News Summary The Winnapaug Country Club in Westerly, Rhode Island, is embroiled in a legal battle over a proposed housing project by its owners. The initial plan for a lavish golf resort was rejected by the Town Council after community opposition. A new development proposal for low- to moderate-income housing also faced setbacks, leading to appeals that have reached the Superior Court. Environmental concerns and community pushback further complicate the situation. Residents and golf enthusiasts are closely watching the unfolding saga that balances development needs with the preservation of the historic golf course. Westerly’s Winnapaug Country Club at the Center of Legal Tug-of-War In the charming town of Westerly, Rhode Island, the Winnapaug Country Club, a beloved public golf course, finds itself embroiled in a heated legal dispute that has captivated locals and golf enthusiasts alike. This scenic 120-acre site is caught in the crossfire as the owners, Nicholas and Jill Scola of Winn Properties, attempt to redefine its future. Their ambitious vision? A massive 2,300-unit housing project that has recently hit a major roadblock. Legal Battles Unfold The drama began when the Planning Board initially approved the Scolas’ idea for a lavish golf resort designed by the legendary Donald Ross. However, in a surprising twist, the Town Council rejected the proposal after community members raised their voices against it. Undeterred, the Scolas pivoted their strategy, submitting a new plan for housing development that included 90 three-story buildings, with 30% earmarked for low- to moderate-income housing. Despite some enthusiasm for affordable housing, the Planning Board rejected this housing proposal too. Rather than giving up, the Scolas appealed, leading to a decision in the Housing Court that overturned the Planning Board’s rejection. It looked like the wheels might be turning in their favor—until the town decided to appeal this ruling to the Superior Court. Alas, the Superior Court upheld the Planning Board’s original decision, giving the Scolas yet another setback. What’s Next for the Golf Course? As of now, the fate of the Winnapaug Country Club hangs in the balance, waiting for the state Supreme Court to weigh in. According to the Town Manager, Shawn Lacey, the clock is ticking, with this process expected to stretch anywhere from several months to a year—unless of course, a compromise can be reached between the town and the Scolas. Environmental Concerns Loom Large On top of the legal hiccups, the Scolas are also facing environmental hurdles, along with an ongoing $85 million sewer plant upgrade mandated by the Department of Environmental Management. These factors could complicate any future developments and impact the vision that the Scolas have for the community. A Vision for the Future Despite the bumps in the road, the Scolas have teamed up with Nicklaus Design, an agency founded by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, to revamp and restore the esteemed golf course. Their plan aims to modernize the course while preserving its historic charm. Features like a new clubhouse, restaurant, banquet hall, and even lodging options are all on the table, should their plans come to fruition. Community Voices Rise Up <pAs with any significant development, pushback from the community has been notable. Residents have expressed concerns that both the housing project and resort proposals would have adverse effects on local infrastructure, not to mention altering the character of their neighborhood, which is primarily characterized by quiet, single-family homes. The Bottom Line This ongoing saga at the Winnapaug Country Club is serving as a microcosm of broader conversations about development and community needs. Will the Scolas find common ground with the town? Is there an eventual path forward that would satisfy the eager housing needs while keeping the charm of this historic golf course intact? The answers remain elusive, but one thing’s for sure: the residents and golf aficionados of Westerly will be watching closely as the legal battle unfolds. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources What’s Up Newp: Westerly Golf Course Saga Goes to the State Supreme Court Golf Monthly: Next Stop America – Stunning Links Golf at Europe’s Most Westerly Course The Westerly Sun: The Sun’s Top 10 Stories of the Year Providence Journal: The Five RI Private Golf Courses You Should Play Telegram: Worcester Native Nick Scola Has Grand Plans for His Course in Rhode Island Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
