Harbor Shores, Michigan (Nicklaus)

[John Burzynski]

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/48552952.html

For those interested, Harbor Shores (yet another Nicklaus design) will finally open this summer, at least 9 of 18 holes, with the other 9 holes scheduled to open next summer 2010.  The course will be opened to the public, with views of Lake Michigan on several holes.  The development has been quite controversial, both concerning environmental issues and issues with a park that abuts the course and Lake Michigan, so there have been lots of legal and governmental delays.

http://www.harborshoresdevelopment.com/

To be honest, I don't know much about the course or holes itself, other than I heard 3-5 holes will border the Lake directly.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Good article by John Paul Newport in the WSJ:


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703578104575397723054181184.html

[Tom_Doak]

I didn't really understand the development issue.  It was master planned as an 800-unit development with two hotels, but it's all owned by three community non-profit organizations?  Is that correct?

[Steve Lang]

  Wonder what the Bay Harbor folks think about Harbor Shores claiming to be the best on Lake Michigan?

Not sure these words are the wisest, but wish them well:

 "Harbor Shores is not a cure-all for all the ills we've got," said Benton Harbor Mayor Wilce Cooke. "But it's an anchor for going forward."

THey should at least charge the kids something to play.. we used to have to pay 50 - 75 cents to play before 10am.  One lawn cutting and I was good for a week..

[PThomas]

I posted a bunch of pictures a few weeks ago...

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Here are pics by Paul Thomas:

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,44963.0/

[Tim Nugent]

Tom, that's what the article says.  Evidently, any profits  (from operations/sales of RE) - after expenses, would have to be distributed to maintain their tax-free status.  It sounds like those funds would go to community groups, etc.  I wonder the Property Tax is figured?  Foundations can dole out $$$ to whomever they please but Prop. Taxes usually go to schools. libraries, parks and n some cases local gov.  Does anyone know if this is exempt? Or will it have to pay PT on the golf course - or is the golf course land owned by the municipality?

Steve - probably the same as Herb Kohler and the Shore Acres members (asssumng the SA memebers even care).

[Greg Tallman]

I didn't really understand the development issue.  It was master planned as an 800-unit development with two hotels, but it's all owned by three community non-profit organizations?  Is that correct?

Large development, 2 hotels, golf facility... yep sounds like a non-profit idea these days!