Uncertainty Lingers Over Wake Forest Golf Course

WAKE FOREST, N.C. — A Superior Court judge could step in to end a two-year legal battle over a local golf course's future if both parties in the fight can't come to a resolution by the end of the month.

The fight began in 2006 when the Wake Forest Golf Club's owner, Joe Young, wanted to sell the course to developers.

Neighbors, who say they built their houses to be next to a golf course, saidYoung and the town had a planned unit development agreement in 1999 that allowed for building a housing development around the golf course. It prohibits any other kind of development on the course.

"We feel very strongly that we have to defend our turf, if you would," said homeowner John Brewer.

The latest offer is to sell the land to the town. Wake Forest could run a municipal golf course. Former town commissioner David Camacho, says that would be costly, however.

"The biggest thing is the town would most likely have to do without something else if they were to acquire this piece of property," he said.

Some say they have had trouble selling their houses because of the uncertainty of the golf course's future.

"If I were to try and sell my property today, I would have a very difficult time because of all the uncertainty with what's going on out here," said Bill Matzkevich.

One builder, Bart Buie, said he has already declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy because he can't sell houses he's built.

And homeowners say that without maintenance, the appearance of the course won't be on par with what they're looking for.

"The main thing we're concerned about up front is the greens, because they'll be the first to deteriorate," homeowner Hubert Jenks said.

So, while the town decides whether to buy the property, homeowners say they have to wait and hope their properties don't get bogged down in the weeds.