AMHERST, NY (WKBW) — Amherst residents learned Wednesday that Erie County is taking over the former Westwood Country Club off Sheridan Drive.
This comes after years of controversy and delays between the taxpayers and the town about the future redevelopment of the property.
"You're going to see a wonderful new facility for our community," Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said.
The 171 acres of the former Westwood Club are expected to be redeveloped into a new, nine-hole golf course and passive park called Willowdale.
Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and others announced the new partnership Wednesday. Erie County will spend $6.7 million to take over the park.
"This is going to be a tremendous place and we're looking forward to seeing all of Erie County enjoy this asset," Kulpla said.
The property has been idle for about 20 years. The town bought it for 7.8 million from an investment group. But redevelopment plans for a recreational park and theater space were rejected. So now Erie County is stepping in.
Town of Amherst & Erie County partnering to create the new Willowdale Park on former Westwood Country Club property after 20 years of sitting idle. @markpoloncarz @WKBW pic.twitter.com/tHKlLmejKc
— Eileen Buckley (@eileenwkbw) April 23, 2025
"You're not going to see baseball fields, you're not going to see soccer fields," Poloncarz said. "You're going to see people coming and riding their bikes, people walking with their families."
"We think this will ultimately be successful, absolutely," Kulpa said. "We always knew a park would be successful here. It's been trying to sculpt it and figure out what should be included in it."
But not everyone is on board.
"I think that losing 171 acres of pristine property in Amherst to the county is a mistake," Amherst resident Dan Gagilardo said. "I do not agree with that."
I spoke with Gagilardo, a resident and the Republican candidate for Amherst Town Supervisor, who is calling for a public hearing to be held.
"Who did they speak to? They said they spoke to the neighbors. I'm out walking doors, Eileen, nobody knows about any of this," Gagilardo said. "I believe that it should be a golf course. I've said that all along. I don't understand why we would give up complete control of 171 acres of taxable property. Have we researched that? Have we done that?"
But at Wednesday's announcement, Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal said this is what residents want.
"I've gone to thousands of doors, and people, almost universally, want the park," Vinal said.
I asked Poloncarz if this is a done deal, and he says it still needs approval by the legislature and town board.
"The approvals need to be done, but we feel confident the town board will approve it. And I feel very confident the legislature will approve it," Poloncarz answered.
Poloncarz said the golf course and passive section of the park could be open in 2026.
