Source: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
To paraphrase Vito Corleone, the decision to buy the Bon Air Golf Course was simply an offer the Moon supervisors couldn't refuse.
The board approved a measure at last Wednesday's regular meeting to exercise an option to purchase the 137-acre, 18-hole course from James and Delores Heinlein for its assessed market value of $2.35 million.
In a 4-1 vote, the board accepted the offer nearly a year after it had been made and after numerous meetings, studies and input from residents.
Securing the parcel accomplishes two frequently discussed goals: preserving open and green space and providing more recreation opportunities for residents.
Had the board voted no, the land would have likely been sold to developers.
During board discussion preceding the vote, board president Alex Ropelewski read an excerpt from a 1986 article in Carnegie Magazine about the purchase of land in the early 20th century for the Allegheny County park system, which was derided as foolhardy at the time but over years proved to be a wise, proactive move.
"A purchase now will give us options in the future," Ropelewski said.
Supervisor Ralph Canterbury, who admitted he had gone back and forth on the issue, said that one deciding factor for him was this: If things didn't work out, Moon still could sell the land to developers one day and recoup its money, if not make a profit.
Mt. Lebanon, Franklin Park and Cranberry are the only communities in the area that own and maintain golf courses.
"If we make a mistake and buy it," Canterbury reasoned, "it can be rectified down the line by selling it. But if we make a mistake and not buy it, we'll never have the chance again."
"There is a certain amount of risk, but if we don't do this, the opportunity will be lost forever."
Before the meeting, a half-dozen residents spoke and nearly all were enthusiastically in favor of the purchase. In prior meetings, some residents objected to the purchase on principle because it would put the township in position to compete with private enterprises. Most others were concerned that the course could end up costing taxpayers money.
Only board member Marvin Eicher voted nay, saying he thought the offer, while a tempting opportunity for the township to preserve green space and add to quality of life, could ultimately become a bad investment.
Indeed, no business plan is in place for the course, so there's few details on how it will be run or by whom. Also at issue is what will happen with a small restaurant on the premises and the liquor license that goes with it.
During a special public meeting on the issue in September, Ropelewski listed some of the options the township may pursue for management:
* A lease to a private concessionaire, in which the township receives a percentage of revenues, usually 20 percent to 30 percent, but has less control over the facility.
* A fixed-price management contract, which would give the township greater control over the course.
* Municipal management, which is most common in Western Pennsylvania and would give Moon complete control of the course. But the township also would shoulder all costs related to the course.
* Creation of a recreation authority to manage the course. Authorities do not have taxing power but can charge rates to cover capital and operating costs.
The board will deliberate between now and September when the sale is finalized on how best to operate the course.
If the township decides on direct management, it has at least one employee on staff who has experience in running golf courses. Parks and recreation Director Dana Kasler helped manage courses in Ohio and Georgia before coming to Moon. In addition, Assistant Manager Jodi Noble's husband runs a course in Washington County.
It's possible the course could be converted into a park or be the future site of a township recreation center, but no such plans are on the horizon. Additionally, the 137 acres, when combined with Moon Park, could create a 300-acre regional park and be eligible for regional asset funding from the county.
