It hasn't exactly been a smooth stroll around the fairways for the Poxabogue Golf Center over the last couple of playing seasons. The Sagaponack nine-holer has been the eye of a legal and municipal storm on the East End for at least the past two years, a well-documented whirlwind strengthened by bickering between municipalities, contract disputes and, most recently, a health issue that's been festering -- quite literally -- behind the scenes.
Golf On Long Island first addressed the ongoing issues at Poxabogue in February 2009 when safety upgrades at the driving range and eventual expansion of the facilities were delayed due to economic concerns and disagreements between the Towns of East Hampton and Southampton and local villages. Earlier this year, controversy continued to swirl around the golf center when a change in ownership and lease terms of the Poxabogue cafe led to the messy departure of the restaurant's long-time operator.
Mattituck's Love Lane Kitchen was slated to open a South Fork branch in the former restaurant's place this summer. But the latest in a string of negative developments emerged in late June.
A rampant mold problem from a roof leak was discovered in the basement of the golf center, including parts of the restaurant facility and pro shop. Michael Wright of the East Hampton Press wrote last month that closure of the Poxabogue building could be a possibility if extensive renovation work is necessary. If the pro shop is forced to close for mold removal, a trailer could house the golf facility temporarily and allow the course to remain open, according to Jennifer Landes of the East Hampton Star.
Meanwhile, the Town of East Hampton is reportedly looking to sell off its half of the facility, potentially to its joint owner, the Town of Southampton. The two municipalities purchased half-stakes of Poxabogue in 2003. Beth Young of the East Hampton Press wrote earlier this month that East Hampton has already hired an appraiser to determine the value of the town's share of the facility.
The course itself, a 1,600-yard par-30 along Montauk Highway, is generally immune from the political and legal complications. Clinics and lessons continue to run through the summer at the Poxabogue driving range. In the event the building must close for gutting and repair, however, the course could be forced to pull the pins temporarily during the height of the tourist (and playing) season.
Additional coverage can be found in the Sag Harbor Express and The Independent.
Advanced Restoration Corporation has submitted a bid on this project and is waiting for approval.
Posted by: Advanced Restoration Corporation | July 16, 2010 at 04:43 PM