After months of discussion, the city of Plano has decided it will not team up with the city of Allen to buy Chase Oaks Golf Club.
Officials said each city had a different vision for the proposed joint venture.
"We had two cities trying to make a golf course an opportunity for both of the cities. It just did not work out for Plano," said Plano City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck. "We looked at it as an economic development opportunity. Allen looked at it as a parks and recreation opportunity."
Allen city officials said that Plano's decision wouldn't affect their plans and that they would continue to negotiate with Banc of America Commercial Finance Corp., which owns the course.
"We're going to pursue the golf course on our own," said Allen City Manager Peter Vargas.
He declined to say how much the course would cost because the city remains in talks with the bank.
He said he believes the city can afford the course on its own. It would finance the purchase by issuing certificates of obligation, using course revenues to repay the debt.
Mr. Vargas learned of Plano's decision Tuesday at a meeting between officials from both cities.
Ken Lambert, Plano's deputy mayor pro tem, said the council gave the city staff direction the night before on how to proceed with the negotiations.
"With the right circumstances, it could be a very right opportunity for the city," Mr. Lambert said. "But our circumstances are probably more limited as to what I consider being beneficial to the community. We don't have the same needs Allen has."
Allen City Council member Ross Obermeyer said he was disappointed by the news but not deterred.
"I'm sorry that Plano isn't going to be a partner, but I don't believe it's going to make it any less possible for the citizens of Allen to have a place they don't have now," he said. "I believe we can make this happen."
He added that a city golf course would give more residents an opportunity to play because fees would probably be less than those at privately run operations.
Mr. Vargas said he understood Plano's decision, especially since the city already has two public golf courses.
Chase Oaks opened in 1986 and was designed by Robert von Hagge and former professional golfer Bruce Devlin, who have designed other courses across the country.
The property includes a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse and a lighted driving range with 30 tee stations.
What has not been determined is who would operate the course if Allen buys it. Mr. Vargas said that decision could be made within 40 to 60 days if the city is successful in landing a contract.
The city could opt to have the city staff run it or hire another entity to operate the course.
Source: Dallas Morning News