Sarasota's Bobby Jones Golf Club renewal approved by the City Commissioners. A WIN/WIN

 

Bobby Jones Golf Course, about 500 yards from my home.

Created in 1927 the City of Sarasota Golf Courses: 

45 holes

a British course, 

an American course, 

and an Executive course) 

were created for for Jane and John Anybody; i.e. those residents who could not afford membership in exclusive private courses.

As is the case in many public facilities there was no endowment for long term maintenance and improvement.

This fiscal neglect was exacerbated by the 2008 recession. The three courses were in bad shape.

What to do?  Selling the land for development  (300 acres) was unthinkable. No right minded person would favour the use of  Tumbrils to transport  the five City Commissioners to a place of execution.  We were not in a January 6th 2020 insurrectionist mood.

A popular  plan emerged:

"The existing structures at the golf course would  be removed to make way for the Bobby Jones Golf Club master plan improvements;  including a restored 18-hole Donald Ross course, a 9-hole executive course, a new clubhouse,  and a new nature park with walking and bicycle trails, and a regional playground".

But would this plan play in Peoria?  That would hang on the willingness of the City Commissioners to approve a Conservation Easement for the 300 acres.

To our great relief the Commissioners voted unanimously in favour today.



The vote was not a given.  We know that there are  development inclined City Commissioners who might not have favoured the Conservation Easement.

I dare to think that my letter to our Honorary (i.e. not elected)  Mayor was significant.  Who knows? Who cares?  

Dear Commissioner and Honorary Mayor Erik Arroyo,

As to the Bobby Jones Conservation Easement.   It is of vital necessity that you and the other Commissioners vote in favour of this; thus enabling  the Bobby Jones land to be the lungs of our over developed City; a place of refuge for the birds and beasts etc. who have been harassed away from their ancient dwelling places; and a place of beauty and peace for we the people.

J. Michael Povey

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