CDA Would Consider Sale Of Existing 18-Hole Golf Course Site In PE

By ROB CHAPMAN

PRINCE EDWARD — Could Poplar Hill Community Development Authority sell its 18-hole golf course? "Yes, that is an option...," CDA Chairman Norm Krueger told The Herald Monday, "if we could ever get the right deal, yeah, I mean you have to consider selling it." He added, "The CDA is certainly not... an expert in running golf courses and if we got someone that could bring better expertise, to it or something—there was a cogent reason for doing that—yes, we...would consider that." There is no active pursuit of that at this time, he added. It's been a bumpier than expected start for Poplar Hill Community Development Authority's 18-hole golf course. "Physically, it's in good shape," Krueger said. "Play-wise, it's down from what we had projected because of the inn and the conference center absence and the lack of development out there. So, what we're trying to do is get both of those started to the extent that we can." The CDA may have little control over the development of the inn and conference center site. First Financial Bank purchased the approximately 120 acres for $950,000 in July at a foreclosure sale. Although not directly financially linked to the current golf course any longer, it is an area which had been designated for the inn and conference center and an additional nine homes. Financial Restraints The CDA is keeping a close financial check. Kruger said Monday that they are looking to make sure that the revenue is proportionate with its expenses and is looking to discuss costs with Longwood and Hampden-Sydney College about costs for using the golf course. "It Just seems reasonable that, given the use of those courses by the teams, that...they would expect to pay something for the courses," Krueger said. "And, here at Hampden-Sydney, all the other . . . .