City Commission rejects Normandy bids

From the Detroit News:

Now, after a year of debate on how to solve the problem, Commissioner Michael Andrzejak asked his colleagues on the commission to dump the idea of selling the golf course and begin a sincere dialogue on how to pay for hiring more cops in a city where narcotics violations jumped 21.7 percent in one year and crime increased 18.7 percent from 2000 to 2005.

"I'm going to leave it to the administration to look to where they reformulate the budget and absorb the costs. The police chief says crime is up Royal Oak had 150 (drug) overdoses. It's an epidemic," Andrzejak said. "The city needs an action plan to address this."

At Monday's meeting, the commission approved Andrzejak's request to reject all proposals for Normandy Oaks because the 2005 bids are now invalid due to a sagging real estate market.

Offers ranged from $4 million and $18 million for the 49-acre property, but many developers have said the bids would need to be re-evaluated based on market conditions. At a budget study session in early February, city officials recommended that a nonbinding vote of the people was needed to determine whether to even sell the nine-hole golf course.

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To: City of Royal Oak Commissioners

Re: Normandy Oaks Proposal

I propose the Commission consider a major golf course/park sale or lease arrangement with Oakland County Parks.

As proposed, the parks and golf courses would include:
• Normandy Oaks
• Royal Oak Golf Course
• Royal Oak Golf Center
• Elks Park
• Rotary Park
• Memorial Park

I would also suggest that any such sale or lease include a deed reverter clause that ensures these park lands remain open to public recreation and open space preservation.

I see this as a win-win solution for both Royal Oak and the County.

Royal Oak Benefits

• Reduces pressure to sell city parks and golf courses to solve budget shortfalls
• Reduces city parks and recreation costs
• Generates cash payment if a sale is pursued
• Brings county park millage dollars back to Royal Oak

Oakland County Parks Benefits

• Greatly expands their offerings within Southeast Oakland County

As you probably know, Oakland County Parks has a solid track record for providing quality recreational facilities. Also, they are very successful in pursuing recreational grant dollars to expand and improve their parks. In the past, they have shown interest in acquiring Normandy Oaks.

I would also suggest that any proceeds from such a sale be placed in a park endowment fund that would provide capital funding for the remaining city parks.

Attached is a map of parks and golf courses mentioned above.

Normandy Oaks controversy could visit November ballot

Following this year’s budget discussions, the Royal Oak City Commission may ask residents for input on the possible sale of Normandy Oaks Golf Course through a ballot question this November.

City Manager Tom Hoover proposed the possible ballot question on Feb. 3 at a special budget meeting where commissioners further discussed the possibility of selling the 49-acre course as a way to alleviate the city’s $912,000 deficit. The advisory ballot question remains a way for the City Commission to gauge whether the public agrees with selling the city asset, located at 4234 Delemere Blvd.

“The best and undisputed way to find out what the public wants is to place a question on the ballot,” Hoover said. “This way, residents who are upset about the situation can get out and vote.”"

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Normandy Oaks debate full of complications

The City Commission won't sell Normandy Oaks Golf Course unless voters approve the sale.

The commission also won't sell the golf course unless the sale will bring in a substantial amount of money.

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