BRISTOL, Ind. (WSBT) — Some Bristol residents are raising concerns over the proposed sale of a longtime community staple: Raber Golf Course, now known as the Old Bristol Golf Club.
They worry the town may be accepting too little for the property. The Town Council is set to vote on Thursday on finalizing the offer.
The town considered three proposals before selecting one that includes $15,000 in cash and a promised $5.92 million investment in course improvements over the next decade.
But some say they believe Bristol is choosing the wrong deal.
“I in good conscience Can’t play this course anymore because my friends are being cheated,” said Lester Otto, Elkhart County resident.
The course’s longtime manager is retiring, and town leaders say Bristol is not equipped to operate the property itself.
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The town is now considering a deal with the Albatross Group: $15,000 in cash, along with a promised $5.92 million in course improvements over the next decade.
“The highest level of importance for the town council was they wanted a group that had experience with managing golf courses that had a great reputation for managing golf courses,” said Mike Yoder, Bristol Town Manager. “But also, somebody that had the financial wherewithal to actually make the type of improvements in the course which was needed.”
Yoder says no other proposal offered that level of investment. The town initially received two other proposals but rejected both.
He also points to deed restrictions that require the land remain green space, parkland, or recreational property.
But opponents argue the town could get more value from a course they see as a community staple.
“My concern with that is a $15,000 in a promise versus a market value of this property which is approximately $4 to $8 million. And so, the town doesn’t get any money in this when we have $54 million in water and sewer bond that needs paid,” said Amy Green, Bristol Resident.
The course has 27 holes, but the Albatross Group’s deal covers only 18.
The remaining nine holes are owned separately by a local family.
Some residents say that split has added to their questions about the future of the full course.
“The albatross group were not interested in the other nine holes and Most real good golf courses have more than 18 holes. I think someone In the background has plans for that That is going to cut out any future Golfing not that area and say it can develop maybe some homes or something like that,” said Otto.
On Thursday, the town council will first transfer ownership of the property to the Bristol Redevelopment Commission, which has more flexibility selling land. Then, they will vote on the transaction.