The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame notified legislators Wednesday of its intentions to dissolve the state organization and relinquish control of its 17 acres in Augusta.
"The board felt that privatizing was the best road to long-term success," Chairman Bryan Persons, of Macon, said in a statement.
The announcement came a day after two Augusta legislators -- Sen. Ed Tarver and State Rep. Hardie Davis -- said they would schedule a Feb. 10 meeting to discuss eliminating the organization and transferring ownership of its real estate to the city.
The group's petition to the Legislature asks that the hall and its governing board -- both established in 1986 -- be dissolved effective June 30, the end of its fiscal year.
Though Mr. Persons' request indicates the organization would be re-established as a private, nonprofit group with similar goals, hall spokeswoman Robyn Jarrett said it is too early to offer specifics, including where its headquarters would be.
"Frankly, what we're asking for at this point is the first step to allow us to become a private entity," she said. "It is very early in the process."
The group intends to relinquish control of its 17-acre site on Reynolds Street in Augusta. The area, once a botanical garden, has been discussed as a possible location for a baseball complex.
Mr. Persons noted that the Legislature had directed the hall last year to make efforts to become self-sufficient.
"Therefore, dissolution of these governing bodies is the first step of the process in reorganizing as a private entity," he said.
Ms. Jarrett was unsure what would become of the hall's statues of famous golfers and other artifacts.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
The GGHF is and was a stupid idea, from the perspective of the public. It's actions to this point seem only to have been a cover to make $15 million disappear. Maintaining over an unfunded piece of property seems like a wasted effort at this point. LET THE SCAM END. Dissolve the board and allow the area become part of Augusta again.
Why should the state give what may be the most valuable piece of property they own to city? Last I checked, the state is running a $2+ billion deficit. If Tarver and Davis want it, stop the begging and put together a plan to buy it.
The State should be obligated to sell it to the highest bidder. They used a heavy hand to acquire this property, and paid too much for it. Let a private developer buy it on the open market and put something there that makes money and sense.
The state should give us the land. So we can build a baseball stadium with condos, lofts, and studio bedrooms. Aside of shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment. The state will benefit and so will Augusta.
Sprintman wants the state government to give the land to his real estate company? I think he's hallucinating.
when will you people figure out the everything the gov't thouches turns to crap... don't waste anymore tax dollars on lame brain ideas.. the baseball stadium would end up just like the golf gardens.. a money pit for our tax dollars...
However, the property was acquired, it is government owned now. A good swap for the city buying Gilbert Manor and giving it to the state for the medical school expansion. Certain things have to government owned and that land is perfect for various city developments.
Can't we get past trying to make money off of ball people?
A Government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to TAKE AWAY everything you have. Be careful what you wish for.
The baseball stadium will do so much for downtown. Retail/commecrial/entertainment/residential will pop up beside the stadium. Lake olmstead can hold outdoor concerts and things of that sort. Or middle school and highschool baseball games and championships.
Why not take the property and turn IT into a 17 acre lake? Oh wait.....You'll have to check property records and see who stands to make money off the "lake" deal.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
