Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko (second from right) and County Commissioner Diane Webb (D-Livonia) give residents an update on the city’s negotiations to purchase the Warren Valley Golf Course from Wayne County during a meeting at the Caroline Kennedy Library April 17.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The city continues to work on purchasing the Warren Valley Golf Course with the due diligence process up next.
During a meeting held by the Save Hines Park group at the Caroline Kennedy Library April 17, Mayor Daniel Paletko told residents the sale of the golf course could be final in less than two months.
“We’ve submitted our interest to purchase the golf course and are working to conduct inspections of the property for any possible issues,” he said.
Paletko said that if the city purchases Warren Valley it would remain as is and no development not relating to a golf course would take place.
“Our plan is to keep Warren Valley they way it is now, including staff, because they are doing a great job,” he said. The city is working the county commissioner to take the proper steps to make sure there are no damages to the area.”
On the commissioner’s side, they are awaiting the results of the city’s inspections and a vote is on hold until a contract is brought to them.
“I have received over 2,000 letters, which is the most since my eight years as commissioner,” County Commissioner Diane Webb (D-Livonia) said. “The city purchasing the property would ensure no other development deals happen in the future.”
Webb also said the county has put restrictions on the current management at the golf course when it comes to advertising and marketing but it is making a profit and not losing money.
Last month, the city stepped in to purchase the $1.8 million golf course and banquet hall after Delta Management Co. was interested in building a 100- to 200-house gated community.
On March 20, Paletko asked to meet with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and his representatives in order to being negotiations of purchasing the golf course from the county.
During a Dearborn Heights council meeting on March 14, a resolution opposing the sale and development of the golf course was passed unanimously.
Opposition to the golf corse development began on Feb. 27 during a town hall meeting held by Paletko and Webb which drew over 300 people.
The 255-acre Warren Valley Golf Course, 26116 W. Warren, was designed by Scottish golf architect Donald Ross in 1922 and features two 18-hole courses.
It also includes a clubhouse with a pro shop, the Ross Room Bar & Grille and a full-banquet center for hosting events.
Future meetings are planned as purchase negotiations move forward which Paletko said would involved the Crestwood School District because it is just as affected as residents.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)