Trump Application Reduced to Only Family Plots

Despite earlier requests to construct cemetery plots for members at the Trump National Golf Club, representatives told the Bedminster Township Committee Monday that they are now only seeking to have a family plot.

“Trump pulled the majority of the application,” said Bedminster Mayor Robert Holtaway. “He will pursue only a family plot. The committee did not need to take any action.”

The application originally came before the Land Use Board in September, and has been put off since.

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 ultimately 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.

But the billionaire originally also wanted to extend the offer to join him in a nearby cemetery to lifetime members of his club, Russo explained.

The combined sites of about 2.9 acres, with only about half of that to actually be set aside for potential development with cemetery plots, could conceivably hold up to about 1,024 graves, according to the information presented to the Land Use Board.

The township committee approves resolutions to proceed with cemetery applications and specific numbers of burial sites, which is why the application had to go to the committee before it could be considered again by the Land Use Board.

But now that the plans have changed, Holtaway said, the committee is no longer part of the application process.

“I assume they will amend their application before the Land Use Board to reflect this change,” he said.

According to township administrator Judy Sullivan, Bedminster Township Attorney John Belardo requested that Trump’s attorney draft a letter to outline their intentions and why a subdivision will not be required on the property.

At Monday’s meeting, Sullivan said, a letter was read on the record from Trump’s representatives to the township.

According to the letter, Trump is withdrawing his application to have a cemetery for members on the left side of hole 5 on the old course, and is instead only looking to have the private cemetery area for the Trump family.

“We have been advised by the New Jersey Cemetery Board that cemeteries require their own stand alone lots,” the letter said. “That is why we initially pursued a subdivision for the cemetery.”

But, the letter said, they have found that this condition is not a requirement for a family cemetery area, so that part of the application is being withdrawn.

“We recognize that recent family cemetery areas exist in New Jersey and in Bedminster without regulatory controls or oversight by the New Jersey Cemetery Board,” the letter said. “Since this application is now only for a limited family cemetery area and we believe will not require a subdivision, it is unlikely any aspect of this cemetery will be in conflict with our conservation easement that was granted to the Township of Bedminster in 2005.”

The letter said Trump’s representatives are still looking to comply with requests from the Land Use Board that it receive assurances from the township committee to have any approvals be reviewed by the township attorney.