Developer's Legal Battle Over Controversial Golf Course Plans Unfolds

Developer's Legal Battle Over Controversial Golf Course Plans Unfolds

The tale of the Hawk’s Run Golf Course in Bird Bay Village has taken another twist as developer Jason Picciano prepares to take legal action against the city of Venice. The 33.4-acre course has been part of a heated debate over land use and community interest in this picturesque corner of Sarasota County.Herald Tribune reports that Picciano owns the golf course through Hawks Run Development LLC, and his attempts to transform the land into residential units and even a mini-golf course have faced significant hurdles.

The saga began in November 2022 when the Venice Planning Commission recommended against an amendment that would permit the construction of 45 villas and 12 holes of golf, citing a neighborhood open space protection strategy. This marked a pivotal moment in Picciano’s plans, leading him to withdraw his proposal in 2023 instead of taking it to the City Council.

Legal Maneuvering Ahead

As of now, Picciano is invoking a formal dispute mediation process, signaling his intent to sue the city. He argues that the golf course is developable land and insists that homeowners in the area have no financial stake in it. The golf course was purchased for $1.1 million in February 2022 and has fallen into disrepair, representing a significant portion of Bird Bay’s 55.3% open space, a requirement Venice imposes on planned unit developments.

Despite his claims, the Bird Bay Community Association has opposed his plans. They’ve raised concerns about „unified control“ of the open spaces. Former association president Dan McBride noted that a warranty deed from 1998 limits the use of the land strictly to golf-related activities, complicating Picciano’s intentions.Your Sun highlights that Picciano is now searching for legal representation to navigate this impending court battle.

Shifting Market Dynamics

The matter of redeveloping golf courses has become increasingly common in Florida, where the market for golf has taken a nosedive. As noted by the National Law Review, the late 1990s and early 2000s saw a boom in golf course construction, but with decreasing membership and profits, many owners are now eyeing redevelopment options. Picciano is not alone; many developers face legal hurdles when aiming to change land use, often due to restrictive covenants in place to protect community interests.

In Picciano’s case, there are deeper implications of neighborhood dynamics at play. He proposes to include a smaller golf-related component with Chasing Aces, which would feature a prototype golf course and putting area aimed at providing recreational options for local youth. The planned subdivision would be financially linked to this golf amenity through homeowner memberships, potentially fostering a new community engagement model.

However, the path forward is riddled with challenges. The Venice Planning & Zoning department has acknowledged complaints against Picciano, which some classified as harassment, even leading to fines for Hawks Run. With community sentiment mixed, and legal battles looming, what lies ahead for the Hawk’s Run Golf Course is uncertain.

As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders alike will be closely watching how Picciano’s third attempt at securing entitlements unfolds. Can a developer balance the interests of a community wary of losing open space with a vision for revitalization? Only time will tell.