Glen Ellyn mayor wants more from Village Links plan
Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Pfefferman says a plan that suggests improvements to a village-owned golf course doesn't go far enough in addressing possible long-term uses of the facility.
Two village committees have spent the last two years developing a master plan for the Village Links of Glen Ellyn, 485 Winchell Way. Recommendations include remodeling of the clubhouse and upgrades to the 27-hole course.
Village Recreation Director Matt Pekarek presented concept improvement plans at a village board meeting two weeks ago. On Monday, Pfefferman and village trustees offered their first public comments on the proposed facility upgrades.
“I don't know that we've come up with a plan that increases participation in this village asset,” Pfefferman said. “This plan addresses golfing needs. How are we going to get more involvement there?”
He said a fall 2009 village board recommendation called for the master plan to address the facility's long-term viability, including possibilities for non-golf, non-season revenue.
That's a reflection of the drop in the facility's usage, Pfefferman said.
“What can we do with the facility to make it a bigger asset to the community? I don't know that we've addressed that,” he said.
A majority of trustees appeared to endorse recommendations for phase one improvements, which would include addition of a bar, new dining rooms, a dining patio and restrooms. Officials have said that the proposed expansion could make the facility available for golf outings and other banquets.
Trustee Carl Henninger said he agrees that the Village Links plan doesn't address a longer term picture, but it does bring up ways to increase revenue.
“I don't think what we're embarking on here precludes anything in the future,” Henninger said. “This is a first step toward improving an asset that's we've let decline.”
The upgrades are estimated to cost $3,784,000 and could be funded in part by the sale of general obligation bonds.
Phase two improvements, which would include demolition of what was the original clubhouse and construction of a new pro shop, are estimated to cost $2.9 million. But officials say those upgrades would only be completed if funds become available.
Pfefferman said he'll talk with village staff to see if any revisions will be made to the master plan. It's not yet clear when the village board would take an official vote on phase one construction work.