Full Breakdown
Redevelopment Plans for Mays Landing Golf Course Spark Community Opposition
1/15/2026, 10:38:23 PM
Overview of the Redevelopment Project
Frank Ruocco, the new owner of the Mays Landing Golf and Country Club in South Jersey, is advancing plans to redevelop part of the property into a townhome community. Acquired in 2024 for $2.24 million, Ruocco has made improvements to the clubhouse and cart barn but intends to convert the existing 18-hole course into a 12-hole layout. The project will utilize six front-nine holes for a new single-family townhome development by Ryan Homes. The Hamilton Township Zoning Board approved a variance for this project despite significant opposition from local residents, particularly those living on Monet Drive in the Glen Eyre development, whose properties border the golf course.
Community Concerns
Residents have expressed fears that the redevelopment will negatively impact property values and alter the landscape they currently enjoy. Michael Baldwin, president of the Glen Eyre homeowners association, articulated concerns about the view from their homes, stating, “Instead of looking at the golf course, now we’re going to be looking at the backside of the townhomes.” Additionally, residents raised issues regarding potential increases in traffic and environmental impacts, particularly concerning stormwater runoff associated with the new development.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The golf course, originally designed by Leo Fraser, a former president of PGA America, has undergone several ownership changes. A 2014 deed restriction mandated the maintenance of a 12-hole golf course, allowing for partial redevelopment. However, Ruocco's team successfully challenged an older 1980s restriction that limited the property to nine holes, enabling the current redevelopment plans.
Official Statements & Responses
Ruocco defended the project, stating, “As evidenced by recent history, a traditional 18-hole golf course is no longer economically sustainable.” He described the redevelopment as a “win-win” for the community, emphasizing that the project would enhance the recreational offerings in the area. The site plan includes reconfigured parking and new driveways leading into the townhome community, which is projected to increase traffic by 3%.
Criticism & Opposition
The opposition from residents highlights broader concerns about the impact of such developments on local communities. Baldwin's remarks reflect a sentiment among residents that the changes could diminish their quality of life and property values. The homeowners association has voiced apprehensions about the long-term implications of the redevelopment, questioning whether the new homes would affect real estate transactions in the area.
What's Next
The townhome community is expected to be completed by 2027, pending further developments and potential ongoing opposition from local residents. As the project progresses, the community will continue to monitor its impact on property values, traffic, and environmental conditions.
