Normandy Oaks: And the Survey Says...

UPDATE, Thursday, 11:59 p.m. And the survey says...

Of the 337 people surveyed  in Patch's unscientific poll, here's what people are saying about Normandy Oaks:

• 26.11 percent support keeping the Normandy Oaks property a nine-hole golf course
• 21.96 percent would like to see the green space used for another recreational purpose
• 47.48 percent are in favor of selling a portion of the property if the revenue is used to realize the city's Recreation Master Plan wish list
• 4.45 percent have another idea for the land

Tuesday, 8 a.m.: On Monday, the Royal Oak City Commission voted to keep Normandy Oaks Golf Course open for the the 2014 while the city explores its options for the green space located on Normandy Road.

The club's operator, Royal Oak Golf, LLC, had an operation loss of more than $96,000 last year, which left city staff recommending closure for the nine-hole public course.

"I think it's tough to make a decision without knowing what we're going to do in the long-term with the course," said Mayor Jim Ellison.

The commission voted to establish a sub committee to study and address the future of Normandy Oaks.

What residents are saying

Royal Oak resident Marc Comptios notes "one of the great things about Normandy Oaks is that it is actually affordable for seniors and young people." 

While Royal Oaker Tom Regan argues that most of the city's residents don't golf and "even more people in Royal Oak don't golf at Normandy Oaks."

"Most people in town aren't getting any enjoyment out of that piece of property right now," Regan said. "So if you repurpose it most of us are going to be happier."

"I definitely don't oppose (selling) it," said Ray Blessman, who lives a wedge shot away from the golf course. "I think the monetizing of the asset could make a lot of sense."

However, Blessman asked the commission for assurances that a study be done to ensure the infrastructure can support any new proposal for the site and that values of homes near the site would not be adversely affected.

What do you think? Take our survey or give us your thoughts in the comments.

Can't see the survey on your smartphone? Click here for a link.