Essex County Trying To Buy West Orange Country Club: Official

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Should Essex County buy the Rock Spring Country Club in West Orange?

On Monday, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced that county officials are pondering this very question and have “made an offer” for the 168-acre property.

According to DiVincenzo:

“Rock Spring Country Club in West Orange is up for sale and we have made an offer to purchase the 168-acre site. The property is located next to South Mountain Reservation and should be preserved for open space and recreation instead of being developed.”

The proposal immediately inspired several comments from community members. Seen online:

• “Great. Too many people think residential development will help their taxes when, in fact, based on Christy Whitman's in depth study 'The Ratables Chase" showed that for every $1 collected in new taxes for a residential development it cost the town developing $2 in extra services needed - so a loss. Great job Joe D!”
• “Keep it a golf course, create jobs and revenue for the county”
• “Great. Please keep the developers out and the open space green.”
• “Hope you are successful. We don’t need any more houses. Plenty on the market.”
• “Keep it green. You're the Teddy Roosevelt of Essex County!”

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: YouTube / West Orange, NJ