Amherst board approves sale of former country club

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Amherst Town Board approved the sale of the former Westwood Country Club from the town to Erie County on Thursday, officials announced.

The decision to sell the property to the county has been in the works for months, with plans to turn it into a county park. The county plans on restoring nine holes of the original golf course, revitalizing trails and walking paths, and preserving recreational space.

It will be the first county-owned park ever in Amherst.

“Today’s vote ensures that the Town of Amherst will have an expansive park for generations,” said Amherst supervisor Brian Kulpa in a statement. “When I came into office, I supported the ‘Keep Westwood Green’ movement, and the Town invested in the preservation of the land. With the County’s partnership, we can transform the former country club into an inclusive park. … The impact from this partnership will be extremely positive for Amherst residents.”

The property is located at 772 N. Forest Rd. and 385 and 391 Maple Rd. The club closed in 2014.

The resolution was approved by a majority of the town board, and the town says the development will come at “no additional cost” to the town’s budget. Officials have previously said that they hoped to complete construction by 2027.