WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The city of Watertown wants to lease the Thompson Park Golf Course, but it needs approval from the state to do so.
The city hopes to find a qualified operator to manage the course. Because the course is designated as parkland, the city needs “Home Rule” approval from the state Legislature to lease the course.
Vote delayed on resolution
A resolution to send the request to Albany was drafted. However, it was not voted on during Monday’s city council meeting.
“I think it was just a decision to have our attorney look at the papers related to the course and things a little bit more closely,” said Robert Kimball, Watertown City Council member.
7 News learned that the resolution may not have had all of the golf course’s storied past in it, including how Watertown’s purchase of the golf course put a deed restriction on Ives Hill Country Club, also in the city.
Legislation already underway in Albany
If and when the resolution is passed, there’s good news for the city council. Assemblyman Scott Gray said work is already underway in Albany on legislation that will allow the city to lease the golf course.
The legislation would still need state lawmakers’ approval.
“I don’t think the state legislature would block that,” Kimball said.
A statement from the city manager’s office said, “The city does not anticipate difficulty obtaining the required state legislative approval.”
Finding an operator
From there, it comes down to finding someone to lease the course.
“My understanding is that there are two organizations, groups, businesses, that have responded to, or are studying the request for proposals,” Kimball said.
Council member Doug Osborne said that if a new operator isn’t found this season, he might support the city running the course for one more season.
Bids are being taken until Oct. 13.
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