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Golf course future hung up in rough
(by Joan Demirjian - May 13, 2009)
Golf course future hung up in rough
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
The future of Tanglewood Golf Course in Bainbridge is in question.
David Kraninger, president of the homeowners group Tanglewood Lake Association, said things appear in a state of flux.
Developer Mark Straus had been trying to buy the course, but Huntington Bank, which holds the title, wants an auction. "Right now, it appears there will be an auction in May," he said.
Tartan Management Co. is the receiver and had been maintaining the facility, opening it for last year's season.
A court order has been issued to Geauga County in Geauga County Commons Pleas Court.
The homeowners are being represented by Chardon attorney Todd Hicks, of Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan.
Homeowners around the course have deep interest in it and its clubhouse, because it affects their property values, Mr. Kraninger said.
"It's a beautiful piece of property," he said. "We as a board are encouraging Huntington to open it for the season," he said.
"Tartan did a nice job of opening and running it," Mr. Kraninger said. "I want to compliment Tartan for upgrading and maintaining it."
The homeowners association has discussed the possibilities of acquiring the property. "There are varying degrees of interest," Mr. Kraninger said. "The range is pretty wide. I'd like to see the association do something. It would be a matter of getting everyone to agree."
There are 570 homes and condos in the subdivision.
From his standpoint, if the association owned the property, there would be no worry about it being used for an unintended purpose, Mr. Kraninger said. "We would like it to remain a private country club."
If the homeowners association bought it, it would remain in perpetuity as a golf course. The goal is to have a maintained and operating golf course, he said.
"There is a deed restriction to requiring a private golf course," he said.
Efforts to buy the golf course and clubhouse appear to have collapsed, said Bainbridge Township Trustee Matthew Lynch, who is a resident of the Tanglewood Lake subdivision.
He said he would like to see the homeowners association buy it. "If the homeowners are smart, they could finally control it as they should," he said.
It had been up for sale for $1.6 million.
"I think it's essential to preserve the value of their homes," Mr. Lynch said. It would take a vote of the homeowners.
He said he does not believe the township should buy it, as some have suggested. "The best option is for the homeowners to purchase it," Mr. Lynch said. "It's vital to the community," he said.
"The rumor is that the bank will keep it open and Tarten Management will continue to maintain it," Mr. Lynch said.
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