Five Towns Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:
A number of Five Towns residents are against residential development of the Woodmere Club, including politicians such as Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman and County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence). Allow me to suggest a win-win solution for the issue.

Nassau County or the town should use eminent domain to condemn the property. There cannot be any dispute as to its value based on the recent sale. The property could then be operated as a municipal golf course. Very little, if any, money would have to be spent to rehabilitate the course, as it is in great condition. 

The clubhouse could be rented out for meals and catering (similar to what is done at Eisenhower and Bethpage parks). This would cover the cost of running the golf course, along with the greens fees, with money left over to pay for the purchase. The purchase price could be funded by tax-free bonds.  Hempstead’s good credit rating would likely keep the interest low.

All problems arising from the possible development of the club would become nonexistent. The greater community would get a first-class golf course at reasonable rates, the bankrupt Woodmere Club would get their needed money quickly, the purchasers would get their money back, there would be very little cost to the town or county, and the politician who spearheads this could earn the eternal thanks (and votes) of residents in the Five Towns.