The Heather Ridge Metropolitan District #1 recently finalized the purchase of the newly named Golf Club at Heather Ridge after a long 4-year battle to protect their community golf course. The district was formed as a way to preserve the open space after the former owner decided to sell the private 90-acre golf course and country club with plans to develop the land into condominiums and high-rise apartments.

In 2005, several concerned citizens formed the United Associations of Heather Ridge (UAHR). The group consisted of ten HOA’s whose main goal was to examine options that would preserve the open space, protect real estate values, and to promote the community’s way of life. After being referred to White, Bear and Ankele, who offered their services pro bono, the citizens felt that forming a metropolitan district to protect their community resources was the most appealing option. The Heather Ridge Metropolitan District was officially formed in November of 2006.

The district continued to monitor the asking price for the property, which fluctuated. Several potential buyers examined the property and decided against purchase. The property was headed into foreclosure when the club owner passed away in the summer of 2008. Merchants Mortgage and Trust eventually gained the title to the property and immediately announced that it would be available for sale or development. The Heather Ridge Metro District #1 began to plan a course of action to purchase the property and prepared a feasibility study before obtaining resident approval for purchase in August of 2009. Over 50 percent of its residents voted, with 79 percent in favor of buying the open space. The district officially closed on the deal December 1, 2009.

“The citizens voted to reach into their pockets and to pay their portion,” said Heather Ridge Metropolitan District #1 Vice-President Van Lewis, “we presented the facts and the people listened.”

The Metro District has hired an onsite staff, and the previously private country club will now be open to the public. The Metro District cannot operate the asset using property tax funds, but must rely on revenues only from play and usage. Bond proceeds were used to buy the land and fund capital improvements and reserves.

Metro District taxpayers will start repayment of the bonds in 2009’s property taxes. On average, homeowners will pay $35 a month towards that bond repayment.