Commissioners discuss former golf course

By Dean Shipley

Staff Writer

Commissioners on Tuesday discussed with a group of people what began as a talk about the property that was once a golf course. Two weeks ago a meeting was held about converting the former Hickory Grove golf course on Big Plain-Circleville Road into an RV park, said Steve Pronai, county prosecutor.

That well-attended meeting, at which most attendees were opposed to the plan, saw the county board of zoning appeals turn down the proposal.

Pronai said last week, he met with an attorney who represented the group who now own the what is now described as “an alfalfa field,” commissioner Paul Gross, Nick Coughlin and Derek Wilson, “to try and get a conditional use” for the property. Pronai said since the proposal has been turned down once already, “it has to be changed.”

Commissioner David Dhume said commissioners have had a conversation with David Hughes, county zoning director. The land has conditional use, C-2, under agricultural zoning.

It was brought up the property in 2005 was listed in the county’s comprehensive plan as C-2 conditional use.

Wayne Holland, Oak Run Township trustee said the land is a former golf course which has been converted to an alfalfa field. He said the golf course’s trees have been removed, the fairways and greens have been plowed under.

“Residential homes surround it,” Holland said. “It’s back to solely ag.”

County Technology director Rob Slane asked commissioners for their approval for him to run for the office of city treasurer of London. It is a part time position, which Slane feels he can perform and not have conflicts with his current job and his schooling. Commissioner Dhume said he saw no conflict, “if he wants to explore different horizons.”

Commissioners also met with representatives of the park board. A question has arisen about which entitity, the park board or the senior citizens center, is responsible for snow removal in the parking area which accesses the Prairie Grass Trailhead. Commissioner Dhume said he would discuss it with the new director of the senior citizens center.