Park at center of development controversy closed after vandalism

Deerfield Twp. officials have closed a park to the public after reports of vandalism during a road extension project.

Construction crews have been building the extension of Innovation Way between Duke Boulevard and Socialville-Foster Road for about one month. The project will open up more than 100 acres for development on the site of the former Kingswood golf course, 4188 Irwin-Simpson Road.

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A group of residents is upset about losing park land at the site and has formed Keep Kingswood Park, which is in opposition of future development on the township-owned land.

The construction company put Warren County on notice about safety and other liability issues that resulted in Deerfield Twp. closing access to the park, according to Township Administrator Eric Reiners.

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Deerfield Twp. officials will soon be interviewing four companies who have expressed interest in developing the 110-acre Kingswood project, according to Reiners, who said a specific timeline has not been set.

“Most likely, (the interviews) will take place in the April-May time frame,” Reiners said.

Nearly two dozen developers expressed interest in the project, but only four firms submitted documents, he said.

The township purchased the former golf course in 2006 to prevent an annexation attempt, according to Trustee President Chris Romano.

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