OLD BRIDGE. N.J.- A township near New York City has said that its new golf facility will not be open until it finds a management company to manage the facility.
Himanshu Shah, the Township’s Business Administrator, Director of Finance, and CFO, said that the complex’s driving course is scheduled to open at the end of July.
He added, “The opening of the range may be delayed without a management firm in place.”
Shah stated that the course will open in late autumn. Old Bridge lies just south of New Brunswick which is near the southern tip Staten Island.
Shah stated that it is difficult for a municipal to run such an facility. There is a great deal of complexity involved.
Old Bridge Golf Club is located at Rose Lambertson on both the north and south sides of Lambertson Road. The 18-hole course includes a driving range, putting green, short-game area, and practice putting area.
Old Bridge Golf Club, Rose Lambertson, is scheduled to open in the second half of this year.
The project includes a clubhouse measuring 6,000 square feet, a maintenance building measuring 5,000 square feet, eight bioretention ponds, and six wet-ponds to manage stormwater throughout the course.
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Efrem Gerszberg of 2020 Acquisitions – a national company that develops real estate – agreed as part of the redevelopment agreement to build and hand over the golf course to the township at no cost.
The Township Council unanimously approved, at its meeting on June 13, the opening of bids for the management company that will operate the complex.
Officials from the township said that the township would retain ownership of both the land and golf course.
Shah stated that the contract stipulates the provider must make annual payments to township.
Mark Roselli, the Township Attorney, said it’s rare for a government entity to manage and operate a golf club because its employees lack the necessary expertise.
Roselli explained the use of competitive contracting because it was “designed for specialized and golf course operation is certainly a service that is specialized.”
He said, “It is not the case that you should go for the lowest bidder as there are so many issues to be addressed in the management and operation of the golf course.”
Roselli stated that the management company will be responsible not only for the operation, maintenance and upkeep, but also for acquiring all the equipment needed to operate a golf and concession stand. He added that the management will be responsible for the concession stand.
Roselli stated that it was not uncommon to approach the situation in this manner. It’s a win/win situation. It is a big undertaking, but we want to find someone with the experience in running it so that we can continue.
As required by the Green Acres Agreement, the course will offer a four-tiered rate schedule. Old Bridge residents get the lowest rate, followed closely by residents of Middlesex County, state residents and finally out-of-state citizens.
Susan Loyer is a Middlesex County reporter for MyCentralJersey.com. Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com Subscribe or activate your account to get unlimited access.
