The Bath City Council has rejected a proposal by The Bath Golf Club to reduce the number of holes from 18 to 9 and build townhouses on the remaining land. The decision came after opposition from golfers and neighbors who believed that the townhouses would spoil the area’s rural setting and that the removal of the nine holes would be detrimental to the club.
The Bath Golf Club, which was established in 1932, has struggled to generate profits since expanding to 18 holes in the mid-1990s. Managing member Sean McCarthy argued that a redevelopment could bring profitability back to the club. However, many club members and neighbors voiced their disagreement, arguing that the proposed changes would negatively impact both the golfers and the property owners.
Bill Gray, a resident near the golf club, expressed his concerns about losing nine holes of a treasured 18-hole golf course. He also emphasized that the townhouses would not be a favorable addition to the area’s appeal. Despite the club’s proposal to set aside some townhouses for affordable housing, the council unanimously rejected the project, citing public opposition and a lack of information.
McCarthy stated that the club will consider alternative options, including converting the entire golf course into a housing development. He revealed that the club could potentially build 60-70 townhouses on the 120-acre property. However, Jason McIntosh, a neighbor of the club, disagreed with the idea, arguing that it is one of the few remaining rural areas in the city and that increasing traffic with townhouses would pose safety risks.
Jim Hummer, a minority investor in the club, accused Resurrection Golf, the club’s manager, of mismanaging the club. He questioned their ability to handle a real estate development and a nine-hole golf course. McCarthy declined to comment on the mismanagement claim.
The Bath Golf Club, designed by renowned golf architect Wayne Stiles, has 247 members and features a restaurant and event space for weddings. Additionally, the club’s hills are used for sledding during the winter.
The rejection of the proposal has left The Bath Golf Club seeking alternative options for the future of the property. Whether it will ultimately remain a golf course or be transformed into a housing development is yet to be determined. Despite the disagreements, it is clear that the golf course holds sentimental value for many individuals and is considered an asset to the city.
In conclusion, The Bath City Council’s rejection of The Bath Golf Club’s proposal to reduce the number of holes and build townhouses has raised questions about the future of the club. While some believe that redevelopment could bring profitability back to the club, others argue that it would diminish the appeal of the area. The club will now explore alternatives, including the possibility of converting the entire golf course into a housing development. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.