Cemetery on Trump National Not Beneficial, Opponent Says

With the application for a family cemetery plot at the Trump National Golf Club still being considered by the Land Use Board, an opponent to the project came forward to say that he does not believe it should be approved.

Richard Preiss, an expert planner with the opponents to the plan, was charged with reviewing the application to evaluate whether statutory requirements have been followed by the applicant.

According to the original application, Donald Trump wanted to set aside a small piece of land, about one-eighth of an acre, on the golf course property off Lamington Road where he could have his final resting place, according to Ed Russo, speaking on behalf of Trump National after the September Land Use Board meeting where it was introduced.

The application has since been reduced to just be a family plot.

Preiss said he does not believe the applicant has proven that the land is good for its use.

“The applicant did indicate that the cemetery could go on the property and not impair the R10 zone, but they did not show that it is any better than any other area in the zone,” he said. “They did not show why this is uniquely good as opposed to other spots.”

On the contrary, Preiss said, creating a cemetery in some of the more public areas, instead of a private golf club, could provide better opportunities to other Bedminster residents.

In addition, Preiss said, the applicant said that other property owners in the R10 zone have expressed interest in hearing the outcome of this application because they might also be interested in placing a cemetery on their properties.

“There has been no demonstration of public need or benefit for granting the variance, nor could there be,” he said. “The application is for a private family cemetery in a private golf course. I can’t see how that would serve the public need or advance and provide benefits for the greater town.”

As for cemeteries in the town, Preiss said, there are already six in town, more than the requirements for five in a town.

“As far as the state is concerned, Bedminster has enough cemeteries,” he said.

One board member asked whether it would make sense to allow Trump to have his cemetery on the course, which is a private location for someone who is considered a celebrity. He questioned whether it might be better to have the grave on a private property where there is security to prevent any mischief that might affect surrounding gravesites.

Preiss said he does not believe that should be a concern of the board.

“Just because there is a high level of security does not create a valid special reason for creation,” he said.

Following Preiss’s testimony, Russo requested that the board allow for an adjournment of the application until May 9 to allow for him to prepare and bring in rebuttal witnesses.

The board granted the request.