Residents raise new concerns about annexing 77-acre site

By RYAN JUSTIN FOX Staff Writer

Published 06/05/09

Developers last night found themselves in the rough trying to sell their latest plans for restoring the iconic Annapolis Roads Golf Course to skeptical residents.

John Stamato, an executive with Riva Road-based Ribera Development LLC, was hoping to convince the community of the benefits of annexing the 77-acre Annapolis Neck Peninsula property into the city so the public course could be restored to its original grandeur and become a possible site for a state golf hall of fame.

Instead, a whole new set of concerns over the city's intentions for the property were raised by about 45 residents who attended the meeting inside the course's modest clubhouse.

"We're trying to do something positive, maybe a little different than (Annapolis Roads residents) would like. But we're doing what we've got to do," Stamato said yesterday. "It seems like every avenue we pursue, we've been opposed."

The property's owners, George and Linda Graefe, and Ribera, their development partners, petitioned to be annexed into the city in early May. Annexing the land would allow the city to purchase it using state funds earmarked for development projects that enhance existing open space land such as golf courses and parks.

Stamato said the 81-year-old, nine-hole golf course built by renowned golf architect Charles H. Banks would be restored to its original greens and fairways, with the clubhouse serving as a hall of fame for the Maryland State Golf Association.

Redevelopment of the golf course has been a contentious issue since the since early 1970s, when the Annapolis Roads Property Owners Association sued to block a deal to build townhomes on the site.

The case was settled in 1986 and restrictions were placed on the use of the property. Redevelopment is limited to golf or open space use.

Ribera tried to purchase the property in 2004 and convert the land into ball fields for St. Mary's High School. St. Mary's later backed out of the deal.

The county was going to purchase the property at one point under the administration of then-County Executive Janet S. Owens, but the deal fell through because of political disagreements and differing priorities after a new executive and County Council took office.

Developers offered to sell the property to the property owners association, but negotiations eventually broke down.

George Graefe said he feels "almost hostage" when it comes to what he can do with the land.

Many of the residents who attended last night's meeting supported restoration of the course, but were adamantly against annexing the property into the city.

"My concern is the city controlling and maintaining it," said Annapolis Roads resident Jim Gibb. "There are other options besides annexation and the residents buying the property."

Residents said annexing the land into the city would irrevocably change the character and culture of the Annapolis Road community.

Neighbors voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact of redeveloping the property. They also criticized the property owners association for not keeping residents informed of the latest plans for the site.

The restoration plan is backed by County Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-Crownsville. Annapolis Mayor Ellen O. Moyer also has supported the project.

The developers "have a solid plan," Moyer said yesterday afternoon. She said having a popular municipal golf course would be an added amenity for the city, but "the council will have to vote to accept it or not."

It was not clear how much it would cost to purchase the land. Offers have ranged from $4 million to $6 million, Stamato said. Stamato estimated that restoring the course to its 1920s condition would cost upward of $2 million.

The council will schedule a public hearing on the annexation petition in the coming weeks.

So far, only one Annapolis Roads resident has testified before the council against the petition.

Mayoral candidates Gilbert Renaut and Josh Cohen attended last night's meeting.

Renaut suggested mediation to resolve the issue, while Cohen, a former city alderman and current county councilman, said he generally opposes annexing the land into the city.

"I don't think the city has a legitimate role to annex a parcel in the heart of a community," Cohen told residents.