ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1996 TAG: 9605060042
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
COUNCIL MEMBERS QUESTION the feasibility of the golf course because of potential problems from the capped landfill and the idea of competing with private clubs.
Marianne Finn says she wants to have a say in the future of Mowles Spring Park, where her family picnicked and hiked years ago.
Salem officials closed the 283-acre park more than a year ago after state regulations forced the city to cap a landfill it operated within the park. City council is thinking about developing the park as a golf course, but not everyone believes that is the best use of the land.
"I had four kids, and they all played sports. I like the sports, but it is just getting to be too much," Finn said. "What about those that aren't into golf?"
"It was a wonderful park," said Jane Bell, who lives just north of the park. "I don't know how many people there are in Salem that play golf," she said. "A golf course would not mean much to our family."
As houses pop up like mushrooms along the fringes of land-locked Salem, Mowles Spring Park is about the last chunk of land within city limits where squirrels outnumber people and where tree limbs can fall without endangering someone's property.
"It was very peaceful and quiet," Bell said. "We used to go every spring for a Girl Scout banquet."
Now, a large portion of Mowles Spring Park looks more like a mud pit at a tractor pull. And since October 1994, a sign just beyond the gates of Park Lane has read "Park Under Construction: Keep Out."
The city had used about 20 acres of the park as a landfill, but state regulations forced its closure in 1993.
The only soil to cover the landfill that met environmental regulations was inside the park near its entrance. Bulldozers moved much of the dirt to cap the landfill, forcing the city to close the park.
Since then, the city council has tried to think of ways to get the most out of the land. Development is out of the question because of the landfill, and there are few other options.
Nearly a year ago, the council selected an 11-member resident-advisory committee to study the possibility of developing a golf course. At the recommendation of the committee, the city paid a subsidiary of the National Golf Foundation $17,500 to study the idea.
A report and recommendation to the council are expected soon.
Some council candidates want the city's residents to decide how the park is used.
"We should ask the citizens if they want" a park or golf course, said council candidate John Moore, a former Salem School Board member. That would be done through a resident-advisory referendum, he said.
Former Salem Police Chief and council candidate Harry Haskins said he also is in favor of a referendum before the council decides whether to build a golf course.
Incumbent Howard Packett said he would favor a referendum - but only after the council receives the committee's recommendation and can estimate a cost for a golf course.
Challenger Steve Smeltzer and incumbent Alex Brown both have said the decision would better be left to city council once the study is complete.
"It's not a done deal," Brown said. "I can't make an intelligent decision until we have the recommendation."
All candidates agree that park facilities should be included in any plans for the site.
"I think there's enough land to do walking trails, biking trails" and other park facilities, Packett said.
"I'd prefer we develop it for a multipurpose use," Haskins said.
Moore said a park alone would be the best use of the site.
"Mowles Spring Park is probably the last large green space the city of Salem is ever going to see," he said.
He envisions a park with hiking and biking trails, playgrounds and basketball and tennis courts. Also, he said, the park could be considered as a site for a municipal swimming pool, which a city council-appointed committee also is studying.
Smeltzer also said a park would be the best way for all Salem residents to benefit from the land. But, if a golf course can make money for the city, Smeltzer said, he would be willing to look at a proposal.
Another question council candidates have been asked is: If a golf course is built, who builds it?
"I have a problem with public funds going into something that would compete with other golf courses in the valley," he said at a recent candidates' forum. Smeltzer would rather see the land sold or leased to a private developer.
Moore agrees.
Governments are supposed to provide a number of services to residents, he said. "I don't think running a golf course is one of them."
Haskins said he would rather a golf course be developed by the private sector, but that may not be feasible because of the landfill.
"I've talked to some attorneys who say they don't think you could find any private consumer that would be willing to take that liability," Haskins said.
Brown and Packett say it may be too early to make that decision.
"Once we get the report, we'll figure it out," Packett said.
Brown said one factor that must be considered is the $25,000 to $30,000 that it costs every year to maintain the capped landfill.
A private contractor is capping the landfill, but city employees have to monitor storm water drainage around it.
National Golf Foundation Consulting Inc. began its study of the golf course proposal late last year. It was supposed to take about seven weeks, but Assistant City Manager Forest Jones said harsh winter weather slowed progress.
Jones would not say when the foundation will make its presentation to the council, but he said it should be made in coming months.
"I don't think anybody can make an intelligent decision until then," Brown said.
LENGTH: Long : 113 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ARNE KUHLMANN/Staff Salem city worker Doug Hartbergerby CNBmoves dirt to cap the former landfill at Mowles Spring Park. Salem
City Council has been trying to think of ways to get the most out
of the land. color
2. map showing locatin of Mowles Spring Park. STAFF KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCIL