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“This land is your land, this land is my land …”
They did not sneak in during the dark of night. They came in broad daylight, with their heads held high and their hands on their wallet with 3.4 million dollars in it. Judge Henry Sibbing did not stand up and speak out against them without merit. It took a lot of motivation to break Judge Sibbing from his bench to stand before the collected leadership of Lake Geneva. What did Judge Sibbing have to say? Why did he bring his wife? What drew Judge Sibbing out that night?
Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick, and his hazy, nebulous organization understood full well the terms he purchased the property under as it existed at the time of the sale. The comprehensive plan classified the Hillmoor property as recreational use only. Mr. Fitzpatrick and his (Casper-like) outfit are now trying to have the plan changed to allow full commercial development. Basically, that means the Casper outfit could do whatever they want with the property, no matter what the local population might think or want. Incidentally, this change of the comprehensive plan being sought by the “Casper” LLC would overnight double the value of Mr. Fitzpatrick’s property. Who wouldn’t want that deal?
But, let’s go back to what Judge Sibbing had to say. Judge Sibbing described things as any fair-minded judge would; “They bought it, they own it.” Judge Sibbing presented example after example of other small communities like Lake Geneva that have successful golf courses. Judge Sibbing would like the city of Lake Geneva to purchase the old golf course and bring it back to life. The old golf course was financially successful until bad management took over. The Geneva Lake Association, and the newly formed Friends of Hillmoor, stand arm and arm with Judge Henry Sibbing and his very rational request. Let this land “that is your land, and made for you and me,” remain made for you and me.
The future of Hillmoor will be decided on Monday evening on November 13th at 6:00pm. Come to that meeting, even if you’re never been before.
Score Big greedy developers 1
Lake Geneva 0
Are your spreading the word about meeting Daniel?
“Judge Sibbing presented example after example of other small communities like Lake Geneva that have successful golf courses. Judge Sibbing would like the city of Lake Geneva to purchase the old golf course and bring it back to life.”
On the contrary. A simple google search will give one more than a few results showing how golf courses are, in fact, NOT doing as well as they did in the past. As late as 2016 Bloomberg reported how over 800 courses had closed in the last decade and it didn’t appear that things were going to change anytime in the near future.
But let’s assume that there’s a snowball’s chance that a renewed Hillmoor could have a modem of success. I’d love the Judge to explain why he thinks the taxpayer of Lake Geneva should be on the hook to not only buy the property, but run and maintain a golf course along with the expenses involved in refurbishing a property that has been long neglected. It would take millions of dollars. Millions that A, the city doesn’t have, and B would take decades to even come close (if ever) to recouping.
It’s just not a sound investment. If the Judge and others feel otherwise, I’d simply invite them to put together an investment group and purchase the property themselves. Let’s see how far people are willing to go when it involves spending their OWN money and not “the public’s”. If a Hillmoor golf course is such a sure thing and a guaranteed money maker, it should be a no-brainer, right?
We all have opinions and you expressed your well,
Interesting you choose to remain Anonymous.
A usual tactic for someone of little substance.
Don’t forget to attend the meeting on the 13th and loudly declare your concerns.
Thanks for your input.
Unfortunately in today’s political climate, one’s opinion if often used as a tool to attack and/or bully the messenger, not address the message. I’ve lived in this community for over 15 years and don’t wish to see myself, my family, or my employer harassed because someone doesn’t “like” my opinion. Posting comments anonymously allows me to express my thoughts and allow people to think about them without risking collateral damage.
I thank you for allowing people such as myself to express our opinions and get our thoughts out there without subjecting us to the risks.