In a surprising move, Lackawanna County has sought $4 million in federal funding to purchase a former golf course in Jefferson Township. The county aims to preserve most of the land as open space. However, this application seems to have caught two of the three county commissioners off guard.
Commissioner Bill Gaughan expressed his surprise, stating, “Clearly, it didn’t come from me. I had no knowledge that this golf course project was going to be a part of an ask of the federal government and specifically Rob Bresnahan.”
The county’s application requests U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan to secure the funds through Congress’ community project funding, which is allocated to community projects each year. The total cost of acquiring the land is projected at $8 million, with the county and state of Pennsylvania each contributing $2 million.
The application was a topic at a recent commissioners meeting when Gaughan brought it to light. Commissioner Chris Chermak learned about the application from a news reporter and admitted his lack of prior knowledge, saying, “I do now,” when asked about his awareness.
Property Ownership and Previous Attempts
The golf course land is owned by SMGC Realty LP, a company partly owned by local businessmen Louis and Dominick DeNaples. Commissioner Gaughan mentioned that state Sen. Marty Flynn had previously approached him and former Commissioner Matt McGloin about acquiring the golf course, but they declined due to financial constraints.
“This was something that was discussed two years ago with Commissioner (Matt) McGloin and I,” Gaughan stated. The idea of the county running the Scranton Municipal Golf Course was dismissed as inappropriate, given the county’s $37 million deficit at the time.
Commissioner Chermak shared that he was unaware of any plans to purchase a golf course, even though he knew of a 2024 study commissioned by the county regarding reopening the golf course.
State Sen. Flynn, though unaware of the federal application, was pleased to see the idea revived, commenting, “I think it would be a good thing for the area. The people of North Pocono, they would love it.”
History and Future of the Golf Course
The golf course, which originally opened in June 1960, closed in 2020 due to declining local interest. SMGC Realty acquired the 176.6-acre property in 2003, after purchasing it from the city of Scranton for over $3.4 million. Following its closure, a plan by a California firm to build warehouses was thwarted by local opposition and zoning rulings.
In 2023, the county, with Commissioner Chermak and others, commissioned a study to evaluate the feasibility of restoring and operating the golf course. This study was carried out by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $24,000.
Study Findings and Federal Application Details
Conducted by StoneCreek Partners, the study concluded that a public golf course could be successful with improved management, and its operating revenue could cover restoration costs. The study also emphasized the potential of grant funds to assist in acquiring the property.
While the federal application does not propose restoring the golf course, it intends to preserve 160 acres for recreational use, including trails and outdoor activities. The application also suggests the development of 125 townhouses on 25 acres, which could lead to $75 million in private housing investment.
Commissioner Gaughan questioned the transparency and decision-making behind the application, while Commissioner Chermak remained open to considering the proposal but refrained from committing to it.
