Plan to build homes at Woodmere golf course riles residents

Some residents and civic groups are voicing their opposition to a plan that would bring up to 300 homes to the Woodmere Country Club and golf course.

The land was purchased by New Jersey developer Weiss Properties, which is considering the residential development.

Neighbors say the Five Towns area is already at capacity in terms of population. They say the proposed residential neighborhood would overburden local schools, create traffic headaches and negatively impact the environment.

News 12’s calls to the developer went unanswered. A Hempstead town spokesperson told News 12 that “the town of Hempstead will be proposing zoning restrictions that would severely reduce allowable residential development on private golf courses."

Instead of building homes, some residents say Weiss Properties should consider expanding the clubhouse into a larger public venue.

Neighbors and civic groups concede a compromise will have to be made, but they want to make sure the town hears their concerns.

“We all can't have what we want, but we can certainly do it in a way that does not harm the community,” says Pearl Bruger, of the Five Towns Civic Association.

The town of Hempstead is planning a public meeting on the future of the Woodmere Country Club property Monday evening at the Lawrence Woodmere Academy.