It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Green Brook, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Green Brook, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Green Brook, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Green Brook, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497The masterminds at Driven Hospitality have opened a new Latin American restaurant in Green Brook: Pachamama. The new eatery offers a mix of cuisines from both Latin and South America.Located at 215 Route 22 E., Pachamama is the name of a South American “Earth Mother” goddess who presides over fertility, planting and harvesting, and, according to legend, is an independent deity whose creative power sustains life on Earth.At the helm of Pachama...
The masterminds at Driven Hospitality have opened a new Latin American restaurant in Green Brook: Pachamama. The new eatery offers a mix of cuisines from both Latin and South America.
Located at 215 Route 22 E., Pachamama is the name of a South American “Earth Mother” goddess who presides over fertility, planting and harvesting, and, according to legend, is an independent deity whose creative power sustains life on Earth.
At the helm of Pachamama’s kitchen is Executive Chef Ricardo Ramirez, a graduate of Peru’s renowned D’Gallia Instituto Gastronómico, recognized for its training that combines a rich culinary heritage with modern techniques.
With a notable career in the vibrant New York restaurant scene, Ramirez has honed his skills at renowned establishments such as Socarrat (Spanish food) in Chelsea, Elite WilliamsBurg (American food) in Brooklyn, and Mission Ceviche (Peruvian food) in Lenox Hill, where he served as the sous chef for three years. Recognized for his exceptional talent, Ramirez was part of teams that were awarded two Michelin Star Guide plates, in 2021 and 2023.
Ramirez’s love for his native country’s cuisine has grown to encompass that of other South and Latin American countries, as well as the farmers, fishermen and artisans who provide essential, quality ingredients.
The fact that Ramirez now resides in the Garden State is not lost on him, and he is thrilled to be at Pachamama, where he said his commitment to pushing culinary boundaries will result in a menu that combines the most appealing flavors of many Latin and South American countries.
The Pachamama menu is said to be enticing and accessible, replete with flavors that may be new (and delicious) to some, but in which there can be found familiarity, whether in the preparation or in the ingredients.
To accompany the menu, mixologist Mariano Bacile offers meticulously blended Latin classics. Signature cocktails will include vibrant combinations of spirits, bitters, fresh fruit juices and liqueurs.
Pachamama’s 3,000-square-foot interior evokes the spirit of Mother Nature, with a massive, central 16-foot tree forming a canopy over the dining area, surrounded by floral arrangements and greenery suspended from the ceiling. Natural wood paneling, woven baskets and more create an earthy vibe that is welcoming and nurturing.
The team at Driven Hospitality said it is determined to provide the best guest experience possible, and is especially proud to manifest that vibe in Pachamama’s beautifully presented food and drink and its warmly hospitable space.
Driven Hospitality recently opened another Latin American restaurant, Panela, in Hoboken.
Mildred Mihlon has officially been appointed the 7th president of Felician University by a unanimous vote of the board of trustees on Wednesday.
Mihlon, who has been serving as acting president since April 2023, brings nearly 25 years of higher education leadership experience to the position, with a background in Catholic-based institutions as well as Hispanic- and minority-serving institutions.
“We are excited and fortunate to have Dr. Mihlon’s leadership going forward. She has a highly accomplished background in higher education, a steadfast dedication to the mission of Felician University and has demonstrated exceptional skill in academic leadership during her tenure as acting president,” Jim D’Agostino, chair of the Felician board, said.
Mihlon joined Felician University as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences in September 2020, during the global pandemic. She brought a clear and articulated academic vision and energy to the university and secured the most substantial U.S. Department of Education grant in the university’s history.
A search process was conducted by a presidential search committee, led by Trustee Joseph Boccassini, which attracted strong candidates from across the country. Mihlon was selected among three finalists.
“I am grateful and honored to lead this incredible learning community into the future. Felician’s mission is strong, and it is an important time in our history. Established by the Felician Sisters and the only Catholic Franciscan university in New Jersey, we are building upon a solid reputation for excellence, commitment to student success and cutting-edge programs for developing competence and character in the workforce of tomorrow,” Mihlon said.
Prior to Felician, Mihlon served as associate vice president for academic affairs & assessment at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. She received her Ph.D. from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in educational psychology with a concentration in learning, development and instruction.
GREEN BROOK – A proposal to build 96 apartments at the site of the former Willows restaurant at the corner of Route 22 and Washington Avenue has been rejected by the Land Use Board.1013 Property LLC, part of Suburban Real Estate Development Co. of Edison, originally proposed 106 apartm...
GREEN BROOK – A proposal to build 96 apartments at the site of the former Willows restaurant at the corner of Route 22 and Washington Avenue has been rejected by the Land Use Board.
1013 Property LLC, part of Suburban Real Estate Development Co. of Edison, originally proposed 106 apartments, 15 of which would have been affordable units, then reduced that number to 104 to increase the retail space from 3,3000 to 5,300 square feet.
But after hearing from the board and residents in January, the number of apartments was reduced to 96 with 76 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom units.
The plan called for 150 parking spaces, with 54 under the building.
But neighbors and board members expressed concerns whether the parking at the site was enough to handle both the apartments and retail uses.
The development required a use variance because it called for apartments on the first floor of the three-story building.
If there were not apartments on the first floor, Planning Board member Patrick Boccio said the plan would be in conformance with the zone.
But Jeff Josell, of Suburban Real Estate Development, told the board that the development needed a certain number of apartments to be feasible.
Josell said the developer had been preparing the plans for two years and said it was viable with low impact on the neighborhood.
Donald Whitelaw, attorney for the developer, told the board the property has been vacant for years and even though zoning was adopted to encourage development, nothing has been built.
The township needs affordable housing, Whitelaw said, and the developer is taking a "substantial risk" to invest in Green Brook.
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1013 Property bought the lot in 2006 for $1.895 million.
The Willows, a landmark restaurant and banquet hall in Central Jersey, closed after the property was sold.
The property is part of the township's Village Commercial Zone.
The neighborhood along Washington Avenue from Route 22 to Greenbrook Road was part of a joint study between the township and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority to create a new vision for the area that would be a pedestrian-oriented commercial, residential and civic center for the township, providing a "downtown atmosphere."
In February 2016, representatives of Capodagli Property Company, which developed the Meredia Main Station apartment building on East Main Street in Bound Brook, appeared before the Green Brook Township Committee to present a conceptual plan for a mixed-used development at the former Willows site.
The Meredia at Green Brook would have included 240 apartments, retail spaces along Washington Avenue and a 7,400-square-foot restaurant. Some of the apartments would have been reserved for senior citizens.
But that plan never came to fruition.
The Land Use Board, however, has approved a plan by Fox & Foxx Development of Edison to build 85 apartments and 9,865 square feet of retail space in a L-shaped building at 74-78 Greenbrook Road just east of Washington Avenue.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.
By Jake NemcekPublishedJanuary 16, 2024 at 6:28 AMGREEN BROOK, NJ -- Winter is here and weather has impacted the morning routine again. Two more local school districts made the call for a delayed opening Tuesday. As of 6 am Tuesday the call for all area schools is for a delay with the decision to change to a closure anticipated by 8 am if needed.Green Brook Township school district will operate on a 2-hour delayed opening Tuesday, January 16th. “We will monitor ro...
By Jake Nemcek
PublishedJanuary 16, 2024 at 6:28 AM
GREEN BROOK, NJ -- Winter is here and weather has impacted the morning routine again. Two more local school districts made the call for a delayed opening Tuesday. As of 6 am Tuesday the call for all area schools is for a delay with the decision to change to a closure anticipated by 8 am if needed.
Green Brook Township school district will operate on a 2-hour delayed opening Tuesday, January 16th. “We will monitor road conditions and, if necessary, send additional updates Tuesday morning. There will be no before-care,” they said.
In Long Hill, Central School will begin at 10:15 a.m., and Gillette and Millington will start at 11:00 a.m.
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“We will assess the road conditions in the morning. If schools need to be closed, we will send a message no later than 8:00 a.m. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” they said.
Warren, Watchung, Watchung Hills and North Plainfield already made the call.
Watchung Hills Regional High School will have a 2-hour delayed opening due to the forecasted inclement weather and poor road conditions. “We will reassess conditions tomorrow morning,” they said. It is a Day 4 schedule with classes beginning at 9:30 am.
Delayed
Opening
Time Slot 1
9:30 - 10:07
Time Slot 2
10:12 - 10:49
Time Slot 3
10:54 - 11:31
Lunch
11:31 - 12:11
Time Slot 4
12:14 - 12:51
Time Slot 5
12:56 - 1:33
Time Slot 6
1:38 - 2:15
All Warren Township Schools will operate on a two-hour delayed opening schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. AlphaBest before care is canceled. Any changes to the district's operating status will be communicated no later than 8:00 am.
In North Plainfield, Start Times:
East End, West End , Stony Brook - 10:15 AM Somerset - 10:15 AM
High School, Middle School - 9:40 AM
Bridge - 9:40 AM
And due to the forecasted weather for overnight and the morning commute, the Watchung Borough School District will have a delayed opening for Tuesday morning, January 16, 2024.
BOUND BROOK – Is there any end to the apartment building boom on Main Street?Three more apartment buildings – one-eight-story and two six-story buildings – have been approved by the borough's Planning Board.The three buildings, all proposed by Meridia which started the apartment building boom with Meridia Station at the east end of Main Street, will bring 286 more apartments to the downtown area after the completion of the borough's portion of the Green Brook Flood Control Project. The downtown ...
BOUND BROOK – Is there any end to the apartment building boom on Main Street?
Three more apartment buildings – one-eight-story and two six-story buildings – have been approved by the borough's Planning Board.
The three buildings, all proposed by Meridia which started the apartment building boom with Meridia Station at the east end of Main Street, will bring 286 more apartments to the downtown area after the completion of the borough's portion of the Green Brook Flood Control Project. The downtown developer is also fueled by the prospect of one-seat rides to Manhattan on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line with the construction of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River.
The largest project, at 10 W. Main St. at Mountain Avenue, is an eight-story building with 217 apartments on five floors above three floors of parking. The plan also calls for 3,430 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. There will be 489 parking spaces which will be shared with residents of other Meridia buildings, including the two six-story buildings that were approved further east on Main Street.
The plan also calls for 3,430 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.
The eight-story building will have 30 studio apartments, averaging 490 square feet; 92 one-bedroom apartments, averaging 725 square feet, and 96 two-bedroom apartments averaging 1,000 square feet.
The other two new buildings will be at 506 E. Main St. and 428-432 Main St.
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The six-story building at 506 E. Main St. will have 37 apartments on five floors above 500 square feet of retail space and 10 parking spaces on the ground floor. Residents will have 33 parking spaces at the 10 W. Main St. building two blocks away.
The six-story building at 428-432 E. Main St. will have 32 apartments on five floors above 500 square feet of retail space and 10 parking spaces on the ground floor. Residents will also have 28 parking spaces at 10 W. Main St.
Meridia is still facing lawsuits brought by the insurance companies of nearby properties which were damaged by a Jan. 12, 2020, fire that destroyed an apartment building Meridia was constructing at 7-15 W. Main St. Those cases, claiming that Meridia was negligent, have been consolidated before Somerset County Superior Court Judge Kevin Shanahan.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
CALDWELLS, NJ — A developer’s plan to turn a 100-year-old golf course in North Caldwell into a housing complex is moving forward – but there are some big changes that may reduce its footprint and impact on borough resources, officials say.North Caldwell Mayor Joshua Raymond recently gave an update on the plans for the Green Brook Country Club on West Greenbrook Road, which was founded in 1923.Raymond offered a brief summar...
CALDWELLS, NJ — A developer’s plan to turn a 100-year-old golf course in North Caldwell into a housing complex is moving forward – but there are some big changes that may reduce its footprint and impact on borough resources, officials say.
North Caldwell Mayor Joshua Raymond recently gave an update on the plans for the Green Brook Country Club on West Greenbrook Road, which was founded in 1923.
Raymond offered a brief summary of the situation in a letter to the community:
“In 2018, the members of Green Brook Country Club (GBCC) elected to sell their property to a real estate developer. Shortly after the sale, the borough's prior administration entered into a settlement agreement which authorized the development of the GBCC. As a result of the borough's previous approval of the development (over five years ago) and a prior vote (in July 2020) to authorize residential zoning at this site, the GBCC can, and will, be developed by its owners.”
“Please know that I and the council would like nothing more than for GBCC to remain a golf course and an open green space,” Raymond continued. “However, the developer has informed us that it has every intention of proceeding under their legally binding settlement agreement to develop the site.”
According to Raymond, the developer – Green Brook Realty Associates LLC – has operated the GBCC “in good faith” for far longer than it was contractually obligated.
“The developer purchased the land with the intention to develop it, and it is their legal right to do so,” Raymond said.
The last year the club will be in operation as a golf course will likely be 2024, he added.
THE NEW PLAN
Raymond said he and other town administrators have been trying to improve the settlement agreement that they inherited from the previous administration.
After seven months of negotiations with Green Brook Realty Associates, a revised agreement has been hammered out that will “drastically limit” the impact of the new development, which will mostly be open to people over the age of 55 and up.
The new proposal includes:
The impact to the local school system would be reduced from 124 units with potential school-aged children to 25 such units, according to municipal data.
In addition, the development would bring in an estimated $5.57 million in tax revenue to the borough with the new plan, as compared to $4.69 million in the 2018 agreement. The taxes generated by the current golf course come to $188,395.
“This revised agreement represents a victory for the borough and a greatly improved future,” Raymond said.
“While we cannot undo the sale, the borough has negotiated a far better outcome than that which was signed in 2018,” the mayor opined. “Additionally, my administration continues to focus on preparing the borough for the physical impact of the GBCC development and doing whatever it can to mitigate disruption to residents' daily lives.”
See the memorandum of understanding between the borough and GBCC here.
See architectural renderings of the proposed development and housing here.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In his letter, Raymond emphasized that there’s also another reason to support the project: affordable housing.
North Caldwell signed an agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center in 2018 in order to settle litigation forcing the borough to provide more affordable housing. The GBCC development will allow the town to meet this affordable housing requirement under the Mount Laurel doctrine, the mayor said.
“It is very important to note that the existing settlement agreement with the GBCC and Fair Share Housing protects the borough and satisfies our affordable housing obligations,” Raymond said.
“If development of these affordable housing units is not completed, then there is a risk that a builder's remedy lawsuit could be brought against the borough,” the mayor continued. “This type of lawsuit could result in significantly increased development being enforced by a court order in an uncontrolled manner and in uncontrolled locations.”
CRITICISM
Not all North Caldwell residents are on board with the plan to develop the Green Brook Country Club, however. Nearly 900 people have signed an online campaign against the proposal titled: “Save North Caldwell - A petition to halt the building of houses on the Green Brook property.”
The petition reads:
“Green Brook Country Club is an essential property in North Caldwell. As you know, many residents enjoy the country club for open space and recreation. The whole community enjoys the country club for the intrinsic value that North Caldwell receives by being a ‘country club’ community. The development of Greenbrook is NOT just an issue for golfers – it impacts everyone. It would mean higher taxes, busier schools, a loss of green space, and a more crowded community.”
The petition continues:
“The undersigned residents of North Caldwell sign this petition to oppose any construction which would eliminate the 18-hole golf course at Green Brook country club. First, we ask the mayor and council to use every effort to prevent any development at Green Brook Country Club that would jeopardize the 18-hole golf course. And, we ask the town to preserve the 12 acres of buildable land that was given to North Caldwell in the Superior Court settlement.”
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