Bensenville might sell Legends golf course

If they like the offer, Bensenville officials may consider selling the village-owned Legends of Bensenville golf course.

A developer has approached the village about buying the nine-hole, 55-acre course at Grand Avenue and York Road.

Bensenville Village Manager Jim Johnson said village leaders didn't decide to sell the golf course. Rather, a developer approached them with an offer that's worth considering.

"We were not in the market to sell it," Johnson stressed. "An opportunity has presented itself. There's a lot of rumor going around town, but it's really not more complicated than that."

Village President John Giles and Johnson declined to name the developer. They also didn't disclose how much money has been offered for the property.

A "tentative offer" is on the table, Johnson said, but the village board hasn't made any decisions.

However, board members this week unanimously approved a request from the developer to extend the due diligence period for the sale.

Johnson said the developer wants to examine the property before making a firm offer.

Formerly a landfill for construction debris, the golf course once had groundwater containing high levels of sodium, he said. But it has since been given a clean bill of health, officials said.

The next step is for the developer to make some sort of offer, possibly within the next 30 days, Johnson said.

The village board then would consider it. Later, a vote would be needed to finalize deal.

"We're not closing the door tomorrow," Johnson said. "If this deal fell through, we're not actively pursuing another buyer. We like the golf course."

The golf course, operating in its fourth year, is one of the newest in Illinois. It employs about 20 grounds people and clubhouse personnel.

It's unclear what the developer would build on the site if the sale becomes a reality.