The Meadowlands Golf ProjectHistorical Use and Existing ConditionsThe subject area includes the existence of
six landfills. From north to south the redevelopment area includes: the Rutherford
Landfill, Lyndhurst Landfill, Avon Landfill, Erie Landfill, and the Commission's 1-E
Landfill. Although most of these landfills ceased operation ( 1-E is scheduled to close in
2002, and Erie will reopen and close when the agreed upon cell limit is reached) only the
Kingsland and 1-E have funding to be formally closed in an environmentally safe manner.
Additional existing land uses include a compost operation, radio towers, public utilities,
bus and truck repair facilities, and the Commission complex. Activities to DateThe consolidation of several redevelopment
plans into the Meadowlands Golf Course Redevelopment Plan has sought to facilitate the
environmental closure of the landfills. In October, 2000, the Commission entered into a
developers agreement with EnCap Golf Holdings, LLC which names EnCap as the redeveloper of
certain parcels in the overall development plan and the potential redeveloper of other
parcels. An amended agreement was executed in December, 2001 dividing the redevelopment
area into two phases with Commission and EnCap milestones. To date the Commission has
purchased or is negotiating purchase of several parcels of land within the redevelopment
area. EnCap is currently preparing a conceptual master plan of development. Recommended UseThe Meadowlands Golf Course Redevelopment
Plan’s primary use will be golf and associated facilities which will rise from
landfills that have been closed in an environmentally safe manner. The plans will
incorporate wetlands and wildlife habitats. Additionally the “comprehensive plan”
envisions a coordinated development and innovative site layout to also include housing,
office space, commercial recreation, limited retail, hotels and marina. ChallengesThe main obstacle to optimum development
is the existence of six landfills. In areas where development is to take place on
landfilled areas, there will need to be careful evaluation of structural and safety
issues. For example engineering controls to accommodate settling and methane venting will
likely to needed. Vehicular access will also be a challenge since access to interior
portions of the area is limited. Lastly, the approximately 380 acres of wetlands will need
to be considered in creative design to minimize disturbance and incorporate the wetlands
as a positive feature of any future development. Advantages for DevelopmentThe development plan addresses the legacy
of landfilling in the redevelopment areas by insuring the closure of the landfills through
environmentally sound golf course/mixed-use development. This development also offers the
opportunity for environmental improvements in the vicinity of the delicate Saw Mill Creek
Wildlife Management area. Very little of the existing development will need to be
disturbed or relocated in order to implement this plan. Furthermore, the golf course and
associated facilities will complement the large corporate sector located in and around the
District.
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