Greenwich Country Club project draws scrutiny over tree removals and operational noise

Representatives for the Greenwich Country Club outlined a revised project July 7 that would rework internal circulation, relocate a kitchen to a new building, add one squash court and modify landscaping across the club’s 148‑acre property. The application proposes about 18 trees removed and roughly 42 trees planted as replacements; the applicants said many of the replacements would be evergreens, with several shade trees to restore canopy.

Kate Jekovich of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy urged the club to preserve mature native oaks and elms, calling replacement saplings inadequate to restore decades of canopy value. “As currently proposed, the application does not provide a complete accounting for trees to be removed,” she said in public comment, warning that the cumulative loss of mature trees would reduce stormwater mitigation, shade, and habitat.

Commissioners asked for a clearer planting plan that shows where ornamentals will be retained and where native replacements will be installed; they also asked for a planting schedule and species sizes to demonstrate canopy recovery.

A lengthy public exchange followed on operational noise. Several neighbors and a public commenter alleged repeated early‑morning mowing, use of diesel‑powered blowers and a portable fan that have disturbed nearby residents. Jim Clark, a club board member, apologized for lapses in staff adherence to recently adopted noise guidelines and said the club would immediately correct practices and work with neighbors. “We adopted in February some new and very different guidelines on how we would mow and maintain the course … and that is being rectified immediately,” Clark said.

The commission requested a firm agronomy and maintenance schedule be filed and asked the applicant to demonstrate equipment choices that reduce decibel levels near residences (electric mowers, restricted hours at perimeters), together with a plan for staff compliance and reporting. Because the operational noise ordinance is enforced by the first selectman’s office, the commission also asked staff to coordinate with that office on enforcement options.

What comes next: the club will return with a revised landscape plan showing greater use of natives where feasible, a clarified planting schedule and a maintenance operations schedule. The application was continued for additional materials and further review.