Stamford Residents Challenge Golf Course Facility Demolition

The Stamford Golf Authority's application to have their lease on the main building at Sterling Farms' extended for a proposed demolition and reconstruction is being met with resistance by the Stamford community.

"I don't believe they've given enough due diligence to the plan that they're proposing right now, as far as traffic, parking, and lighting concerns. I'm not sure we need that catering hall...but I understand something needs to be done with that building," Stamford resident Pat Foster told Patch. 

Foster was one of many residents who spoke against the Stamford Golf Authority's application at a Tuesday evening public hearing held by the Stamford Planning Board at the Stamford Government Center, the public hearing being a necessary step of any planning board application.

Foster and other residents living close to 1349 Newfield Avenue's Sterling Farms are largely in opposition to the demolition application either because the main house at Sterling Farms represents local historical signifigance, or because putting up new, expansive property could cause problems in the neighborhood.

In a Jan. 26, 2012 letter to Mayor Michael Pavia, State Historic Preservation Officer David Bahlman wrote:

"In our opinion, the historic property is an excellent candidate for expansion and adaptive reuse rather than demolition in order to satisfy the practical needs of the Stamford Golf Authority. In addition, the city's agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service as a new Certified Local Government states the importance of protecting architectural resources. The demolition of this building would be inconsistent with the town's official commitment to preservation planning policies."

The Golf Authority and those in opposition to the demolition agree that the main house at Sterling Farms, which has stood for over 100 years, is in poor condition. According to a recent existing conditions review of the building, it "hasn't been the same" since a 1983 fire at Sterling Farms burned much of the property, including parts of the main house.

William Hennessey of the Stamford law firm Sandak, Hennessey, and Greco was one of the Golf Authority's most prominent representatives at Tuesday's public hearing. Hennessey addressed the issue of the Golf Authority's lease extension from 2019 to 2037, stating that the the extension was needed to fully prepare for a planned overhaul of the entire Royal Green at Sterling Farms golf facility.

"The facility is a centerpiece at an 18-hole golf course that is consistently rated and voted best municipal golf course in Fairfield County," Hennessy said to the planning board during his presentation.

Under the terms of the new lease and modification agreement, Sterling Farms would pay an annual rent consisting of 11% its annual gross revenue.  "I don't see any changes except for the term of the lease, and the enhanced revenue for the city," city representative Kenneth Povodator said.

However, during the hearing, neither city representatives nor Golf Authority representatives could provide absolute numbers on the size of the new, proposed facility, or how much it would cost to undertake the property overhaul. At the same time, planning for the new facility is still in its early stages.

"Something needs to be done to upgrade that building and bring it to a different level, I'm just not sure they thought of all the alternatives yet," Foster said.

The planning board adjourned Tuesday's meeting shortly before 11 p.m., and will continue the public hearing in early March.