 North Street, the board designated itself lead agency for environmental review, and the applicant agreed to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This sets the stage for a comprehensive review of a major development's potential impacts on a 34.4-acre undeveloped tract.
- The board set a public hearing for a mixed-use development at 207 Harrison Avenue but required the applicant to submit new plans that align the building with the street's profile and move proposed front parking to the rear. This prioritizes consistent streetscape design and public safety over initial development plans.
- The board set a public hearing for a 5-lot subdivision on Polly Park Road, a 100% zoning compliant project on 34 acres that includes stormwater management designed for 500-year storm events. This advances a large residential development with significant environmental engineering.
Project Outcomes
- Old Oaks Country Club (Amended Site Plan/Wetlands Permit): Application moving forward; board referred setback and height variances to the ZBA. The club is seeking to legalize substantial, unpermitted golf course alterations completed in 2021.
- 2700 Westchester Avenue: Site plan, steep slope, and wetland permits extended by one year. Construction for previously approved townhomes remains stalled due to town legal document finalization.
- 275 North Street (17-lot subdivision): Board designated itself lead agency for environmental review; applicant agreed to a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This kicks off a rigorous environmental assessment for a major new development on 34.4 undeveloped acres.
- 3073 Purchase Street (fence): Fence permit approved contingent on relocating the 6-foot fence to the existing tree line. The board prioritized street-view aesthetics over the original fence placement.
- 207 Harrison Avenue (Mixed-Use Development): Public hearing set for January 27, requiring applicant to submit revised plans for building setback and parking alignment. The board is pushing for significant design changes to enhance streetscape and public safety for this new mixed-use building.
- Polly Park Road (5-lot residential subdivision): Public hearing set for January 27. This advances a significant residential development featuring a new road, designed to handle 500-year storm events.
What's Next
- January 27, 2026 Planning Board Meeting: Public hearings are scheduled for the 207 Harrison Avenue mixed-use development and the Polly Park Road 5-lot subdivision.
- January 27, 2026 Planning Board Meeting: The board will proceed with environmental review for the 275 North Street 17-lot subdivision, including a potential scoping session for its Environmental Impact Statement.
- Old Oaks Country Club: Applicant must proceed with a referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals for required setback and height variances for the driving range improvements.