Topic: There goes the country club
started by: Replicant
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 15 2006,6:24 pm
The Tribune breaks the news on this one...by editor Tim Engstrom:< Purchase agreement signed for A.L. Golf Club >
This has been discussed until now in the local businesses thread, but it's time for this to become its own topic.
What does everyone think about LaFavre's plan?
I think Victoria Simonsen's comment is well taken. What if LaFavre destroys the golf course and only builds a few homes?
Do we REALLY need another housing development with Tiger Hills, Larryland, Chapeau Shores, and the Weiks Farm coming on line?
LaFavre's thinking that he's going to attract a bunch of executive types is pie in the sky to me. I think the guy's pretty full of himself personally.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 15 2006,7:08 pm
i say " hats off to Scott LaFavre & his family for selecting Albert Lea to invest their monies in this city" !the country club has been in decline for several years due partly to the fact of the declining upper & middle management personal. the elks club & the city of albert lea both had an opportunity to buy the country club & both declined. it is no surprise that it only took one day to complete the purchase, i bet the former owners were elated to get out from under a sinking ship. i see this as a win win situation for the city & county. if it would be possible it would be of some benefit for the project to save one of the nine holes for a inducement for the future homeowners. like the cap emmons auditorium, the deal is done so why throw up obstacles for the project. competition that is what free enterprise is all about.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 15 2006,7:23 pm
.........................
Posted by Two Bears on Apr. 15 2006,7:25 pm
Doesn't Lafavre have a race team in Nascar?
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 15 2006,8:32 pm
Pretty solid writing by the Edidor in Chief, too I might add. lol I see why hes the boss. Hes really injected some life into to the old Albert Lea Tribune, it seems. lol 
Posted by FlyguyAL on Apr. 16 2006,6:45 pm
Sounds to me like Mr. LaFavre has watched Field of Dreams one to many times. His "build it and they will come" approach to the Club land seems silly to me. 
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 16 2006,8:45 pm
There has been more than one family that has sunk a small fortune in that swamp. As much as I love golf and hate to see any course disapear, Mr. LaFavre had better plan on constructing House Boats out there. A little donation to wetland conservation will be like pissing in the ocean.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 17 2006,12:18 am
Lyle Lanley and the Monorail! 
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 17 2006,7:48 am
| Quote |
| Albert Lea now has 400 residential units going up in residential subdivisions. (A single-family house is one residential unit; a 12-apartment condominium is 12 units.) Simonsen said some people have concerns about how saturated the Albert Lea housing market is. |
Drove past Tiger Hills yesterday, I don't know who is building the house but there is one that was built about 5 feet from a creek, that thing is saturated.
| Quote |
| Further, a recent housing study did not mention a need for high-end housing. |
It didn't? Looks to me like it did.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 17 2006,8:27 am
The name rings a bell from the past. Wasn't there an older LaFaver of some reputation in the community? Any one know if this is the same family?
Posted by Whiskero on Apr. 17 2006,10:00 am
I sure hope that A.Lea has not sold their soul to the devil. The entire LaFavre family has been known for their wheeling and dealing for many many years, to no good. They have taken businesses and employees to the cleaners and it just keeps getting worse. Ask anyone that has ever had anything to do with them and they will tell you. I Hope that A.Lea Country Club has all its P's and Q's dotted very thoroughly for all our sakes.
Posted by The Game on Apr. 17 2006,10:06 am
Once the construction stops maybe Quincy Borland will have his moto-cross/race track afterall.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 17 2006,10:16 am
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ April 17 2006,8:27am) |
| The name rings a bell from the past. Wasn't there an older LaFaver of some reputation in the community? Any one know if this is the same family? |
Definitely don't want to blame anyone for their father's alleged sins. But for the sake of background, his father was/is Jerry LaFavre who in the mid-70s (1976-77 give or take a year) was accused of (and acquitted or never charged with) some financial mis-dealings. Seems like there was some real estate involved with the whole mess. The scandal resulted in a county judge being forced to resign from the bench due to allegations of complicity. Don't remember the details on that. But it was quite the scandal at the time.
On a totally different note, this was my 1,000th post since joining this forum about a year and a half ago. Hope I've contributed something worthwhile occasionally.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 17 2006,12:03 pm
That was it! Insurance fraud and the judge was implicated, took the fall which ended in his disbarment. Others were known to be involved but the trail ended with the judge. Thanks Replicant, I was trying to bring it up but the old memory isn't what it use to be.
Posted by gonefishn on Apr. 17 2006,1:45 pm
who would be able to live at the "eagles nest"?is anybody that lives and works in Albert Lea going to be able to afford this?
Posted by leftALintime on Apr. 17 2006,1:54 pm
The question isn't who would be able to live at the "Eagles Nest" but: WHO WOULD WANT TO LIVE AT THE TOXIC WASTE DUMP!!!
Posted by spike on Apr. 17 2006,8:43 pm
| Quote (ICU812 @ April 17 2006,7:48am) | ||||
Drove past Tiger Hills yesterday, I don't know who is building the house but there is one that was built about 5 feet from a creek, that thing is saturated.
It didn't? Looks to me like it did. |
Am I reading this correctly, they are prediciting AL to need 250-270 single family homes over the next 10 years? That seems pretty low, and sad.
Posted by FlyguyAL on Apr. 17 2006,9:11 pm
The possibility of having one golf course in town is sad. 
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 18 2006,6:33 am
It just doesn't add up to me today, but I am not much of a futurist. A friend of mine said that he has a vision that the project will begin but will prove to be an unsound investment. In the end the community will be left with another problem to solve and one less golf course in the process. I hope not but Mr. LaFavre vision for the area is beyond the scope of my gullibility. I guess time will tell if Albert Lea gets "Eagles Rest" or "Son of Flimflam Man."
Posted by TameThaTane on Apr. 18 2006,8:01 am
He's got growthitis....I've seen if before. Usually from Rochester or Minneapolis. These guys get so used to incredible growth that when they see "diamonds in the Rough" like a "gold course" that could be developed with high end houses, that they can't resist. It almost always fails and not before sucking many tax dollars out of the community to pay for the investors risk. Perhaps in 20-30 years the spill over from Rochester could fill it, but not yet.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 18 2006,9:01 am
Could this be Albert lea's first gated community? The popularity of gated communities is on the rise nationwide, enclaves of luxury homes, electronic gates and 24-hour security guards to maintain the underclass apartheid system. "Country Club Estates"...
Posted by jimhanson on Apr. 18 2006,10:03 am
Whether the Country Club remains a golf course, or a housing development is not our decision to make. The business background on the Country Club isn't good--it has gone through a succession of owners, ALL of which have lost money. It has gone through several "reorganizations"--ALL of which have not been successful. In this case, there was a VERY willing seller, and a willing buyer.It's not up to us to decide who can build where, or whether there are "too many" homes being built.
Unless people think that the City should acquire the property as a municipal course, or unless there is someone that will take the developer out so that it can remain a course, we should wish the developer "good luck" and "thanks for investing in Albert Lea", and do everything we can to make it successful. Let "the invisible hand of Adam Smith"--(free enterprise) do its job.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 18 2006,10:26 am
Does anyone remember just how far north the old dump site extended from the edgewater park road? what is the status of the old dump site, is it a toxic dump site as previously stated? in the newspaper article it stated about lakeside lots, about all they will have is some edgewater bay views. it looks like larryland will have some viable competition! the downside of this is that green lea golf course will not have any competition! it will be interesting to see if the city council gets behind this project or will they throw up all sorts of obstacles for the developer. it seems they went the extra mile for the tiger hills developer! losing the green space is a bummer but the prospect of larger tax base is encouraging.
Posted by jimhanson on Apr. 18 2006,1:19 pm
USMCR--the developers were concerned about contaminants on the property due to the old dump--so had test holes dug. I talked to one of the people that viewed the holes--nothing from the old dump--no ground water contamination, no methane.I thought that the fact that they bothered to check this out before purchasing showed that they were concerned and willing to go the extra mile to assure the property was safe.
Lakeside lots--as I understand it, the lots closest to Lakewood--up to the present property entrance--would be the first developed, because of the ready access to City utilities. First units would be town homes and private homes. Green space--Plans call for 3 ponds on the property--the property will be developed further back as utilities become available.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 18 2006,1:26 pm
I think it speaks volumes about Albert Lea's economy that it can't support a country club. Austin, a similarly-sized town to the east, has no such problem.Is this another symptom of Paul Sparks' expert management of A.L.'s development, or lack thereof?
Posted by jimhanson on Apr. 18 2006,3:39 pm
Austin didn't do well on the country club, either. Hormel had to step in and bail them out.I know 3 people that have owned "Country Club" type courses. Every one of them not only says they LOST money, but that they don't know anybody that MAKES money. I get the feeling from talking to these people that owning a golf course is kind of like being a farmer--you don't make any money until you sell.
Arrowhead--recently purchased by Diamond Jo--reputedly will not open this summer--but will have trap & skeet shooting, as well as hunting this fall.
Green Lea seems to make it--but it isn't a "Country Club" course.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Apr. 18 2006,3:51 pm
took a double take out on the interstateWhen I saw her makin' eyes at me
So I followed her down - the clubhouse drive
Past the pool on the 18th green
In the parkin' lot...I said it's mighty hot
Maybe I could buy you a beer
She said I'm glad you asked...but I'll have to pass
Cause only members are allowed in here...and I said
Well I'm a member of a country club
Country music is what I love
I drive an old Ford pick-up truck
I do my drink-in from a dixie cup
Yea I'm a bona-fide dancin' fool
I shoot a mighty mean game of pool
At any honky-tonk roadside pub
I'm a member of a country club
You look so invitin'...thought it might be excitin'
For a woman with a limousine
To go bouncin around...in a beat up truck
With a man...in wore out jeans
It's five o'clock before Friday night
Here's where the fun begins
So don't worry 'bout your reputation
Cause you can tell all your friends
Well I'm a member of a country club
Country music is what I love
I drive an old Ford pick-up truck
I do my drink-in from a dixie cup
Yea I'm a bona-fide dancin' fool
I shoot a mighty mean game of pool
At any honky-tonk roadside pub
I'm a member of a country club
Well I'm a member of a country club
Country music is what I love
I drive an old Ford pick-up truck
I do my drink-in from a dixie cup
Yea I'm a bona-fide dancin' fool
I shoot a mighty mean game of pool
At any honky-tonk roadside pub
I'm a member of a country club
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 18 2006,5:37 pm
Jim is right about the Austin Country Club. After the Albert Lea Club ran through all the stockholders equity and was asking the members to belly up again, some people from town thought that if they had to invest in a club, why not a stable one. Well in Austin the special assessments became more than anyone expected. The club manager was fired and still people were dropping their memberships until Hormel saw the writing on the wall and took care of the members special assessments. I was already out of there by the time Hormel came to the rescue, but I can't see how that club house can be anything but a continuing problem for the members if Hormel weren't footing part of the bill. Don't know that they still are doing that but those are very fancy digs for a hack like me.
Posted by number 1 fan on Apr. 18 2006,7:09 pm
And I agree 100% with Jim too. The Country Club has lost money to each of its past 3 or 4 owners. Now I hear that the Owatonna Country Club is in some trouble too. I would like the city to step in and purchase the course. Knock down the existing dumpy building before it falls on its own and make it a public course. Green Lea has done well as a public course. I remember when Jack Greengo was running it. Green Lea has always been my favorite place to play but now with Arrowhead closing and the Club on the verge of closing it will be tough to get a tee time. Lots of leagues at Green Lea too.
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 19 2006,7:52 am
Wasn't sure which thread to post this in.| Quote |
All Reported Dates of Birth10/26/1982 All Known Aliases/Alternate SpellingsLafavre, Dustin Lee Convictions and SentencingConviction Number: 001 Case Number: 02036644 Court File Number: K602003695 Disposition Date: 07/29/2003 Controlling Agency: Dakota Co So Court Agency: Dakota District Court Assigned Custodial Agency: Dakota County Jail Assigned Probation Agency: Mn Dept Of Corrections/field Services Count Number: 001 General Offense: Statute Description: Crim Sex Cond-3rd Deg-Vict 13-15 Actor >24m older Statute Number: 609.344.1.B Disposition: Convicted Pronounced Fine: $3000 Stayed Fine: $0 Court Cost Amount: $0 Restitution Amount: $0 Assessment Amount: $40 Pronounced Sentence: Probation Sentence: 15 Years Conditional Confinement: 45 Days Conviction Level: Felony < http://www.mncriminals.com/criminaldetail.php?id=22325 > |
< http://profile.myspace.com/index.c....3834650 >
Posted by Whiskero on Apr. 19 2006,8:21 am
ONLY A RUMOR: Heard last week that Scott was in a store here in A.Lea, stating that 11 years ago he was thrown out of this town, and by god now he is going to show them and OWN the town!
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 19 2006,8:37 am
More reasons to be concerned.A man with a mission to redeem his name, being followed by a hero worshiping son who aspires to John D. Rockefeller's wealth while acting like Big Bill Rockefeller.
Maybe the Doctor will prescribe some snake oil medicine for sick old Albert Lea.
Just remember "Albert Lea deserves this." Doesn't that sounds a little bit like pay back.
Posted by Hanna on Apr. 19 2006,8:39 am
| Quote (jimhanson @ April 18 2006,3:39pm) |
| Arrowhead--recently purchased by Diamond Jo--reputedly will not open this summer--but will have trap & skeet shooting, as well as hunting this fall. |
I heard the same thing, but I can't figure out why some 15 golf carts were just delivered to the course this week. And the maintenance dude is still out tending to the course.
?????
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 19 2006,9:49 am
< Minnesota Public Criminal History Search >Put in the name and birthdate and you'll get the same information as in the mncriminals.com site without having to create a user account. Also can get a printer-friendly version.
Posted by jimhanson on Apr. 19 2006,1:41 pm
From Number 1 Fan | Quote |
| Green Lea has always been my favorite place to play but now with Arrowhead closing and the Club on the verge of closing it will be tough to get a tee time |
I can see a bright future for the Clarks Grove, Freeborn, Hayward courses!
Posted by Wolfie on Apr. 20 2006,12:03 am
When I hear talk about gated communities all I can think of is the old combat logic. "Make it hard for the enemy to get in and you make it hard for you to get out."
Posted by TheTruth on Apr. 20 2006,12:34 am
A sex offender in charge of a gated community?Is that so the young teenage girls can't escape?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 20 2006,1:19 pm
I question that there are enough $75,000 to $200,000 buildable lots on the Albert Lea Country Club grounds to make Scott whole after development cost. Secondly I do not know where all the $75,000 to $200,000 lot owners are going to come from to make this residential subdivision work out. So could it be there is another game being played out here, being what is that golf course worth to the community before a bulldozer is driven through it? Now I know the word I'm hearing is the City is not interested in owning a municipal golf course. They have too many things on their plate and a golf course is not one of them. So if the City's coming up with a cash price that would satisfy LaFavre and his partners is out of the question, what might they have that would satisfy some wheeler dealer developers? Do you think they might own something that they have been dreaming about getting developed? Something inbetween a dream and the lakes that might be a win-win trade for the community?Now I don't know a dam thing, just been thinking about something that doesn't sit right with me. The more time I spend with it the crazier my thought gets. I don't know that the LaFavres would be interested. Just maybe they get their jollies out of running a bulldozer through that golf club, but in the end both the LaFavres and the community will be poorer for it. Why not explore with them something the community would like to develop and see if we couldn't turn around two bad situations in the process.
Posted by leftALintime on Apr. 20 2006,1:43 pm
Great comments Alfy! Finally someone who sees that is could potentially ruin a beautiful piece of property at the expense of the people of Albert Lea.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 20 2006,3:35 pm
remember when the cap emmons auditorium was for sale for $1.00, & had no takers from the community! it has been common knowledge that the country club has been in financial trouble for years but has anyone from the community offered to buy it? now when someone has stepped up to the plate & bought who is from out of town, there are people upset about what is going to happen to it. someone now owns it & what they eventually do to it is their business! the city had a chance to purchase it as well as the elks sometime ago & neither of them pursued the opportunity. larryland, indian hills, the old college site & the bay oaks sites are all high end developments. i haven't heard any diverse comments regarding them! the days of the country clubs are over, unless of course there is a fortune 500 company in your fair city! maybe just maybe it is time to quit protecting the good old boys network & see what a outsider can do! it certainly would be a asset if the developer could salvage one 9 holes out of the 18.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 20 2006,4:46 pm
There have been people from this community who have owned and operated that property in the past, and may be people who would be willing to purchase it today, or would have purchased it had they known it was for sale. The region is loosing 2 golf course which will have an effect not only on those good old boys you talk about but a lot of working stiffs who enjoy the game too. Even if it were in the plans for the development, how will 9 holes reserved for an elite few living behind the gates of that development answer the low supply high demand created by the two courses being removed from the publics use. What I outlined above is nothing more than an old mans brainstorm. I am too old to do anything with it other than to share. If it makes sense to someone, feel free to run with it. Call it yours and see if you can capture some glory. If you can make it work I think there would be plenty who would consider you a hero and maybe award you something like a free green fee. So lighten up JAR HEAD!
Posted by FlyguyAL on Apr. 20 2006,10:07 pm
Thank you Alfy for thinkin about the situation. 
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,8:42 am
I agree that Alfy has put forth some good thoughts on the subject. I find nothing to disagree with in what he has suggested. 
So has the sale "closed" as super-developer so confidently stated, or was he just blowing developer smoke & sunshine up our collective skirts?
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 21 2006,9:01 am
my comments regarding the retention of at least half of the golf course was meant to mean that it would add value to the building lots. a private golf course would be a definite selling point! keep in mind freeborn county is losing population & those that are coming here are not making enough to afford the game! golf at green lea for a single costs $25 for 18 holes + $20 for a cart = $45 for a day of golf, membership for a single $750 ( trail fees $200, cart storage $200 - $250, cart lease $525, 2003 rates). i now golf at oak view by freeborn. the rates there for 2006 are for a single $395 (trail fees & storage $200 - $250, cart lease $400). green fees for 18 holes $23, cart rental $22. it is a nine hole course & is fully watered (fairways & greens). there is ample land on 3 sides of the course for future expansion. the downside is that it not only takes time to develop another nine but that it is very expensive to do so. i to think it is a shame to tear up the country club but that is at the discretion of the new owners! something to ponder, the city is spending 2 million on the bank building & then sell it a nominal price. which would better serve the city the bank blg. or the country club turned into a municipal course?
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,9:54 am
< Officials: City already has plenty of high-end homes >| Quote |
| The formal announcement Sunday in the Albert Lea Tribune of a purchase agreement for the 18-hole Albert Lea Golf Club and the buyers' intention to turn it into a 120-lot residential developed has left many officials scratching their heads. and later... LaFavre said he grew up impoverished in Albert Lea and could never have dreamt of being a member of the golf club. He said he was excited about the prospect of giving something back to the community. |
| Quote |
| He had hoped to close by today. On Thursday he said he hopes to close on the property next week and plans to begin construction later this year. |
Posted by sumpdump on Apr. 21 2006,12:27 pm
I hope LaFavre make it! I hope that they plow every green under! If I can loose good hunting ground that my, and other outdoorsmen's license fees pay for, (to build tiger homes,) well then we surely can afford to loose a crappy coarse with mostly snot nosed a@@es on it. The only way I would like to the coarse stay open is if it had the nice relaxed atmosphere like there was at arrowhead.Tear it down LaFavre, build your field of dreams.....
Posted by Two Bears on Apr. 21 2006,12:39 pm
| Quote (sumpdump @ April 21 2006,12:27pm) |
| I hope LaFavre make it! I hope that they plow every green under! If I can loose good hunting ground that my, and other outdoorsmen's license fees pay for, (to build tiger homes,) well then we surely can afford to loose a crappy coarse with mostly snot nosed a@@es on it. The only way I would like to the coarse stay open is if it had the nice relaxed atmosphere like there was at arrowhead. Tear it down LaFavre, build your field of dreams..... |
AMEN BROTHER...........WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,12:58 pm
What goes around, comes around. Hmmm. Let's throw out a scenario here with another future go-round.What happens sometime down the road when Riverland Community College decides they're going to sell the land that Snyder Field sits on because of its value. The way that end of town is developing, don't think that's not going to happen sooner or later.
Who will be screaming then? Either of you play softball Sumpdump or Two Bears? Bet you know people who do.
I'm not a softball player, but I do recognize the value of having those softball fields because I see the tournaments come to town, I see people using them weeknights and weekends all summer enjoying themselves. Wouldn't want to lose them either.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,1:16 pm
...................
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,1:19 pm
| Quote (hymiebravo @ April 21 2006,1:16pm) |
| I think that, part, of the problem they have had out there, is the preconceived notion, that alot, of people have, of, a country club. I can see, that, just by some of the posts, in this thread. That, and just not having, the right people, there operating stuff,( like the restaurant for example). The face of golf, has changed, a helk of a lot, since, 100 years ago, when that place opened. (its a 100 years old right ?) It would be nice, if someone could bring that place, into the modern era, and take advantage, of the increased popularity of golf..... (And I guess we all sort of, know, who is at least partly, responsible for that don't we...... lol) Thats just my take on the golf course part of the whole thing. Oh..... and yes, that would mean making it a public course. |
Dang Hymie, you need a new keyboard. The one you got throws in a comma almost every other word. But amongst the commas, you got some good thoughts there.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,1:19 pm
................
Posted by Two Bears on Apr. 21 2006,1:58 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ April 21 2006,12:58pm) |
| What goes around, comes around. Hmmm. Let's throw out a scenario here with another future go-round. What happens sometime down the road when Riverland Community College decides they're going to sell the land that Snyder Field sits on because of its value. The way that end of town is developing, don't think that's not going to happen sooner or later. Who will be screaming then? Either of you play softball Sumpdump or Two Bears? Bet you know people who do. I'm not a softball player, but I do recognize the value of having those softball fields because I see the tournaments come to town, I see people using them weeknights and weekends all summer enjoying themselves. Wouldn't want to lose them either. |
Yes there is value in the ball fields and the country club and would be a loss for the area BUT so was the public hunting on Goose lake.
I still think it is kind of funny that now the (golf) people get to lose smoething that affects what they like to do....We did not get a lot of help with the Tiger Hills fiasco because it was not to important to most people in albert lea about losing the public hunting by Goose lake, but now when developers are going to push dozers on your precious little golf course everyone is crying foul....
Like I said what comes around goes around!
If we all could stick together to stop these stupid Ideas that brings a BIG losses to a lot of people in the area maybe we could stop some of these things that affect us to one extent or another.
By the way I was screaming when the Tiger Hills deal was shoved down our throats were you?
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,2:46 pm
| Quote (Two Bears @ April 21 2006,1:58pm) |
| If we all could stick together to stop these stupid Ideas that brings a BIG losses to a lot of people in the area maybe we could stop some of these things that affect us to one extent or another. By the way I was screaming when the Tiger Hills deal was shoved down our throats were you? |
Glad to see you realize this is not a < zero-sum game. > Found this quotation just now that applies:
| Quote |
| It has been theorized by Robert Wright, among others, that society becomes increasingly non-zero-sum as it becomes more complex, specialized, and interdependent. As one supporter of this view states: "The more complex societies get and the more complex the networks of interdependence within and beyond community and national borders get, the more people are forced in their own interests to find non-zero-sum solutions. That is, win-win solutions instead of win-lose solutions.... Because we find as our interdependence increases that, on the whole, we do better when other people do better as well - so we have to find ways that we can all win, we have to accommodate each other" - Bill Clinton, Wired interview, December 2000. |
And yes, I make my feelings known about many topics.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,3:29 pm
............
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,3:34 pm
....................
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 21 2006,3:39 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ April 21 2006,1:19pm) |
| Dang Hymie, you need a new keyboard. The one you got throws in a comma almost every other word. |
Commas are free, but for cryin' out loud!
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 21 2006,3:47 pm
| Quote (hymiebravo @ April 21 2006,3:29pm) |
| Hey, I found this definition in the hymiebravo dictionary. Replicant: sanctimonious, dogmatic, Jack@$$, prick. see also; complete @$$holes yea..... that sounds about right. lol |
Ouch. Wow, first Geo now you. Thank God it's Friday so people can unwind.
I did follow up my somewhat understated nudge about commas saying you had some good ideas. Didn't think we were diametrically opposed here. Geez.
Botto got it. We've blasted each other a couple times but move on.
But I guess I'll put it a different way, now that you've identified my problem:
HEY HYMIE YOU IDIOT, LAY OFF THE COMMAS. YOUR POSTS ARE ALMOST UNREADABLE.
By the way, I didn't think you had a dictionary.
Hint - I don't use the sarcasm sign like I could. I give people more credit that they'll get it.
Oh, have a nice weekend everyone. Really.
| Quote |
| Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble. PROVERBS 24:17 |
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,3:53 pm
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Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 21 2006,4:00 pm
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Posted by Colorado Conservative on Apr. 21 2006,7:15 pm
You guys should listen to yourselves, all in agreement with local officials that this new development is hogwash, and Albert Lea doesn't need change...........If private investors and corporations see an opportunity to profit from this, who are city officials to say it won't work (look at track records for being profitable, aren't A.L. and Freeborn County goverments cutting budgets, and slashing services, trying to stay out of the red, while the private sector turns profits), I would trust in the developers ability to make it work, just make sure all plans have completion dates and penalties for non-completion, or delayed completion.A.L definetly needs a face lift, both asthetically, and image wise, this is a step in the right direction, don't fear change, run with it, build a new and improved golf course, make it a draw for people, make the town a draw for people, somewhere they want to come to, and move to, especially those with money, they spend that money, open business (here in lies the gov't officials real issues, that would be competition for the money that those folks as individuals have a lock on in that town, they don't see it as opportunity for more business, people and sales, they see it as competition.
Posted by FlyguyAL on Apr. 21 2006,7:26 pm
< From the Sun. Apr. 16 Tribune article >| Quote |
| There are already 34 potential commitments for lots at Eagles' Rest, with 10 of the most expensive already called for, Dustin and Scott LaFavre said. ... Scott LaFavre said it is called Eagles' Rest because the eagles, like highly successful adults, soar high and many of the people who live there will be needing a good place to rest. He hopes the development will attract people who retire from the Mayo Clinic or from other well-paying employers in the region. |
< From the Fri. Apr. 21 Tribune Article >
| Quote |
| LaFavre said he had received about 35 letters of interest for lots in Eagles' Rest, some of which came from members of the golf club. |
So, A week ago it was "34 potential commitments" attracting money from out of town.
Over the last week the number jumped to 35 and now some come from golf club members. I wonder how many are from AL residents who are not club members? I wonder if anyone from out of town is included in the 35?
Hopefully more answers are forthcoming. For those who read on-line, the print AL trib has a side note that continuing coverage is coming in the Sunday edition.
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 22 2006,2:03 am
| Quote |
(KAAL) -- According to one Albert Lea city council member, some members of the Albert Lea Country Club have hired a lawyer to look into their concerns about the possible closing of the club... ...Albert Lea City Council Member Vern Rasmussen says he is concerned there is no market for high-end lots in Albert Lea and bringing in more would damage the Albert Lea housing market. < http://www.kaaltv.com/article/view/99200/ > |
Is he speaking as a member of the council, or as a member of "the club"?
Posted by GEOKARJO on Apr. 22 2006,10:17 am
For Christ sakes you couldn't save CAP Emmons you can't Save the Country Club, So much for big boy toys.
Posted by TameThaTane on Apr. 22 2006,10:36 am
This guy lives in la-la land. First of all, "Eagles Rest" is a misleading concept. It assumes wealthy individuals are like Eagles. Perched high up in their nest, waiting to swoop down and kill their prey...when most successful individuals are those who are able to work well with others. Still, it is very rare that a developer gets the opportunity to turn a almost 100 year old golf course into housing. This is prime land to be sure and the lots will sell for the asking price. Today we have the very wealthy and the poor. The middle class has shrunk considerably and we see this dynamic in housing.
Posted by jimhanson on Apr. 22 2006,12:17 pm
Not advocating for or against--just making the observation that the Country Club has some experience in selling their land and turning it into homes. The Country Club originally was in Shoreland Heights--the land alongside the lake became valuable for homes, so they moved West a few blocks to develop the site they are on today. The "main drag" in Shoreland is still called "The Fairway". The IRONY--it is happening AGAIN.
To NOT allow the buyer and seller to complete their deal would smack of the "eminent domain" fiasco of the Supreme Court--letting a government agency decide the "best" use of private land. Most people did NOT like that decision.
In this case, consider the plight of the seller--he has a plot of land--it is losing money as a golf course--and there are those who oppose letting him do anything else there BUT golf. What is he supposed to do--continue to lose money? What next--telling farmers they can only sell their land only to farmers?
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 22 2006,12:51 pm
.....................
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 22 2006,1:01 pm
..................
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 22 2006,6:01 pm
Not saying whether I'm for or against at this time. I am concerned about the developer, though.< Sunday's article >
Posted by cea on Apr. 23 2006,2:53 am
It's funny how people get all worked up over grass, but not over one of the stats largest auditoriums being torn down for a parking lot. (how many people have been hired so far?)
Posted by TameThaTane on Apr. 23 2006,4:10 am
Huh...hired for what?
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 23 2006,1:52 pm
I think she means hired for the promised boom of Mayo jobs that was looming, something that couldn't have happened unless the old school was razed, we were told.
Posted by sumpdump on Apr. 24 2006,6:17 am
They can't hire anyone yet, the parking lot is not finished
Posted by leftALintime on Apr. 24 2006,7:36 am
Big difference between the old school (sat between Water Street and Clark Street, two of the nicest streets in Albert Lea!!!!) and the Golf Course (sits on green, tree lined, water views and a toxic waste dump) Not really different in my opinion!
Posted by Two Bears on Apr. 24 2006,10:13 am
Is this the same Lafavre?All Reported Dates of Birth10/26/1982
All Known Aliases/Alternate SpellingsLafavre, Dustin Lee
Convictions and SentencingConviction Number: 001
Case Number: 02036644
Court File Number: K602003695
Disposition Date: 07/29/2003
Controlling Agency: Dakota Co So
Court Agency: Dakota District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency: Dakota County Jail
Assigned Probation Agency: Mn Dept Of Corrections/field Services
Count Number: 001
General Offense:
Statute Description: Crim Sex Cond-3rd Deg-Vict 13-15 Actor >24m older
Statute Number: 609.344.1.B
Disposition: Convicted
Pronounced Fine: $3000
Stayed Fine: $0
Court Cost Amount: $0
Restitution Amount: $0
Assessment Amount: $40
Pronounced Sentence:
Probation Sentence: 15 Years
Conditional Confinement: 45 Days
Conviction Level: Felony
< http://www.mncriminals.com/criminaldetail.php?id=22325 >
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 24 2006,11:32 am
.....................
Posted by Whiskero on Apr. 24 2006,2:29 pm
It is the very same.--Isn't A.Lea lucky!!!!?
Posted by FlyguyAL on Apr. 24 2006,9:43 pm
This link use to lead somewhere.| Quote (Liberal @ April 19 2006,7:52am) |
| < http://profile.myspace.com/index.c....3834650 > |
Now I get this ...
| Quote |
| Invalid Friend ID. This user has either cancelled their membership, or their account has been deleted. |
someone trying to hide something? 
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 25 2006,4:08 pm
The Tribune is now posting some video, there is a clip of Warren Amundson addressing the city council last night at < Albert Lea Tribune Extra Content >. Quicktime required to view videos.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 25 2006,4:51 pm
do these people who want to save the country club have a plan? do they expect the owners to continue to operate at a loss? do they expect the city to be come involved? i do think a municipal course would be a good idea. would the country club members support a municipal concept? do they expect the city to go to bat for them? if they succeed in blocking the sale, then what? would the owners get feed up and just close it down? private enterprise is a great thing till you start to mess with it! there have been opportunities before in regards to buying the course, where were the members then? the club house has seen it's better days & the eating establishment has been thru a number of changes. how this situation can be turned around is anyones guess! no one in business likes to loose money & i guess the present owners decided enough was enough! i would suggest that before the city gets involved they had better have a plan to present to the citizens of albert lea!
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 25 2006,4:57 pm
If anything, it does appear that the current owners mislead, or at best did not make clear to current members their willingness to sell.Up until a few weeks ago, the club had ads running in the Tribune for multi-year memberships, proclaiming "Under the same great ownership" and yes that is a quote. These ads were still running when the rumors of the sale started circulating.
So yes I can understand that the membership feels betrayed and that they didn't have a chance to put together a counteroffer that would preserve a local asset.
USMCR, you have good questions. I hope someone has good answers too.
Posted by The Game on Apr. 25 2006,5:20 pm
One thing that is important is available green space. Not that I am some tree hugger, but once it's gone, it's gone for good. Chicago (past home) was very keen on planning and keeping the green space they had left considering they only had a north, south and west side. You could move to the east side providing you can breathe under water. Will a municipal course work? If its managed correctly it can, but most of the courses fail. I've seen and met a lot of rich people, but I have never met a rich golf course owner.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 25 2006,7:29 pm
perhaps it was the club management that ran the ads in the paper. from what i have read the deal was put together in a day probably with out the local management's knowledge. some way the buyers saw an opportunity & jumped on it, perhaps the members were caught unaware. isn't that what business is all about? how long would you keep a business that was not making you a profit? the members had to know the situation regarding the finances of the club due to the decline of membership & lack of golfers. this impending sale should not have been a surprise to anyone! you think the city wants to jump on a sinking ship, they have enough of their own problems without this headache! one idea is to check with the port authority they seem to have lots of taxpayers money. 
like the game says, it is not good to loose a major green space but then again someone has to pay for it. i read in one of the golf magazines that the country clubs are in a rapid state of decline. with the rapid decline of manufacturing firms relocating overseas the middle & upper management positions are also disappearing. let us face facts, we are not a tourist mecca & quite frankly never will be. take a hard look at the jobs that are offered here with the pay scale of maybe $11.00 per hour. with a round of golf of $25.00 w/o a cart how many of these individuals are going to plunk down their hard earned dollars to rub elbows with the country club set! the point i am trying to make is that the persons that can afford the private clubs is declining & without them there is no future! perhaps there is time for a counter offer but i can not see the city of albert lea being a part of that. remember when they built the arena out at lea collge, when they built the new hospital, when they built the new court house & when they built the new high school. they all professed in essence build it and they will come. the retention of this golf course will not alter this situation one way or the other just like the prior additions to this community did not draw in additional firms! i to would like this retained as a golf course but not with public monies, as i feel there are a number of projects the city needs to address. w/o adding fees on top of the real estate taxes.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 25 2006,10:40 pm
just watched channel 6 news. chamber of commerce had a survey regarding the country club. no surprise as to the outcome! how about a city or county wide survey for a meaningful representation? the comment from the mayor was just as meaningless " we don't want to hurt anyone" pray tell what do you think will happen if the city decides to block the sale. do they think the owners or buyers are just going to sit by & lick their wounds? the persons who will reap the bucks on this deal will be the lawyers! someone needs to make sense out of this deal before it gets out of hand! i did not hear any uproar over losing some very prime wildlife areas & greenspace when larryland or tiger hills came into being. the city council needs to step back & seriously discuss their options & responsibility's. the repercussions of their actions could be quite severe. the win win solution would be to convince the buyers that it would be in their best interests to build housing around the course as previously proposed in a previous posting!
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 25 2006,11:36 pm
Does anyone wonder why the club members aren't talking about all the tax revenue we're going to lose from the country club? Here's a PDF file of the country clubs tax info. (440kb file)
< http://forum.albertlea.com/forum/FreebornCountyParcelInformation.pdf >
Posted by GEOKARJO on Apr. 25 2006,11:51 pm
< Rochester country club fees >< Albert Lea Country Club Fees >
What a bunch of bull you want your social club you got to pay for it like it is a social club.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Apr. 26 2006,4:46 am
| Quote (GEOKARJO @ April 25 2006,11:51pm) |
| What a bunch of bull you want your social club you got to pay for it like it is a social club. |
Poor little club members want city help, but most don't want to pay taxes. Shoreland Heights sure is a nice area for once being a golf course. Too bad about the loss of "that" green space...........
.............ned
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 26 2006,5:06 am
Can't disagree with the anti C.C. set, much of what they say has some truth. But looking at it another way, we have all been upset with the lack of job growth in Albert Lea and the area. What does the loss of recreational areas do for any effort to attracted those good new jobs? Both in the sort term and in looking out long term, it will not help this community in its effort to attract those good new jobs. People who have choices will not come to live in an area that does not offer good recreational opportunities. Without the skill sets needed for those good new jobs, ie people, no new investment will get made.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 26 2006,7:44 am
i repeat: Build the city arena, build the hospital, build the courthouse & build the highschool! they will come! well where are they?? still waiting, maybe tomorrow! the city & county are loosing population & will probably continue to do so.the south west minn is in a definite state of decline, only the rochester area is increasing in population, mainly due to mayo clinic. we are not in a position to compete with them & their wage base!
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 26 2006,8:18 am
Lets go for a win-win. Contrary to the notion that AL doesn't need high-end housing it does. Maybe not up to 300 but it needs some(got my powerball ticket for tonight).It also needs green space in the form of a golf course WITH homes on its borders. I dont think(or know) if homes only out there with no course would fly.
My win-win idea.
The yellow would be the ideal area to build homes with golf in backyard water in front(except on Lakeview Blvd.).
The red would be a possibility for golf course in backyard and road access in front.
The purple would be where the city could put the pavillions lost in swapping process. (two homes there would create about 10,000/yr in taxes)
The holes lost in home development would be put in old wedge land.
Nice info on the tax base info, Liberal, funny all that land is only taxed at a value of $250,000, seems to be worth a whole heck of alot more the way it is being fought for.
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 26 2006,10:58 am
Here's a new twist. < 4/26/06 Tribune >
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 26 2006,11:01 am
Yeah, I dont think golfers need worry.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 26 2006,12:11 pm
Another no money down real-estate developer! Show me the money, for money talks, and BS walks!
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 26 2006,1:53 pm
ICU your marked up arial photo has some public land in the plan, as well as some property that was sold by the Wedge's earlier to someone other than LaFavre. Nice plan though, with some modifications it would be very acceptable to me, but that wasn't what has been said by LaFavre as to his intentions for the Country Club property. What he feels Albert Lea deserves a bull dozer running through the golf course sometime in September of 06.
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 26 2006,2:01 pm
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ April 26 2006,1:53pm) |
| What he feels Albert Lea deserves a bull dozer running through the golf course sometime in September of 06. |
Like you said...
| Quote |
| Show me the money, for money talks, and BS walks! |
Posted by leftALintime on Apr. 26 2006,3:04 pm
Why would the city give up it's nicest asset of Edgewater park? to swap land with some guy wanting to build some houses?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 26 2006,9:35 pm
The West end of Edgewater Park was once a dump and the City is planning to open it up again to clean it up because there is toxic substances seeping out of it into Fountain Lake. Rather than our tax dollars going to clean it up, it would be the perfect graduation gift for Mr. LaFavre, who has recently completed Carlton Sheets no money down real-estate class. With this one exception, I agree with you leftALintime, it is the public's park and not available to a quick buck real-estate wheeler/dealer.Note to Willard: Not a good idea to be introducing your friend Scott around to golf club members. I know you like the exciting life but even so, it is not a good idea!
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 26 2006,11:08 pm
I've heard the golf course superintendent has left the CC to work for Diamond Joe's course, and the rumor floating around out at the CC is that some of the equipment is being sold.
Posted by TheTruth on Apr. 26 2006,11:13 pm
Sounds like "sell it before you sell it" to me.Hope it is only a rumor.
or maybe the equipment is being sold to replace it with new equipment?
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 27 2006,8:35 am
Haven't seen anything here, but there was a notice on pg. 3 of the Tribune yesterday, also on Govt. Channel 16, saying there is a special Planning Commission meeting tonight 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers to discuss the golf course situation.Interesting that the notice in the paper stated that a quorum of city council members may be present. Perhaps there was another legal notice I missed, but I wonder if proper notice has been given under the Open Meeting Law. An important topic, but not sure if it would be necessary for a quorum to be present.
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 27 2006,8:44 am
On Tuesday when Victoria met with Steve O on the 1450AM she announced it and stated that a notice was up(at city hall?) to provide the adequate information to comply with the open meeting law.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 27 2006,8:52 am
Thanks ICU, glad that the city is paying attention to OML requirements.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 27 2006,9:29 am
consider this, if a person is losing money on a given investment does he not have the option of selling to a buyer? is the buyer obligated to continue the business as it was or does he have the right to modify or completely change the nature of the business? as stated before the city, elks & i presume the members had the chance to purchase the c.c. in years past, all declined! as previously stated the members did not know the course was for sale, the truth of the matter is that the members did not, would not, or could not come up with the bucks! now they want the city to either block the sale or become the buyer. what is going on here is a power play to keep a losing venture going for a select few! it would seem with the " due diligence" document expiring this sunday, that would give the members ample time to prepare a counter offer to the owners. i think it is about time to see if the members are serious about owning a golf course! with the current finances of the city i do not see them as to being a party to any transaction regarding the c.c. as stated before , why not dip into the port authority's deep pockets to solve this sticky issue. after all it is taxpayers money!
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 27 2006,9:49 am
....................
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 27 2006,10:00 am
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Posted by Liberal on Apr. 27 2006,9:53 pm
At the planning and zoning workshop tonight an attorney for the sellers read a letter indicating that this is a done deal and that the country club will close because they are losing money.Paul Overgard, one of the planning and zoning commissioner, said that he planned to make a motion at the meeting tonight to request the City council enact a moratorium against any new development in the city for a period of nine months.
The buyer's attorney addressed the board and told them that they should really reconsider obstructing this deal because the buyer will likely pursue a lawsuit.
It sure sounded to me like this is a done deal and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it.
Posted by TheTruth on Apr. 27 2006,11:17 pm
I just want the Truth:How many members of the golf club work for the city or county?
Vern Rasmussen is a member, but how many others?
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 27 2006,11:32 pm
................
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 28 2006,7:45 am
Caddy Shack!
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 28 2006,8:16 am
| Quote (Liberal @ April 27 2006,9:53pm) |
| Paul Overgard, one of the planning and zoning commissioner, said that he planned to make a motion at the meeting tonight to request the City council enact a moratorium against any new development in the city for a period of nine months... It sure sounded to me like this is a done deal and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. |
I am told that this motion died for lack of a second. Not that the council could still do something.
Remember, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 28 2006,9:17 am
does anyone have access to the letter that was presented to the city so that it could be posted on the forum? how many members does the country club have?
Posted by scorenix on Apr. 28 2006,11:08 am
There's a sense of irony here. I have watched Albert Lea be dismantled over the past twenty years. And many of the players involved are now trying to save the Country Club. Regarding their ability to buy, you'd be surprised how many times businesses get sold, and customers and employees then say, "I never knew it was for sale." To chastise the club members for not buying is not fair. As of a couple months ago, they were selling multi-year memberships. Not a sign that they were looking to sell.Mismanaged? Probably true. But bad management can sit on a great asset and still make a huge profit.
I just don't see the demand for the type of development they are proposing. There is limited demand for a half million dollar house (I really doubt one buys a lot for $150,000 then builds a $100,000 house) in Albert Lea. Not many can afford the $4,000 a month or more mortgage. And those already here would need to find a buyer for their house. Ask home sellers how the market is looking right now.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 28 2006,11:22 am
I agree Scorenix on all your points.And if the golf club is destroyed, will it be replaced? Adding up land acquisition, development and building costs, my assumption is it would take far more money to replace, and therefore require proportionately more income to make it go. Meaning either more members, higher membership/green fees or both. Given the economic situation here, neither one of those scenarios is going to fly. That will just put a round of golf further out of reach of the average person around here as well, especially when you consider losing Arrowhead and how packed Green Lea will be.
If the current club is struggling with its current cost structure, a new club would be out of reach.
By the way, no one has really talked about Green Lea. It seems to make it. Don't know if Elseths are making money hand over fist, but seem to do OK. Same thing with Jack Greengo before them. They've managed to improve the course, update the building, all without government handouts.
Maybe that's the difference in good vs. bad management as Scorenix asks.
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 28 2006,11:25 am
Here is a 1.5mb video that runs a couple minutes long. The person in the video reading the letter is the attorney for the sellers.< http://forum.albertlea.com/forum/country_club.wmv >
Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 28 2006,12:07 pm
LaFavre's plan doesn't add up. The front 9 has some of the poorest soils for construction, and any developer in his right mind would run from it. I would hate to try and construct roads through that bottom land, and without good roads why would anyone spend that type of money for a lot.
Posted by scorenix on Apr. 28 2006,12:10 pm
Maybe Lafavre saw the 800 new high paying jobs being created by Sparky, and only thought it was a typo that most of those jobs were $9 an hour, thinking high paying might be like the cities, around $90.I digress, so please bear with me. The city touts 800 new jobs, the state audit says 475 (of which Select Foods at $9 an hour, accounts for almost 350).
Posted by grassman on Apr. 28 2006,1:28 pm
And here comes Ted Knight and Rodney Dangerfield!
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 28 2006,2:34 pm
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Posted by Alfy Packer on Apr. 28 2006,2:39 pm
What the selling price was will not matter going forward. Trust me, the new price will be bloody awful.
Posted by TameThaTane on Apr. 28 2006,2:47 pm
I wanna buy a lot with one of the holes intact. Out my back yard, through my clubhouse will be the tee. Then I'll have fairway parties and putting tournaments.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 28 2006,2:59 pm
...............
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 28 2006,3:36 pm
liberal: thanks for posting the video & audio with the lawyer reading the letter. he generated very few questions from his comments from the owners. the owners decided that enough money has been lost & no real support from the country club set. i can not believe that the new owner would not incorporate the course into his development plans. when one considers what an asset it would be to a high end housing development. perhaps this is his intent we will wait & see. with a purchase agreement in hand it would be wise to start cooperating with the developer. why didn't the city oppose the building of the walgreen drug store as it would seem that the city has more than enough drug stores. will Walgreen's force some of the other local drug stores to close? it seems like it matters who you are & who you know!
Posted by scorenix on Apr. 28 2006,4:03 pm
| Quote (usmcr @ April 28 2006,3:36pm) |
| will Walgreen's force some of the other local drug stores to close? it seems like it matters who you are & who you know! |
You aren't serious, are you?
Posted by Colorado Conservative on Apr. 28 2006,5:36 pm
Everyone is complaining about the country club closing (and no matter what, if they block the sale or not, it is closing), yet no one will step up with counter offer to purchase and run it, (and that opportunity is on the table). I think what this shows is the communities to take responsibility.They want the club open so that they may walk on at any time and golf with no rush due to the lack of customers, but this is the very reason that the club has lost money the last several years, like it or not, profit (or at least the ability to break even) is what drives EVERYTHING in our society (even goverment).
This is all a mute point unless some one is willing to come up with an alternative. (as far as incorporating the course into the development, there isn't enough open land around the course to be used for a development, it is already a mish mash of condos, homes, and city park.), I said it once, and I'll say it again, there is plenty of room in and around A.L. to build a resort type course, and have it be a draw for people, don't look at this as losing an old delapitated country club, look at it as an opportunity to encourage real growth, find solutions in what to change, not in what not to change.
Posted by SUE JEFFERS on Apr. 28 2006,5:41 pm
The nice thing about the country club is that you can smoke while you golf.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 28 2006,7:17 pm
I said it once, and I'll say it again, there is plenty of room in and around A.L. to build a resort type course, and have it be a draw for people, don't look at this as losing an old delapitated country club, look at it as an opportunity to encourage real growth, find solutions in what to change, not in what not to change.[/quote]Do you have any idea how much a new course would cost to build? Albert Lea already has enough houses for sale (just look at Yahoo real estate). There are about 12- 15 properties for sale within a 4 block radius of my house and the signs have been up a long time. The last thing this town needs is another housing development. More houses will not encourage real growth, good jobs and quality of life will.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 28 2006,8:42 pm
What really amazes me is that we as a community get bashed for letting the old high school (Cap Emmons in particular) get razed.Then the bank building looks like that might be next (jury's still out on that one). And again accused of not preserving our heritage.
But when the golf course is about to the bulldozed, and people get upset, all of a sudden we're now blocking progress.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 28 2006,8:56 pm
Google is darn amazing sometimes...< Scott & Shari Lafavre vs. IRS in Slidell Louisiana > PDF - Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
< Flood loss deduction can't exceed depreciated cost >
Posted by munchie on Apr. 28 2006,9:56 pm
if its closing anyway, can anybody go and golf for free now?
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 29 2006,1:08 pm
Just a few random thought from a MADDOG on a rainy day.Let's look once at who stands to lose the most with the CC closing.
1. Members lose their elite course.
I've lived here for nearly 25 yrs., and have always know it to be more of a private club. How many members have you heard come down from their golden throne at their place of business and asked their employees (common joes) to consider joining the CC instead of Green Lea? Perhaps post on the bulletin board in the employees break room listing all the reasons why they should join the club.
How many membership drives has the club had over the years to increase membership? I mean out and out encouraging its members to go to the general public to raise membership. Sell themselves as to why common folk should bew a part of their group. Put ads in the area papers advertising how attractive a PUBLIC club it is to join?
This club has been, in a sense, handed down from the powerful business owners of the past, to their sons and daughters who now operate the businesses their fathers once ran with pride and concern for their workers. The son's have other ideas, just $.
2. City of Albert Lea. They finally seem to be losing one of their prides an joys that they are actually concerned about losing. One green space they don't want to give up. An asset they deem irreplaceable.
I looked back through some of my notes and didn't find anything pertaining directly to the club, but wasn't it partly incorporated into Albert Lea Listens?
The city didn't raise this kind of passion for "Cap" or "the vault" which were/are worthwhile assets. The course does?
3. Paul Sparks. Hey, how is he going to continue being so successful in bring in actual new businesses, hiring new people, bringing them not only to A.L. to work, but to live here, increasing our population, raising our tax base and making life just plain more enjoyable to live here. What reasons will he have to convince new industry to come here when he can't even take prospects for a round of golf at a somewhat "private course".
Now, let's look at the owners. They have a CC failing to profit them. They have done essentially nothing to increase their profitability. Sure they have brought in professionals to operate the restaurant and golf pro to brag about, but nothing proactive to actually turn it into a profitable business.
Evidently, they don't have the people skills or fortitude that perhaps is needed to properly market their product. Like so many of the "Sons Club" we have in this community, the common folk just aren't as important to them as is their money.
Now, the owners want to sell. They have found a player in Lafavre. A shady and a slick operator with not exactly the best track record.
The city has known for a long time about the loss being incurred. The members have known.
Now the owners formally want to unload this seemingly white elephant. Obviously the member or city has never shown enough interest in it in the past.
Has there been any sit downs over the last years with the owners from either the city or the members to try to work out something to turn things around? Oh, sure you have the CC members board, but remember who they are. They are the ones who haven't gone down to the local watering hole or such and try to convince the blue collar worker to come to the club and join. Count them out. The city knows the risks involved in entering into public ownership.
All of a sudden, seemingly out of the blue, the club is for sale and a buyer has already been found. Again, remember who the buyer is. Just what link could he possibly have to any of the owners? Is there a connection? Does he actually have the purchasing power to folow through with this large of a project? Does he have financial backers to pay for this?
Now the members rise up and holler. The city does also. The paper publishes closing dates that have been moved back several times allowing the city and members to yell more, but with no intent. Rumors fly about selling off equipment. (Has this been verified?)
The closing date nears, no action by the council or club members.
More glitches. More time. Seems to me that with each stumble, the public is notified. Both Lafavre and the owners are talking. When a businessman has a pending deal, the last thing he's going to do, whether they are the buyer or the seller is dicuss it and possibly kink the deal.
Now the owners deliver an ultimatum of sorts to the city and people of Albert Lea. Whether it's sold or not, they're closing the course. And soon.
Maybe the salesman in me is thinking too deep into this, but something just smells.
I don't know, but when you wave a carrot in front of a horse that won't pull and he still won't go; you get another horse and wave it in front of him to make the first one want it more.
Sometimes it's best to just sit back, do nothing and see just who the fool really is.
One thing that definitely needs to be done. Whether the property is sold to Lafavre, retained, or sold to another entity is to reassess the value of the land and let them know that it will be done on time for the next property tax billing. Whether it's zoned residential, commercial or privately owned recreational, start making them pay for the true value of the land.
Guess that's my nickels worth.
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 29 2006,1:23 pm
..................
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 29 2006,1:52 pm
......................
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 29 2006,1:52 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ April 28 2006,8:42pm) |
| What really amazes me is that we as a community get bashed for letting the old high school (Cap Emmons in particular) get razed. Then the bank building looks like that might be next (jury's still out on that one). And again accused of not preserving our heritage. But when the golf course is about to the bulldozed, and people get upset, all of a sudden we're now blocking progress. |
I've felt the same on all three fronts. And I'm no golfer. You thought those Dorf episodes were funny to watch? Hand me a 5-iron and watch the divots fly.
That said, I think this is a bad idea. Here's why:
1) You've lost enough of your heritage. Stop the bleeding, and press Sparks & Co. for answers.
2) Once this is gone, it's gone for good.
3) You can't even fill the housing surplus you have now. What makes anyone think this will be any different? The suggested prices on these high-end homes are in the price range of the very income bracket that would utilize the country club, and, as has been pointed out ad nauseam, business ain't exactly booming at Ye Olde Country Club.
Get some development going. Start with that vast tumbleweed farm known as the old Farmstead site. Start asking questions about what is being done to attract large-scale industrial and business concerns, and if you're not happy with the answers the Sparks-faithful are providing, put some new people in charge of development. Don't fall for the "It's the economy" B.S., because as any conservative like Hans Jimbaugh will tell you, "The economy is booming."
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,8:23 am
Nobody is concerned that a convicted sex offender will be a manager at a housing development that will include a swimming pool?Just think about the problems that will happen when 14 and 15 year old teenage girls start sunbathing at the swimming pool when the convicted sex offender is managing his property?
Does Albert Lea want to take a chance with a convicted sex offender who will have access to young teenage girls in swimsuits?
Posted by Colorado Conservative on Apr. 30 2006,8:26 am
| Quote (Moparman @ April 28 2006,6:17pm) |
| I said it once, and I'll say it again, there is plenty of room in and around A.L. to build a resort type course, and have it be a draw for people, don't look at this as losing an old delapitated country club, look at it as an opportunity to encourage real growth, find solutions in what to change, not in what not to change.[/quote] Do you have any idea how much a new course would cost to build? Albert Lea already has enough houses for sale (just look at Yahoo real estate). There are about 12- 15 properties for sale within a 4 block radius of my house and the signs have been up a long time. The last thing this town needs is another housing development. More houses will not encourage real growth, good jobs and quality of life will. |
A saturated housing market can be from two different reasons.
1. A market where people can no longer afford the houses they bought (adjustable rate mortgages going up, job loss, etc...)
2. A market where people are making money on the sale of their houses, and are upgrading to bigger or newer homes, which intern drives others to do the same.
Looking at this from a distance, and after selling our fathers house for medical reasons (now in nursing home), I tend to think people are seeling their homes at a good profit and moving into these new homes being built (Chapeau, Tiger Hills, etc..) or just upgrading in general................this is a trend we have seen in Colorado for quite sometime, and it just keeps fueling itself...........and with this comes new retail, and out here within in a 20 mile radius of us we have about 5 new spectacular golf courses, all open to the public, but only one is owned and run by a municipality, the rest are privately owned and run for profit.......which intern drives the housing market by offering homes on the golf course, this cycle can be a good thing, depending on what is the driving force behind it.
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,8:28 am
| Quote (preemptiveprevention @ April 30 2006,8:23am) |
| Nobody is concerned that a convicted sex offender will be a manager at a housing development that will include a swimming pool? Just think about the problems that will happen when 14 and 15 year old teenage girls start sunbathing at the swimming pool when the convicted sex offender is managing his property? Does Albert Lea want to take a chance with a convicted sex offender who will have access to young teenage girls in swimsuits? |
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,8:53 am
I don't think we have anything to worry about. I've never heard of a developer actually managing a pool in their own development. I would imagine he would be busy with the construction and sales. Also, I heard that the pool and tennis courts will be association owned and maintained. That means that the homeowners themselves would hire the lifeguards and manager, so it wouldn't be the developer.
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 30 2006,9:29 am
taxable value $215,000! this seems like a very low figure for the c.c.! does anyone have tax info for green lea for comparison? are both golf courses in the city limits? has the c.c. value increased like the housing values in a.lea? could it be that the c.c. has been favored over the years & low balled on their taxes! as stated in the previous post this land needs to be revalued at its current value.
Posted by anymom on Apr. 30 2006,10:13 am
Colorado Conservative......Just wondered how your Father is doing?
Posted by scorenix on Apr. 30 2006,12:56 pm
| Quote (Colorado Conservative @ April 30 2006,8:26am) |
| 1. A market where people can no longer afford the houses they bought (adjustable rate mortgages going up, job loss, etc...) |
Real estate values are a function of a number of variables, none of which are positive for Albert Lea: (i) local demand and supply - supply of new homes is increasing while local demand is pretty much restricted to the existing local base, (ii) prevailing interest rates - which are rising, (iii) property taxes - which are slated to rise substantially in 2007, and, (iv) available income - which is stagnant in Albert Lea.
The new jobs being created are at/or around $10 an hour. That's $20,080 a year. Median household income is about $38,000. Approximately 225 households in Freeborn County have $150,000 plus a year in household income.
Eagles Rest will have to rely on outsiders coming into Albert Lea. These high income outsiders have a lot of other areas with which to choose. What is Albert Lea's selling point over Mankato and Rochester?
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 30 2006,1:03 pm
| Quote |
What is Albert Lea's selling point over Mankato and Rochester? |
My guess would be
(1) Property taxes subsidized by Local Government Aid
(2) Crime Rate
(3) Cheap Waterfront property
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,1:54 pm
| Quote (scorenix @ April 30 2006,12:56pm) |
| The new jobs being created are at/or around $10 an hour. That's $20,080 a year. Median household income is about $38,000. Approximately 225 households in Freeborn County have $150,000 plus a year in household income. |
So the bulk of the prospective homeowners for this project either have to be retired and living very comfortably, or working good jobs elsewhere. In the latter case, this doesn't seem all that likely, given the skyrocketing price of gasoline.
Has anyone done the math on this? On the surface, it seems like a lamebrained idea.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,2:02 pm
There would probably be a mix of people living in the new development. There will probably be some business owners too who will move their businesses to our city.This seems to be a done deal. I don't understand why almost everybody on here is so opposed to it. Even the current owner wants to shut the course down. Why not look at the fact that these developers are willing to put their money into our town.
A lot of people keep whining and give their opinions about what will help our local economy, but they don't seem to be doing anything besides whining and criticizing the people who are willing to take the risk and try something new.
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 30 2006,2:18 pm
It seems like about 50% of the people I talk to are glad to see someone sticking outside money into Albert Lea, but it seems the people that support the development are keeping their opinion to themselves because it's an emotional issue for the people that want to save it.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,2:29 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,2:02pm) |
| There would probably be a mix of people living in the new development. There will probably be some business owners too who will move their businesses to our city. |
Hasn't the "If we build it, they will come" mentality been tried to death down there? Albert Einstien said that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the very definition of insanity.
You built a new high school; they didn't come. You built a new justice center; they didn't come. The hospital's been expanded ad nauseam, and still they didn't come. How much of this cart-before-the-horse thinking is it going to take before Albert Lea wakes up and tackles its real issues, like job growth and business infrastucture?
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,2:36 pm
Botto, What have you done to create jobs? Attracting business owners will attract their businesses.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,2:39 pm
Plus, This development isn't using public funds like the school and courthouse did. These are private individuals buying private land. I'm sure they've done their homework if they're willing to invest that kind of money into this project. I believe the first big article interviewing the developer stated that this will bring $60 Million in construction business into our town using local contractors. How isn't that creating jobs immediately?
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,2:42 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,2:36pm) |
| Botto, What have you done to create jobs? |
I'm not in charge of ceating jobs in A.L. Your cadre of city management and local representatives and development agencies are.
| Quote |
| Attracting business owners will attract their businesses. |
Show me where this has worked in the past in Albert Lea.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,2:49 pm
That's the problem with a lot of people these days. They point fingers at problems and offer no solutions. Then they say it's not their job to do that. A community is a group as a whole. By electing city officials they think that they have no responsibility at all to do their part to make the community better.Also, why do you have to focus on the past so much? The population in A.L. was larger 20 years ago than it is today. If you were to follow this trend and look back at historical reasons to do things, you'll just get more of a decline. Instead of pointing out things in the past that may or may not have worked, you should be looking at things in the future that can work, and embrace change. Like you said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. So doing the same things that the community of A.L. has done as a whole and expecting more jobs and growth to magically appear is insane.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,2:58 pm
I already offered up the only workable solution: More business and industrial infrastructure, i.e. more jobs that pay more than nine dollars an hour. It's the only solution.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,3:01 pm
Do you have an idea as to how to attract those?
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,3:03 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,8:53am) |
| I don't think we have anything to worry about. I've never heard of a developer actually managing a pool in their own development. |
I was not suggesting the convicted sex offender would be managing a swimming pool. I think you are missing my point.
Think about it this way:
Lafavre equals convicted sex offender
swimming pool equals teenage girls in swimming suits
convicted sex offender plus teenage girls in swimsuits equals trouble!
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 30 2006,3:04 pm
.............
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,3:08 pm
The developers dont' live in Albert Lea and I believe they've stated that they have no intention of moving here. By the time the residents would be moved in and the pool would be done, LaFavre would be long gone.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,3:20 pm
Here's a start: Get rid of Sparks. The town's been in decline ever since he's had his fingers in the pie.Apply JOBZ as it was intended, not as it's currently being applied, like for 11 Bridon Cordage $11.00/hour jobs. Use whatever other tax breaks you can to encourage large industrial and business concerns to locate here, as opposed to other expensive places like Rochester and the Cities.
Promote, promote, promote. The Sioux Falls Development Corporation bombards Minneapolis and St. Paul airwaves on a daily basis with all the selling points for locating a business there, as opposed to Minnesota. Using a similar tactic could prove advantageous to Albert Lea.
Disband the Watershed Board, at least temporarily. In fact, shut down all these drains on public monies, until there are actually public monies coming in to fund these projects. These are tough times for your town. Start acting like it, and stop soaking your taxpayers for the rain and the dark, and so on.
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,3:21 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,3:08pm) |
| By the time the residents would be moved in and the pool would be done, LaFavre would be long gone. |
So the convicted sex offender will be long gone before the teenage girls in swimsuits are at the swimming pool?
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 30 2006,3:22 pm
Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,2:02pm)There would probably be a mix of people living in the new development. There will probably be some business owners too who will move their businesses to our city.
Do you really think that business owners will move a business here just because there is a new housing development for them to live in? That is probably one of the craziest things I have read on the forum. People will not move to Albert Lea to buy a house and then start a business or get a job. It works the other way around. If this "risk" were creating a large number of high paying jobs that would remain in the community (not temporary construction jobs) it would have more support.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,3:27 pm
This again brings me back to the fact that this is a private party buying a private piece of property. Why do they need your support? If you dont' like the project, don't buy a lot. It's a free world and you can do what you please. They aren't running for any public office and they don't need your vote. Private land, private money, and it's already zoned residential... there's nothing you can do about it.
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,3:29 pm
| Quote (Moparman @ April 30 2006,3:22pm) |
| Do you really think that business owners will move a business here just because there is a new housing development for them to live in? That is probably one of the craziest things I have read on the forum. People will not move to Albert Lea to buy a house and then start a business or get a job. It works the other way around. If this "risk" were creating a large number of high paying jobs that would remain in the community (not temporary construction jobs) it would have more support. |
That's what I've been trying to explain to this guy all along.
Posted by JohnDoe on Apr. 30 2006,3:34 pm
| Quote (Moparman @ April 30 2006,3:22pm) |
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,2:02pm) There would probably be a mix of people living in the new development. There will probably be some business owners too who will move their businesses to our city. Do you really think that business owners will move a business here just because there is a new housing development for them to live in? That is probably one of the craziest things I have read on the forum. People will not move to Albert Lea to buy a house and then start a business or get a job. It works the other way around. If this "risk" were creating a large number of high paying jobs that would remain in the community (not temporary construction jobs) it would have more support. |
Let's face it, Albert Lea doesn't have the best track record for attracting business owners. There is nothing that A.L. really has that Rochester, Owatonna or Mankato don't have as well. Southern Minnesota doesn't have much for high end residential housing at all. Heck, all the Hormel executives built their huge homes on a cornfield with no hills or trees. If a business owner in southern minnesota gets a chance to live on a property like this, they would probably be willing to drive further to call A.L. home. Because of this development drawing them to A.L. in the first place, they now have an opportunity to fall in love with everything else the town has to offer. Once they fall in love with A.L. (by this time it would be home in their minds), they will be much more likely to move their businesses here.
Does that logic make sense? Their target market isn't just in Albert Lea, but in all of Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa.
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,3:34 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,3:27pm) |
| there's nothing you can do about it. |
except let prospective buyers know that a convicted sex offender will be involved in the development.
But don't worry, because JohnDoe said the convicted sex offender will be long gone by the time your young teenage daughters are sitting poolside in their swimsuits.
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,3:41 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ April 30 2006,3:34pm) |
| Let's face it, Albert Lea doesn't have the best track record for attracting business owners. |
But it will attract a convicted sex offender who wants to build a swimming pool?
Posted by Botto 82 on Apr. 30 2006,3:44 pm
| Quote (preemptiveprevention @ April 30 2006,3:41pm) | ||
But it will attract a convicted sex offender who wants to build a swimming pool? |
Does the phrase "Thread Hijack" have any meaning to you?
My God, you're like a broken record.
Posted by preemptiveprevention on Apr. 30 2006,3:50 pm
All it will take is one 15 year old teenage girl getting preyed upon by the convicted sex offender and the eagle nest will be a very empty nest!
Posted by hymiebravo on Apr. 30 2006,4:54 pm
..................
Posted by Liberal on Apr. 30 2006,5:21 pm
JOBZ land! No taxes for another 9-10 more years.
Posted by cea on May 01 2006,4:13 am
So why would this developer chose Albert Lea? This sort of development would make perfect sense in Clear Lake where the housing market it going through the roof. Clear Lake also has the amenities such as a golf coarse, down town retail, larger retail within 10 miles, a good job base in Mason City, The Surf, and an all around attractive town to live in...
Something isn't right with this guys plans
Posted by Ole1kanobe on May 01 2006,8:37 am
What really confuses me is the fact that there are new, high dollar homes being built in a county that is constantly losing population.Who do they figure will buy these houses?
Posted by grassman on May 01 2006,9:35 am
| Quote (Ole1kanobe @ May 01 2006,8:37am) |
| What really confuses me is the fact that there are new, high dollar homes being built in a county that is constantly losing population. Who do they figure will buy these houses? |
Albert Lea is in the making of suburbia.
Posted by allergic to bogus on May 01 2006,7:21 pm
It seems that these "rocket scientists" believe that we should ride on the success of other communities (Diamond Jo's) and they also feel that doctors from our prestigious ALMC will buy these properties.
Posted by BAD PIG on May 01 2006,9:01 pm
Maybe diamond jo's should of bought this course and not arrowhead...I talked to some of the current members and they hope to pull something off to save the course. I think this will be a tricky one to save if they want to keep it private or semi-private. Those days are gone here in good old ALBERT LEA. I would like to see someone own it and turn it into a public course. I think it will have a good chance to make it if it was open to the public. Private or semi-private will not work anymore because not enough members.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 02 2006,10:02 am
If the members wanted to save their beloved golf course they should open up their check books. From what I hear one of the reasons the Country Club has not made it financially is the members would come out to golf but then split and dine elsewhere. In the old days the members would stick around and dine/drink at the club. If you want something bad enough how much are you willing to sacrafice?? PIG has a great idea, make it a public course but who is willing to take a chance? Apparently not the members.
Posted by Whiskero on May 02 2006,11:16 am
Just talked with a guy that works at the C.C. and he said, yesterday, his one boss said LaFavre is out; this a.m. he said he was not actually buying it but may have a hand in it someway. Also the brothers that own the course is talking today with Cal Johnson from here in town, and are trying to work out something. Maybe we will know something more concrete in a day or two.
Posted by visitor on May 02 2006,12:42 pm
I need to say something here. I hope that mr. johnson is successful in working something out with the golf course and I will tell you why. Albert Lea is not ready to become progressive for the simple reason you have shown over the last eighteen pages...You simply cannot agree weather moving forward is a good idea. I have lived here for over fifteen years and you could have this same thread of posts over ten different things in the las fifteen years. I am not complaining, nor do I like being stagnant as a community. But I realized years ago that the community will freak every time that a new possibility for the community comes up. Here is what is interesting, Everyone can agree that the way the community is now isn't working. Now I don't think building expensive houses is smart without knowing that they can get bought. But I do think we either need to accept the status quo or re arrange monies and market possibilities that are 21st century...at least late 20th century.
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,1:11 pm
| Quote (visitor @ May 02 2006,12:42pm) |
| I need to say something here. I hope that mr. johnson is successful in working something out with the golf course and I will tell you why. Albert Lea is not ready to become progressive for the simple reason you have shown over the last eighteen pages...You simply cannot agree weather moving forward is a good idea. I have lived here for over fifteen years and you could have this same thread of posts over ten different things in the las fifteen years. I am not complaining, nor do I like being stagnant as a community. But I realized years ago that the community will freak every time that a new possibility for the community comes up. Here is what is interesting, Everyone can agree that the way the community is now isn't working. Now I don't think building expensive houses is smart without knowing that they can get bought. But I do think we either need to accept the status quo or re arrange monies and market possibilities that are 21st century...at least late 20th century. |
Your message is not entirely clear. Even you seem to admit this development was not a sound proposal.
| Quote |
| Now I don't think building expensive houses is smart without knowing that they can get bought. |
So because a "developer" with a checkered history at best, proposed to destroy a local amenity that the very people he would hope to attract to his "upscale" lots would expect access to, this community is...
...not ready to become progressive?
...cannot agree to move forward?
...ready to freak out?
...accepting the status quo?
Posted by Universal Humanoid on May 02 2006,1:54 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ May 02 2006,1:11pm) |
| So because a "developer" with a checkered history at best, proposed to destroy a local amenity that the very people he would hope to attract to his "upscale" lots would expect access to, this community is... ...not ready to become progressive? ...cannot agree to move forward? ...ready to freak out? ...accepting the status quo? |
You missed one:
...dead, dead, dead, and ready for the wrecking ball.
Posted by Liberal on May 02 2006,2:20 pm
Does anyone know what "Wetland Credits" are? Anyone know how many Wetland Credits are available at the Country Club.
Anyone know how many Wetland Credits they need for the Flying J truck-stop?
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,2:24 pm
| Quote (Universal Humanoid @ May 02 2006,1:54pm) |
You missed one: ...dead, dead, dead, and ready for the wrecking ball. |
Well at least Botto and I disagree with you.
| Quote (Botto 82 @ April 29 2006,1:52pm) | ||
I've felt the same on all three fronts. And I'm no golfer. You thought those Dorf episodes were funny to watch? Hand me a 5-iron and watch the divots fly. That said, I think this is a bad idea. Here's why: 1) You've lost enough of your heritage. Stop the bleeding, and press Sparks & Co. for answers. 2) Once this is gone, it's gone for good. 3) You can't even fill the housing surplus you have now. What makes anyone think this will be any different? The suggested prices on these high-end homes are in the price range of the very income bracket that would utilize the country club, and, as has been pointed out ad nauseam, business ain't exactly booming at Ye Olde Country Club. Get some development going. Start with that vast tumbleweed farm known as the old Farmstead site. Start asking questions about what is being done to attract large-scale industrial and business concerns, and if you're not happy with the answers the Sparks-faithful are providing, put some new people in charge of development. Don't fall for the "It's the economy" B.S., because as any conservative like Hans Jimbaugh will tell you, "The economy is booming." |
Posted by visitor on May 02 2006,2:33 pm
No I don't think it is a good idea to build because there is no call for it...supply and demand is not happening. Logically it doesen't make sense. So lets leave the golf course, figure out a way for it to make a little money until there is a need for these homes. Sorry if I sounded a waffley...not my intention.
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,2:38 pm
| Quote (visitor @ May 02 2006,2:33pm) |
| No I don't think it is a good idea to build because there is no call for it...supply and demand is not happening. Logically it doesen't make sense. So lets leave the golf course, figure out a way for it to make a little money until there is a need for these homes. |
I agree with you entirely.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 02 2006,2:47 pm
Like I said earlier, you want it, save it. Pony up some cash. Money talks, it is a Universal Language everyone understands. I am an avid golfer and play at the Club on occasion. If it does close I guess I will just have to go to Freeborn, Adams, Northwood or Austin to play. I do agree that if it were a public course it would do good financially and would be good for the city. Come on people, someone's got to have 1.5 million in their pocket!!
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,2:57 pm
| Quote (number 1 fan @ May 02 2006,2:47pm) |
| Like I said earlier, you want it, save it. Pony up some cash. Money talks, it is a Universal Language everyone understands... Come on people, someone's got to have 1.5 million in their pocket!! |
Fan, I agree pretty much with what you say, but will use your comment about cash to point out the potential flaw in Lafavre's plan...
Did he have the cash, $1.5 million, in his pocket?
He went the buy now-pay 10 years later route with Wedge Nursery.
Show me the money!
Posted by number 1 fan on May 02 2006,3:04 pm
Not sure if he did "show me the money" but I must say that good business sense is better than no cents at all. I'd like to see the good ole club stay but it needs a serious facelift. The clubhouse is ready to crumble and the buildings that house the carts aren't far behind.
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,3:08 pm
| Quote (number 1 fan @ May 02 2006,3:04pm) |
| Not sure if he did "show me the money" but I must say that good business sense is better than no cents at all. |
And that's the whole problem with this mess -
Current and other recent owners - no "good business sense" in how this course should be run?
Lafavre - no cents?
Posted by number 1 fan on May 02 2006,3:13 pm
Well, he must have some "cents" because I don't see anyone else with an offer sheet on the table. BTW, good points Replicant!
Posted by Liberal on May 02 2006,3:54 pm
Maybe he already has buyers for some of the land? Maybe this isn't just about some land near a lake, but maybe it's about that land in particular. During the planning and zoning meeting somebody got up and spoke from an engineering company and said that this land had the only wetland credits available, and today I talked to someone that said the Flying J truckstop is dependant on this deal going through.
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,4:03 pm
| Quote (Liberal @ May 02 2006,2:20pm) |
| Does anyone know what "Wetland Credits" are? Anyone know how many Wetland Credits are available at the Country Club. Anyone know how many Wetland Credits they need for the Flying J truck-stop? |
Not sure what you're onto Liberal, but it's interesting.
Found this listing of the Minnesota Wetland Bank...
< Minnesota Wetland Bank > There are two parcels listed in Freeborn County (Page 4 of the PDF). The city engineer, Steve Jahnke is listed for one parcel, Byron Bjerke is listed for the other. The description doesn't make it obvious where these are.
Here's the page I found this link from < Minnesota Wetland Banking > the BWSR website.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 02 2006,5:04 pm
I am not current on the law, but in the 90's, when one destroyed an areas wet lands, one needed to replace the wet lands lost. There was a formula involved and in my case it made the project that I was working on hard to justify. Don't know if this is what Liberal has been hearing about the Flying J project but in my case it had to do with how many days during the year land had standing water on it. That being said, I don't know that land at the Country Club could work for a project across town, further more, laws that existed over 10 years ago may have changed quite a bit.
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 02 2006,6:00 pm
| Quote (cea @ May 01 2006,3:13am) |
| So why would this developer chose Albert Lea? This sort of development would make perfect sense in Clear Lake where the housing market it going through the roof. Clear Lake also has the amenities such as a golf coarse, down town retail, larger retail within 10 miles, a good job base in Mason City, The Surf, and an all around attractive town to live in... Something isn't right with this guys plans |
Albert Lea has all the attactions Clear Lake has (or at least, can) so why let Clear Lake be the draw, Make A.L. the draw....
Posted by Mamma on May 02 2006,6:00 pm
Why is it when anybody wants to change something in this town that somebody starts whining about it right away. Not just the country club either. It's the pork plant, Flying J, Loves, Walgreens, Hospital....and those are just the ones that were recent. Almost forgot the old building at the court house. Seems even when Green Mill was coming that somebody mentioned we didn't need another place to eat. When WalMart expanded.....we didn't need that. Everybody wants the town to grow, but they sure whine about it when somebody wants to come in and build.
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 02 2006,6:01 pm
| Quote (Ole1kanobe @ May 01 2006,7:37am) |
| What really confuses me is the fact that there are new, high dollar homes being built in a county that is constantly losing population. Who do they figure will buy these houses? |
They will keep on building as long as people are buying, these guys aren't in it for charity, they are turning a profit.......
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 02 2006,6:05 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ May 02 2006,12:11pm) | ||||
Your message is not entirely clear. Even you seem to admit this development was not a sound proposal.
So because a "developer" with a checkered history at best, proposed to destroy a local amenity that the very people he would hope to attract to his "upscale" lots would expect access to, this community is... ...not ready to become progressive? ...cannot agree to move forward? ...ready to freak out? ...accepting the status quo? |
The country club is closing..............period..............end of sentence. It has lost too much money for too long, so what happens next?.........something is going to change, it is up to the community to figure out what is best to move forward, because like it or not, things are changing.
Posted by Replicant on May 02 2006,6:12 pm
| Quote (Colorado Conservative @ May 02 2006,6:05pm) |
| The country club is closing..............period..............end of sentence. It has lost too much money for too long, so what happens next?.........something is going to change, it is up to the community to figure out what is best to move forward, because like it or not, things are changing. |
Thanks, it's all very clear now.
Change is fine, as long as it is for good reason and advances the common good.
As to the club closing, again, the fat lady hasn't sung yet.
Unless Colorado Conservative is fat, and a lady.
Posted by Mamma on May 02 2006,6:15 pm
The only person on this board with 1.5 million in cash sitting around getting moldy is TTT.....oh wait......that's just when he's typing in a haze.
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 02 2006,6:18 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ May 02 2006,5:12pm) | ||
Thanks, it's all very clear now. Change is fine, as long as it is for good reason and advances the common good. As to the club closing, again, the fat lady hasn't sung yet. Unless Colorado Conservative is fat, and a lady. |
sorry, skinny man, just humming..............
Posted by spike on May 02 2006,7:35 pm
So they are tearing down a country club because there are not enough upscale members to sustain, yet they are building upscale homes?Where are these upscale jobs to support the new homes? And like Ole1 said, declining population, what market are they looking to capture? Who is going to retire in a $500,000 home in Albert Lea?
Posted by Mamma on May 02 2006,8:05 pm
I used to wonder that too. Now, I know that there must be plenty of people looking for just that. Those retirement apts. behind Perkins are one example. They said they sell for over $120,000....for an apt. and then there is a monthly maintainance fee that ranges from $800 to $1200. Now, with a mortgage like that they could have a pretty nice house. They spend as much for monthly maintainance as some people pay for a house payment. I know some of the condos out by the arena were pretty spendy and were sold before they were finished.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 02 2006,9:13 pm
I don't like being a downer but when Albert Lea has a building boom, one can't help having the feeling that a big bust can't be very far behind.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 02 2006,9:52 pm
..................
Posted by hymiebravo on May 02 2006,9:56 pm
................
Posted by Replicant on May 03 2006,7:44 am
The Village Cooperative isn't assisted living, but Mamma had the costs about right as I recall. Doesn't seem like a great deal to me compared to other townhome/condo units.Here's a link to their website: < Who lives at the Village Cooperative? > and a picture from this page:
Gee, retired people like to golf. Oh wait, he's pointing at the bulldozer tearing out the 18th green, happy about the progress being made in their community.
Posted by Botto 82 on May 03 2006,8:35 am
Progress in A.L. seems to be defined as land ownership, a promise of growth/jobs, and some Veit implements of destruction. Then, when the desired/promised results don't pan out, other landmarks are earmarked for destruction, and the whole insane cycle begins anew.I can't wait for the furor that results from the announcement(s) that 1st Baptist/1st Lutheran/1st Presbyterian church has to come down, and Central Park is deemed worthy of asphalt status. That's when I pop the top on a cold bottle of "I told you so."
Until you get rid of the development Einstiens in power today, you'll be living this moronic scenario for countless tomorrows.
And so on...
Posted by Replicant on May 03 2006,10:16 am
< Concerns about development in Mantorville > From KTTC Channel 10, May 2| Quote |
| A citizen's group in Mantorville petitions the city council to hold a special meeting. The issue surrounds a possible development that would be constructed on the northwest side of town. NewsCenter's Ryan Kath was at the meeting and filed this report. Both sides of the issue say there's been a lot of miscommunication in past years. And that's what led to the citizen's group to file a petition. The possible development would be built on open land on the town's northwest side. The citizen's group says the city's sewer system is one big concern saying the facility is near capacity. Water drainage is another issue. Back in 2002, several homeowners had their basements flood because of water backup. That's why the group wants to make sure the infrastucture is ready to handle more homes. "We see it as a chicken and egg problem. You got to have the facilities in place before you add the homes. Because if you don't, the sewer system could get inundated and you'll end up sending pollutants down the Zumbro River," said concerned citizen Tom Gall. At the meeting, the mayor said the development is still in the discussion stages, and insisted the city will carry out all the appropriate feasibility studies before any homes are phased in. Monday nights meeting crowd was much larger than usual, and city leaders say they hope the interest continues. "Any time you can meet with the public and hear the issues that they care about is very important. It's a great tool of understanding," said city council member Luke Nash. The mayor also said the current council is still trying to recover from some bad decisions made years ago. She hopes the citizen's group will keep taking concerns to council meetings to help discuss the future of Mantorville. |
Boy does this sound oddly familiar. So is this a small-town "we like it the way it is" attitude? I question that it is unique to Albert Lea though.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 03 2006,6:17 pm
.......
Posted by Replicant on May 05 2006,8:00 am
My sources tell me the Lafavre sale closing did not happen yesterday and that it has been pushed out again to next Wednesday.
Posted by Merlyn on May 05 2006,8:29 am
| Quote (Replicant @ May 05 2006,8:00am) |
| My sources tell me the Lafavre sale closing did not happen yesterday and that it has been pushed out again to next Wednesday. |
Could it be that this is nothing but a scam by the current members to get the city to help them out financially?
Posted by usmcr on May 05 2006,11:02 am
village cooperative clarification: lowest priced unit - buy in - $25,235 - rent - $630highest price unit - buy in - $50,278 - rent - $1210
example 1020 sq ft apt. buy in $38095 rent $900
pay your own heat & lites, one garage space included in rent.
call 373-3039 for further info. 6 units left. expected move in date june 15.
your buy in monies will come back to you with interest when you decide to sell your share.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 05 2006,3:37 pm
Well,It seems that some of the current members might pony up some money and save the beloved Counrty Club. I guess the waiting game has just begun.
Posted by BAD PIG on May 05 2006,5:24 pm
I was told by a golf club member that the few members that are still there want to buy it and turn it into a private golf club only. I think some of the members are getting to big for there britches. If the course is losing money as a semi-private course what makes them think that private can make it. They would need triple the membership they have now to make it work as private. If a group of members buy it or somebody else does , they better work hard on finding new members to keep the doors open.Its a nice course , I sure would hate to see it get plowed under or close down and turn into a weed pasture.
Posted by spike on May 07 2006,9:22 am
| Quote (BAD PIG @ May 05 2006,5:24pm) |
| They would need triple the membership they have now to make it work as private. If a group of members buy it or somebody else does , they better work hard on finding new members to keep the doors open. Its a nice course , I sure would hate to see it get plowed under or close down and turn into a weed pasture. |
Should be easy with all the new jobs & people flooding town, they'll be lined up at the door begging to be members with all their disposable income. Wal-Mart just brought 400 jobs to town, sure the membership skyrocketed the day they opened.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 07 2006,10:16 am
.......................
Posted by hymiebravo on May 07 2006,10:21 am
...................
Posted by BAD PIG on May 07 2006,5:37 pm
The sunday tribune said that the Lafaver deal has been pushed back to friday now for the sell date ?? Is Lafaver going to sign his name in BLOOD on friday or is this another way to buy time.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 08 2006,8:47 am
It doesn't look as though the remaining membership have the ability to continue it as a golf course, public or otherwise.
Posted by Liberal on May 08 2006,3:02 pm
I've got a couple friends that work out at the Country Club and when they came to work this morning they found out that someone had relieved themselves in the cup on the 17th hole. No word on how they cleaned it up, but I'm sure it wasn't worth the $8.50 an hour.
Posted by Replicant on May 08 2006,3:27 pm
| Quote (Liberal @ May 08 2006,3:02pm) |
| I've got a couple friends that work out at the Country Club and when they came to work this morning they found out that someone had relieved themselves in the cup on the 17th hole. |
Gives new meaning to the phrase "drop it in the hole."
Posted by FlyguyAL on May 08 2006,9:34 pm
Maybe someone was marking their territory.
Posted by Replicant on May 08 2006,10:18 pm
| Quote (FlyguyAL @ May 08 2006,9:34pm) |
| Maybe someone was marking their territory. |
Someone with the initials S.L.?
Posted by Replicant on May 09 2006,3:00 pm
So here's the latest that the fly on the wall told me...My understanding is that the members made their offer Friday to purchase from the current owners, but were well under the "price" offered by Lafavre. They also have talked to Lafavre, evidently he offered to "sell" it back to the members for about twice what he would buy it for, except he wanted dibs on some choice building spots lining the course. Needless to say, they didn't jump on that.
Does he seem to be recognizing the value of the course itself because he has now floated a couple scenarios where the course would stay with development around it? Those being the one above, and an earlier "deal" where he offered to lease the course back to the members for 10 years for some annual payment.
Either way, it seems like he's looking to get cash coming back in right away, so really question whether he's got the money in hand to buy...
Interesting note: This thread today exceeded 30,000 views since it was started on April 15.
Posted by Liberal on May 10 2006,10:20 am
I just got a phone call from the same friend and he said the country club is closed, and the only people working are doing minimum mowing.
Posted by grassman on May 10 2006,1:33 pm
| Quote (Liberal @ May 08 2006,3:02pm) |
| someone had relieved themselves in the cup on the 17th hole. |
Such class!
Posted by ICU812 on May 10 2006,1:57 pm
| Quote (Liberal @ May 08 2006,3:02pm) |
| I've got a couple friends that work out at the Country Club and when they came to work this morning they found out that someone had relieved themselves in the cup on the 17th hole. |
Was it in the form of a beer from St. Louis, MO or a candybar from Hershey, PA?
Posted by Liberal on May 10 2006,2:25 pm
It was the candy bar... Rumor has it they pulled the cup out with the cup tool and disposed of the entire cup.
There's apparently been some debate on how the feat was accomplished with about 50% thinking the person sat on the green, the other 50% figuring the person just had really good aim.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 10 2006,2:56 pm
Here is some news.........Mr. Lafavre has offered a group of country club members the opportunity to purchase the club at a price of $2.1 million. Part of the deal is that the new owners would have to put up a new clubhouse. That would be a nice profit of $1million for really doing nothing. Mr. Lafavre is known for "spinning off" properties. If all he is doing in his attempt to purchase the club is to make a quick buck I have to question his morals and ethics. He has stated that what has happened in the past to his family is just that, the past, but deals like this will link him to exactly what he is wanting to avoid..... a troubled past.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 10 2006,3:28 pm
Well "number 1", what can you expect out of a person who was raised by his father. If you ask me, he should be commended for acting as well as he has to date.Now as far as the 17th hole, could it be that anyone around here is talented enough to have put it in off the tee? Just another X-Lax moment in the history of Albert Lea.
Posted by MADDOG on May 10 2006,9:07 pm
Sorry, #1, I hear that is 2 day old news. I did hear $2.4M myself, but, whatever. Yeah, Lafavre is known for spinning off properties, but also known for rollong over on deals.YOU ? HIS MORAL ETHICS!!!
Seems to me, the course is still being maintained. Must be some equipment still there. Must be some groundskeepers there, too. Rumor has it that today the golf carts were to be picked up also.
I have been told that in the last few days, one of the owners was up here and removed a large amount of the liquor from the bar. I have been told that club members met this morning. Also that the owners are tiring of Lafavre and are now offering the club to its members for $1.4M. I am told that they (club members) are discussing the possibility of buying it and selling off 14 lots for $100K. 14 x $100K = $1.4M. That way it's paid for from the lot sales and they can discuss if it will become profitable.
Still seems as if the owners are going to close it. Why now? If they were going to sell, don't you think they would have already known their bottom line losses last fall? Wouldn't they see it better to sell it in the fall/winter months so this new residential community could get started in the spring? If this deal does somehow go through, it will be fall at the earliest (which is highly unlikely) before any ground breaking can occur. Why screw with memberships and scheduled functions already set for the summer?
Again I say, something smells bad.
One possible spin to this: George Dress is in town right now supposedly on business. His does own a parcel of land ajoining the club to the north. Hmmm?
Anyway, I still look at my April 29 post and stand firm. Look who stands to lose the most out of this whole deal besides the owners?
No, if sold, I still believe either the members or the city is somehow going to be involved in this deal.
Posted by Replicant on May 11 2006,8:26 am
So Wednesday is traditionally a popular golf day. I didn't get out by the country club last night, but am hearing that in fact the lot was full and people were golfing yesterday. Can anyone confirm this?
Posted by goodoledays on May 11 2006,11:34 am
I don't know if it was a "full parking lot" but I did see people golfing. It always seems there are a lot of cars but not many out golfing......I am still waiting for the Deal's Done headline in tomorrow's Tribune!
Posted by JohnDoe on May 11 2006,3:51 pm
Even if it did close tomorrow, it wouldn't be tomorrow's headline. The earliest it could show up in the paper would be Sunday.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 11 2006,4:51 pm
Even if the members did strike a deal to purchase the club, could there be some kind of breech of contract by the current owners and could LaFavre sue them?? I agree with you MD, something just doesn't add up. Well, I was in New Richland yesterday and played 9 at Riverview. Very nice 9 hole course and for only $13.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 11 2006,8:12 pm
I would be very surprised if the sellers would try to back out of the deal and sell it to the members unless LaFavre doesn't close on the property in the contract period. We don't know exactly how long the contract gives them to close either. Just because they tell us they are going to close on a certain date, it doesn't mean that the contract expires on that date. If the sellers did back out with LaFavre, then there most likely would be a lawsuit, which would probably end up costing the sellers more after all the legal fees.So what is everyone going to say when and if LaFavre actually can pull this off and close on the deal?
Posted by riffraff on May 11 2006,9:43 pm
Posted by FlyguyAL on May 11 2006,10:11 pm
< Pulling the Pin One Last Time >
Posted by sumpdump on May 12 2006,6:34 am
If I had a bulldozzer I'd do it for free.
Posted by Replicant on May 12 2006,11:26 am
< Will sale of A.L. Golf Club close today? > | Quote |
| Today marks another in a series of announced closing dates for the sale of the Albert Lea Golf Club to commercial developer Scott LaFavre. As of this morning the sale had not been confirmed. Further news of the sale will be reported in Sunday's Tribune. LaFavre, who plans to bulldoze the course and turn it into a residential development, said the sale would “definitely be a done deal” by today. In a phone interview last Friday, LaFavre, who lives in Lakeville, said no hurdles remained to the sale of the course, at one point saying, “This baby's done.” But today, all Albert Lea residents can do is wait to see if a man from Lakeville and four men from Iowa sign some papers. |
Posted by The Game on May 12 2006,4:19 pm
Its already done. Tis no more.
Posted by riffraff on May 12 2006,4:21 pm
Posted by number 1 fan on May 12 2006,4:22 pm
Game, was this something reported to the station or do you have to be descrete? Cake eaters is a term used for the fine folks in Edina..
Posted by riffraff on May 12 2006,4:29 pm
Posted by number 1 fan on May 12 2006,4:32 pm
Thank you Riff for clarifying!! I like to call them dimestore millionaires......
Posted by riffraff on May 12 2006,4:41 pm
Posted by number 1 fan on May 12 2006,4:53 pm
It is a done deal. I also heard that Col. Jensen made a nice commission on the sale. Not bad for making a phone call. I know this town very well as most do. People tend to hold grudges for a long time. My only concern is that this deal my come back to haunt Jensen. Anyway, here's to traveling to Austin, Owatonna, Northwood, Adams, Freeborn, New Richland and Hayfield to play golf.
Posted by Who's Laughing Now?? on May 12 2006,5:12 pm
Thank You 
Posted by Liberal on May 12 2006,5:27 pm
It's not like we were using it. That's probably why the selling price was so low.
Posted by Who's Laughing Now?? on May 12 2006,5:33 pm
nothing compared to the next selling price
Posted by The Game on May 12 2006,5:34 pm
Its pretty much public at this point. The Col is no different than any other real estate person in town. He brokered the deal, thats it. Nothing that Becky Blecker wouldnt have done or Bill Leland or Hugh O'Byrne ect. They ALL would have done it. I'm just glad the city didn't get involved to make it a "city run" course. They lose enough money as it is.
Posted by Who's Laughing Now?? on May 12 2006,5:36 pm
money makes money 
Posted by Replicant on May 12 2006,5:40 pm
| Quote (Botto 82 @ May 03 2006,8:35am) |
| I can't wait for the furor that results from the announcement(s) that 1st Baptist/1st Lutheran/1st Presbyterian church has to come down, and Central Park is deemed worthy of asphalt status. That's when I pop the top on a cold bottle of "I told you so." |
I myself prefer my cold bottle of "I told you so" with a twist of lemon.
In several years, when the former country club lies stripped of its greenery and is a barren mudhole borne of a failed development, I will regretfully sip mine.
< Lafavre closes deal > Tribune posts story at 5:38 p.m. Friday scooping TV news...
Posted by leftALintime on May 12 2006,5:53 pm
How many people does this place in the unemployment line???Can Albert Lea afford to loose ANY jobs?
I just want to know who can afford to live there....Oh well, take down the trees and green grass, Albert Lea doesn't need clean air and water any way!
Posted by Liberal on May 12 2006,6:01 pm
Don't kid yourself. At the end of the day it's still just a $1.2million dollar golf course in southern Minnesota, that hasn't turned a profit in years.
Posted by leftALintime on May 12 2006,6:08 pm
It still employed "real" people and that land has a true impact on the air and water quality in Albert Lea.
Posted by MADDOG on May 12 2006,6:41 pm
I hate.....
Posted by hymiebravo on May 12 2006,6:47 pm
.....................
Posted by Replicant on May 12 2006,6:50 pm
Now it's official...
Posted by Replicant on May 12 2006,6:59 pm
| Quote (hymiebravo @ May 12 2006,6:47pm) |
| And Game you might to want clarify for the 2 people who don't know it already that the "colonel" lol is your boss right ? The course looked nice on the news, guy seemed even less believeable looking at him on camera then he did just from his statements. |
Good disclaimer as to the Colonel.
As to Lafavre on the news, caught both KIMT and KAAL reports, forget which one had the soundbites, but he sure had nice crocodile tears talking about feeling for the people he's inflicting change on.
Best part was where he said their membership refund checks will be in the mail...
Posted by shaker on May 13 2006,12:35 am
Ya, hold your breath
Posted by ICU812 on May 13 2006,8:23 am
| Quote |
| I'm just glad the city didn't get involved to make it a "city run" course. They lose enough money as it is. |
Amen.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 13 2006,8:49 am
....................
Posted by riffraff on May 13 2006,2:09 pm
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 13 2006,3:44 pm
| Quote (leftALintime @ May 12 2006,4:53pm) |
| How many people does this place in the unemployment line??? Can Albert Lea afford to loose ANY jobs? I just want to know who can afford to live there....Oh well, take down the trees and green grass, Albert Lea doesn't need clean air and water any way! |
The owners were closing it anyway!!! No one would step up and pay higher dues, or invest in it, it was closing anyway, as all failing business do, they took the best route available to them.
Now it is up to the City of Albert Lea and LeFavre to follow through.
Posted by Who's Laughing Now?? on May 13 2006,4:39 pm
| Quote (riffraff @ May 13 2006,2:09pm) |
| so laughing now is saying lafavre is going to sell the course dirt cheap |
don't you mean buy dirt cheap and sell at inflated prices?
Posted by Liberal on May 13 2006,4:56 pm
That should be an easy sale, one look at the clubs books and the buyers will be lined up for blocks. If just 1% of what he claims is true then the city of Albert Lea will come out way ahead on our property tax base. Maybe we could even skip one of our annual property tax increases.
Posted by leftALintime on May 13 2006,5:59 pm
Were the owners REALLY closing anyway? Or are they just saying that they had the idea of closing all along? to sound less like jackasses now that they have let their employees go without any notice?
I bet if you or someone in your family had been let go with this "great deal" you would be singing a different tune....
Posted by Colorado Conservative on May 13 2006,6:27 pm
| Quote (leftALintime @ May 13 2006,4:59pm) |
| Were the owners REALLY closing anyway? Or are they just saying that they had the idea of closing all along? to sound less like jackasses now that they have let their employees go without any notice? I bet if you or someone in your family had been let go with this "great deal" you would be singing a different tune.... |
I would be willing to bet most employees of, or others associated, with the club had some idea that it was not an economically sound venture, and that its days were numbered without an influx of investment or community support. It is sad to see local icons fail, but there should be opportunity out of the country clubs failure. Perhaps a larger market to go after with a new golf course in town or on the outskirts of town, now that only one course remains, and no one on this forum seems to golf there either.
Posted by scorenix on May 13 2006,7:14 pm
| Quote (leftALintime @ May 13 2006,5:59pm) |
| Were the owners REALLY closing anyway? |
Prior to LaFavre's offer, the CC was offering three year memberships.
Plus, they were reaching out for other local marketing opportunities, like hotel/golf packages.
The end result though, was that they were offered a chance to get out of owning the local CC. And they took it. You can't blame them for that.
Also, Greg Jensen should not be faulted for what he did. All he did, apparently, was act as the go-between. Which was necessary given the circumstances. It wasn't his fault.
As to the city, they have to really think carefully about "investing" in this real estate. To extend water and sewer to another development stretches the city quite thin. If the city developments do not sell, then the city will be re-possessing property, taken off the tax rolls, and, usually, sold for severe discounts.
Posted by ICU812 on May 14 2006,2:55 pm
| Quote |
| The fourth former owner, Nils Norland, who was not present Friday, said in a telephone interview he decided to sell because club members “were not willing to support” the club. “We tried for six years,” he said, “but members constantly resisted any increase in membership fees. Mr. LaFavre came along and made an unsolicited offer and we decided to take it.” |
That sums it all up.
Posted by BAD PIG on May 14 2006,3:27 pm
That will teach the BLOW HARDS A good lesson.
Posted by allergic to bogus on May 14 2006,10:00 pm
But. one could look at it this way too.... Perhaps, they eat their own and a few bigwig community icons now have been rubbed the wrong way. I can think of at least two of them, that we know personally. Maybe, this is a good thing that has happened. Keeping in mind that in this community, these individuals have alot of connections and ties to the area. They now feel wronged and will not take it sitting down. We can only hope that they will publically start speaking out or having others represent them for the priorities that they feel are needed from this point on.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 15 2006,8:29 am
Estimates to put city services (water & sewer) for residential development on the former Albert Lea Country Club property range upward of $5,000,000. In this community it has been the responsibility of the developer to foot those costs, that is until the recent past when the city has agreed to become involved. Word that I have been hearing is that Scott LaFavre intends to ask the city to put those services in at Eagles Nest. In addition I have heard is that he has already stated that he will file suite if he doesn't get what he wants.Wonder if he will also ask for annexation of the portion of the Country Club property that is outside of the city limits.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 15 2006,8:37 am
I don't know where that number came from. I know Victoria Simonson said that it would take $4 Million at most to bring sewer and water to that entire part of town, which would include the Stables area. Also, the city is willing to front the cost of hooking up new lots to the city sewer and water but only 25 at a time. Then there would be an assessment so they would be reimbursed as soon as it sold. I've heard that the "back 9" will be an easy annexation because it is under 60 acres and is already surrounded on 3 sides by the city line. I believe that annexing anything over 60 acres is a much more involved process, so bringing the rest of the ALCC site shouldn't take that long at all.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 15 2006,8:39 am
| Quote (allergic to bogus @ May 14 2006,10:00pm) |
| But. one could look at it this way too.... Perhaps, they eat their own and a few bigwig community icons now have been rubbed the wrong way. I can think of at least two of them, that we know personally. Maybe, this is a good thing that has happened. Keeping in mind that in this community, these individuals have alot of connections and ties to the area. They now feel wronged and will not take it sitting down. We can only hope that they will publically start speaking out or having others represent them for the priorities that they feel are needed from this point on. |
Hopefully this will motivate the people who feel "wronged" to rebuild a new country club and help the community grow as much as possible.
Posted by The Game on May 15 2006,11:50 am
I didn't know I had to write out a disclosure as I was just answering fans post and making a statement. But yes, the Col ownes the station. I don't know about my boss as I only see him maybe 3 times a month, but in essence I guess he is. Does that interfere with the message that ANY other relator in the area would have done the same thing? Posted by sumpdump on May 15 2006,12:16 pm
Can you hear it, i can..... na na, nana na na hey hey good bye! Everyone now na na, nana na na hey heeyyy good bye! 
Posted by number 1 fan on May 15 2006,1:56 pm
It could have been any other realitor in town. Regardless, they would have faced the same music. I was really commenting on the fact that some business owners may hold a grudge because of him brokering (is that a word?) the deal. I personally don't have any issues with it but then again I do not own my own business, do not advertise on P96 and am not a former member of the Country Club.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 15 2006,3:26 pm
It doesn't matter what it will cost to put city water & sewer on the former Country Club property. What does matter is that the developer/developers are asking for public funds to minimize their risk to develop their dream for the site. If it is their profit, why should we disrupt budgets set long ago for infrastructure needing repair and replacement now for what they feel we deserve. If it has to be now they should do it on their dollar! If others believe, as I do, that their plan has little chance of panning out, and that little public benefit will be seen for quite some time why should public money be put at risk. Albert Lea has some $90,000 lots in town that currently have no takers. Even if one believes that the Eagles Rest location will give their purchasers a lot near the lake with private tennis courts, I cannot see people standing in line to plunk down $200,000 plus association fees for just the land!
Posted by JohnDoe on May 15 2006,3:51 pm
These developers haven't even asked for public funds as of now. However, every other development currently under construction in the city is receiving public funds. Just because the lots are going to cost more doesn't mean the utility hook ups will cost more. Also, the other lots for sale at 90K probably aren't nice enough to attract out of town buyers. If Eagles Rest has 35 lots pre-sold with people putting money down on lots, then that risk would be much lower if the city puts up funds for sewer and water.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 15 2006,4:34 pm
($200,000.00 x 35)-$2,500,000 = $4,500,000.00. Looks to me like any developer worth his salt should be able to get financing for infrastructure estimated to run $4,000,000 without public funds. To have 35 sites pre-sold the site has got to be platted, so where can a fellow go to get a copy of the plans? I just might want a lot as a hedge on my retirement.
Posted by Replicant on May 15 2006,4:56 pm
Hey Hunter, guess some just hold you to a higher standard as a member of the media, don't sweat it. I'm just so used to the news anchors throwing in who their owned by (Time-Warner, GE, etc) when they're doing reports involving their parent companies. (That's a compliment, putting Power 96 in with the big boys).
As to the Colonel doing anything different from another broker, I'm sure you're right. In the end it is just another business transaction where some will gain and some will lose. Who and how much, that remains to be seen.
Alfy, as usual, great questions and thinking in your last couple posts today.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 15 2006,5:21 pm
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ May 15 2006,4:34pm) |
| ($200,000.00 x 35)-$2,500,000 = $4,500,000.00. Looks to me like any developer worth his salt should be able to get financing for infrastructure estimated to run $4,000,000 without public funds. To have 35 sites pre-sold the site has got to be platted, so where can a fellow go to get a copy of the plans? I just might want a lot as a hedge on my retirement. |
1. I believe that they haven't asked for public funding.
2. The site doesn't have to have final plats done to pre-sell lots. It needs to be done before closing though. I'm sure the final plat will be in the paper when it is approved.
Posted by The Game on May 15 2006,5:37 pm
I guess your right Rep, however I post on her as me and my own thoughts, not the company line. The Colonel and I don't always see eye to eye and on a time or two I have been reminded to be a good monkey. Still fight for what I need or want but I am glad he is always willing to listen to an idea. Even the paper spells it out. It's been operation at a loss, members would not buy, the owners received an unsolicited offer and the deal was done. I'm not talking about anyone here, but some folks in this town should really read, or learn how to and not just jump to left field conclusions. Research, much like milk, does a body good =) I know I'm guily of what I posted a time or two as well. Just call it reactionary posting =)
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 15 2006,9:26 pm
So what did the 35 people form outside of Albert Lea buy? Why can't anyone form Albert Lea have a chance to own what 35 people form outside of Albert Lea just can't seem to get enough of; what ever it is? How much down does it take to own a similar piece of what 35 people from outside of Albert Lea already own but has yet to be offered to any of us home boys? Just where does one go to be in the know? Is this the clear sh-t or is it shinola?Just so you know, I am not a disgruntled former member of the Country Club made to drive my golf cart home in the rain, but I am living in a gated community now and will need security when I get out. Trust me, I've just got to get in on this!
Posted by jimhanson on May 16 2006,10:45 am
| Quote |
| I am living in a gated community now and will need security when I get out |
(Alfy Packer, the Colorado Cannibal) or really sad. Are you speaking of the "old" Alfy or the "present" Alfy?
In any case, "That there's FUNNY--I don't care WHO you are...."
Posted by scorenix on May 16 2006,1:40 pm
Wall Street Journa reports that new high end home constructions are down significantly. Toll Brothers, one of the leading home builders of high end homes, reports an almost 30% drop in new home builds.
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 16 2006,5:37 pm
No jimhanson, it is really sad! If you find sarcasm in what I have written, it is because the situation is frustrating. Not because the town can not support a country club, even though that is something we shouldn't be proud of, it is what it is. What is frustrating me is the same thing that has frustrated most who post on this site, and that is Albert Lea's continuing slide.Some ask, how can the redevelopment of that money loosing Country Club into a high end residential development be anything close to a continuation of Albert Lea's decline? Others ask how I could fault the former owners of the Golf Course for wanting an end to their losses? To which all that I can say is, would if it were true. Sadly it is being done to make right one man's sense of how he was wronged by eliments of this community, and it will not ever get righted by how he is going about it. In the end we all suffer. For they say it is Eagles Rest, but in truth it is Hollow Spite that will claim its name.
Posted by BAD PIG on May 16 2006,5:53 pm
Why are the new owners still cutting the grass so short ? Why would they cut the grass so close when there going to dig the place up ? I know the city has a rule about grass over 9 inches. I don't see why they want to spend money on manpower and gas to keep it real short.I think it looks a little fishy to me.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 16 2006,7:59 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ May 16 2006,5:53pm) |
| Why are the new owners still cutting the grass so short ? Why would they cut the grass so close when there going to dig the place up ? I know the city has a rule about grass over 9 inches. I don't see why they want to spend money on manpower and gas to keep it real short. I think it looks a little fishy to me. |
I'm told they want to make it look as nice as possible until they're actually ready to start digging.
Rumor has it you might be able to rent the entire course for private events for a day up until they start digging as well, but I'm not sure.
Posted by Lea Albert on May 16 2006,9:06 pm
I passed the Golf Club today taking grass to the transfer station. I also noticed it was freshly cut. In fact I thought it was better groomed now than before… then again I usually don’t pay attention. Quite frankly, in my gut, it felt like a big thumb in the face to the residents of A. L. with the fresh cut golf course and “PRIVATE PROPERTY” sticker stuck to the Club sign.
Posted by Liberal on May 18 2006,10:23 am
From what I hear there was a miscommunication between the new owner and the people that are staying on, and the new owner wants it cut like a golf course for at least the next 30 days. I've also heard that the place has been picked clean by thieves, they've stolen all the signs, the flags and the tee markers.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 18 2006,10:45 am
'''''''''''''''''''''
Posted by hymiebravo on May 18 2006,11:06 am
......................
Posted by goodoledays on May 18 2006,12:47 pm
Driving by last night there were some people golfing. It looked like their golf cart was one the greenskeepers carts.....Does Lafavre play golf?
Posted by Liberal on May 19 2006,11:31 am
Does anyone remember the Chamber's Albert Lea Works idea, where they were planning to send out quarterly postcards to ALHS alumni asking them to move back to Albert Lea? They also had a website < http://www.albertleaworks.org > that was supposed to bring these people back. Here's a screenshot of the website.
Posted by number 1 fan on May 19 2006,1:57 pm
Over 900 employers. That's funny. When I moved here it took me a year and a half to get a job. The only way to get a job here in AL is to know someone. I have never been so "over qualified" in my life. The caption should read, "You don't have to give up your career, we have over 900 employers that will pay you $5.50 an hour."
Posted by leftALintime on May 19 2006,4:21 pm
You got it! That is exactly why we left...we made a run at it for 11 years...worked for the hospital, ourselves, construction and in a service industry. Lost money living in Albert Lea the whole time...why would anyone want to come back after leaving? All we know is that we won't!
Posted by goodoledays on May 25 2006,2:17 pm
Anybody notice that there are stakes all through the country club? Has anything been applied for? Is it for potential lots?It is interesting on the day that the news reports that the City of Eagan successfully fought against housing development on an existing golf course that we have stopped talking about this.
I fear that in a few months the Albert Lea Country Club will be looking like Tiger Hills
Posted by Liberal on May 25 2006,2:30 pm
There's been people surveying out there since it closed, and they've also been taking trees out of there with this huge machine, so I would guess you're right about what it will look like in a few months.
Posted by Replicant on May 25 2006,2:40 pm
< Eagan Golf Course Coalition Website >| Quote |
| May 23, 2006 will go down in history as a great day for the citizens of Eagan, supporters of local politics and defenders of Comprehensive Guide Plans across Minnesota. The State Of Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled IN FAVOR of the City of Eagan! TOUSSAINT, Chief Judge "On appeal from a declaratory judgment and an alternative writ of mandamus in this zoning dispute, City of Eagan (the city) argues that the district court erroneously ordered it to amend its comprehensive guide plan and to commence eminent domain proceedings. Because we conclude that the City’s decision to deny the amendment to its plan was rational and the record does not support an unconstitutional taking, we reverse." |
< Court Decision link >
| Quote |
| DECISION I. Mendota Golf v. City of Mendota Heights, 708 N.W.2d 162 (Minn. 2006), reaffirmed the rational basis standard of review for declaratory judgments in land use decisions. Id. at 179-80 (citing Honn v. City of Coon Rapids, 313 N.W.2d 409, 414-15 (Minn. 1981)). Our scope of review is narrow. Id. at 180. We uphold a city’s land use decision unless the party challenging that decision establishes that the decision is “‘unsupported by any rational basis related to promoting the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.’” Id. (quoting State by Rochester Ass’n of Neighborhoods v. City of Rochester, 268 N.W.2d 885, 888 (Minn. 1978)). Our review of the district court’s decision is an independent examination of the record, by which we reach our own conclusions as to the propriety of the city’s decision. Nw. College v. City of Arden Hills, 281 N.W.2d 865, 868 (Minn. 1979). When at least one of the reasons given by a city for its decision satisfies the rational basis test, that decision is not arbitrary. St. Croix Dev., Inc. v. City of Apple Valley, 446 N.W.2d 392, 398 (Minn. App. 1989), review denied (Minn. Dec. 1, 1989). The city argues that its decision to deny the amendment to the comprehensive plan was necessarily rational because the decision conformed to the plan, which was rational. Rahn and Wensmann contend that this is not the law; if this were the case, all requests for amendments would be denied. Mendota Golf addresses similar arguments. The historic use of the property as a golf course, the recent update of the comprehensive plan, and the public hearing comments indicating that citizens valued the open space and recreational opportunities provided by a golf course supported the conclusion that a “municipality has legitimate interests in protecting open and recreational space, as well as reaffirming historical land use designations.” Mendota Golf, 708 N.W.2d at 181. These legitimate interests constituted a rational basis to deny the application to amend the plan. Id. at 182. But the supreme court’s decision did not prescribe a “permanent comprehensive plan designation for the property” because the land owner and the city were free to explore other uses. Id. The “legitimate interests” recognized in Mendota Golf are nearly identical to the reasons stated here. The property had been used as a golf course since 1967; the city plan had recently been updated in 2001; and the record indicates that Eagan citizens value the city’s open space. According to Mendota Golf, the city’s decision was rationally based on the legitimate interests encompassed in its plan. |
Looks to me like the city could have used the Comprehensive Plan as a basis to deny this development. The Eagan case uses the Mendota golf course as precedent. Albert Lea would now have TWO precedent cases.
Of course, this is a appeals court decision. I won't be surprised if this isn't over yet and will be appealed to the state supreme court.
Posted by goodoledays on May 25 2006,2:59 pm
Replicant,Wasn't the Mendota case ruled on by the Minnesota Supreme Court? Seems if that was the case, the Eagan one is a done deal and there is two precendents.
Of course the question would be how old was their comprehensive plans compared to ours?
Posted by Replicant on May 25 2006,3:26 pm
Yes, Mendota Heights went to the state Supreme Court. Here is a link to the decision: < Mendota Golf Decision > I don't know if the Eagan case could advance since it is based on an already-decided Supreme Court case.
As to the Comprehensive Plan, good question. I do believe that the city has been revising it all along, since the master plan was done in 1972. So in that sense I would think it is a document on which the city could stand.
The question, I think, is whether there is backbone to allow taking a stand.
Posted by Liberal on May 25 2006,4:14 pm
Why would the citizens/government want to stand in the way of economic development? Why do we send out postcards asking past Albert Lea graduates to return, and then fight them tooth and nail when they do?
Posted by goodoledays on May 25 2006,4:29 pm
| Quote (Liberal @ May 25 2006,4:14pm) |
| Why would the citizens/government want to stand in the way of economic development? Why do we send out postcards asking past Albert Lea graduates to return, and then fight them tooth and nail when they do? |
What economic development, chopping down trees?
What former graduates are we fighting, LaFavre? From all I have seen, the development is so wonderful that he doesn't want to move here?
I know you find the irony of the situation funny Liberal.
I just hope that Replicants point of our leaders not doing a thing (spineless) is the lesson we learn from this and remember this coming election and future elections.
Posted by jimhanson on May 25 2006,5:13 pm
Having government tell a property owner who they can/cannot sell it to is equally reprehensible as the newfound definition of "Eminent Domain" as defined by the Supreme Court--something MOST Americans (including most posters on this board) are against.The only parties to this transaction should be the buyer and the seller. The buyer is taking the risk that he can get the required government approvals for the development, and that someone will eventually want to BUY his lots.
Under the free market system, any of the members could have made the same offer. Under the "Invisible hand of Adam Smith" doctrine outlined in Wealth of Nations, if there is a need, capitalism will provide--the lure being a profit incentive. That incentive has defeated all attempts to control it--socialism, communism, fascism.
No need for government regulation or interference--for government to interfere, it would almost assure no private company would ever build a golf course again if it was required to KEEP it as a golf course forever--the Unintended Consequence of government attempts at regulation.
Posted by MADDOG on May 25 2006,5:34 pm
| Quote |
| There's been people surveying out there since it closed |
As far as the course goes, well that's the way the....
Posted by scorenix on May 25 2006,5:54 pm
| Quote (jimhanson @ May 25 2006,5:13pm) |
| The only parties to this transaction should be the buyer and the seller. The buyer is taking the risk that he can get the required government approvals for the development, and that someone will eventually want to BUY his lots. |
No offense, but that's rather simplistic and has never been the case. A property owner simply doesn't have the right to do anything they want with the property.
I hear LaFavre has now reduced his offer to sell to $1.5 million.
Yesterday's Wall Street Journal had an interesting article on real estate. Toll Brothers (as I've written before), the leading manufacturer of high end homes, warned that the last half of 2006 would see significantly reduced profits. Why? Demand for high end housing is way down, but, at the same time, interest rates have risen, and banks are cutting back on high end housing projects.
And the betting is that next month, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates further. Look at the yield curve, it has been, and is not nearly, inverted. Does not bode well for the economy.
Posted by Wareagle11B on May 25 2006,5:57 pm
| Quote (goodoledays @ May 25 2006,4:29pm) |
| I just hope that Replicants point of our leaders not doing a thing (spineless) is the lesson we learn from this and remember this coming election and future elections. |
Unfortunately the spineless leadership will probably continue to govern due to the majority of the electorate in this city/county not really giving a damn about the situation in the city/county. AKA Ostrich syndrome.
Posted by BAD PIG on May 25 2006,7:14 pm
Scott LaFavre.He moved from albert lea and made some good pocket change selling land and now has come back to get even with some of the members out there that pushed him around. He come back and bought the course and land right out from under the members.
He will make alot of money or he will lose the land. To him it will be a win win situation because he took the course away from the members that were his enemies. Win or lose he got the last laugh
Posted by scorenix on May 25 2006,8:17 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ May 25 2006,7:14pm) |
| Win or lose he got the last laugh |
If the members actually care, and in the end, I doubt that they will. The thing about revenge is it is so self-centered, that by the time you utter, "look who's laughing now," no one's around because they've moved on.
If LaFavre is going to laugh in the end, why is he now offering the course for $1.5 million, down from the $2.4 million he asked before, and there's still no takers?
Posted by Replicant on May 25 2006,10:43 pm
| Quote (scorenix @ May 25 2006,5:54pm) | ||
No offense, but that's rather simplistic and has never been the case. A property owner simply doesn't have the right to do anything they want with the property. |
I agree with Scorenix. Zoning and a comprehensive plan protects property owners from use inconsistent with the area.
The problem here is that the council rolls over anytime someone shows them a shiny new idea.
In the above cartoon, change Boneless Chicken Ranch to City Council.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 26 2006,12:03 am
...................
Posted by jimhanson on May 26 2006,9:55 am
| Quote |
| A property owner simply doesn't have the right to do anything they want with the property. |
What I actually said was
| Quote |
| The buyer is taking the risk that he can get the required government approvals for the development, and that someone will eventually want to BUY his lots. |
Government should have no say in whether a property can be sold--only the proper zoning for the property from the next buyer.
If LaFavre wants to put his money down and bet that the City will accomodate the development, that should be his right. Whether the City will do so or not is HIS problem, nobody elses.
Most Americans were outraged by the recent Supreme Court Eminent Domain decision--as they should be. Government should have no right to take private property for anything but "the common good"--and it's a far stretch to allow property to be taken for commercial development as "the common good". By the same logic, government should not be a party to the SALE of property, only for the eventual PERMITTING of the property.
Posted by scorenix on May 26 2006,1:13 pm
But you miss the reasoning of the court order. If you own property that over looks, for example, a gold course, and that is the selling feature and why you purchased it. Why it's even in the city's planning that the golf course remain a golf course, as a property owner, you have a right to believe it will remain a golf course. Even if someone comes along and buys the golf course, and decides to convert it to condos, the other property owners had a previous right. Its a form of easement that once given, is very difficult to get rid of.You miss interpret my application. LaFavre has every right as the property owner to attempt development of the land he has purchased. However, the city has the right to decide whether or not to assist. All this talk that LaFavre will sue the city if the city doesn't do what he wants (and I am not saying LaFavre is threatening to sue, I don't know, I only saw a previous poster state that) holds no substance. How do you sue someone with whom you have no contract to force them to do something that by law they don't have to do? And just because they did it for someone else previously doesn't mean you have to do it for everyone.
As far as property owners go, its well established in court precedent that existing property owners have rights over property adjacent to their lands. You may not think its right, but it is precedent law.
Posted by JohnDoe on May 26 2006,1:40 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ May 25 2006,10:43pm) | ||||
I agree with Scorenix. Zoning and a comprehensive plan protects property owners from use inconsistent with the area. The problem here is that the council rolls over anytime someone shows them a shiny new idea. In the above cartoon, change Boneless Chicken Ranch to City Council. |
Well, it is currently zoned residential, so housing does fit in with that. Also, the comprehensive plan was written in the 70's. I've heard that there was a housing plat approved for that site in 1920 and it is a matter of public record. From what I understand, once something like that is approved, it is good forever. Plus, it would certainly supersede the comprehensive plan. I don't think that was the case with either Mendota Heights or Eagan.
Posted by hymiebravo on May 26 2006,1:40 pm
................
Posted by hymiebravo on May 26 2006,1:43 pm
................
Posted by Alfy Packer on May 29 2006,7:56 pm
The Country Club is truly a thing of the past. Those I have talked with are not interested in trying to get it back as a golf course. That doesn't mean that there isn't interest in seeing what it would take to establish a new course. I think something will happen soon in the area. So far it has been a little congested, but I'm not having trouble getting to play. Although I don't have a home course, and have had to do some traveling I have not had trouble enjoying the game. It is time to move on and wish Mr LaFavre well.
Posted by TameThaTane on May 29 2006,10:04 pm
Regals Nest...you're gonna love the "association fee's"... and you thought all you had to do was shell out $175K for a lot and another $250K for a home?
Posted by Mamma on May 30 2006,7:20 am
$250K for a home?....you have to be kidding. You'd be lucky to get a three car garage, let alone a house for that.
Posted by Liberal on May 30 2006,9:48 am
About a year ago my younger brother had a really nice house built in Owatonna for about $180K.
Posted by Krusty on May 30 2006,10:22 am
That was Owatonna, you will have to pay a lot more for the privilege of living here!
Posted by TameThaTane on May 30 2006,11:38 am
I'm talking about just spec costs...the lot is paid for.
Posted by jane doe on May 30 2006,9:55 pm
Ok, after reading some of these comments I must ask.............who are your sources? LaFavre has no intention of selling. Plain and simple......its a business transaction, not revenge.
Posted by TameThaTane on May 30 2006,10:26 pm
Welcome aboard jd. Got any idea about how much association fees will be for Regals Nest?
Posted by Replicant on Jun. 23 2006,11:38 am
< Planning commission doesn't approve Eagle's Rest >| Quote |
| After the meeting, LaFavre said the details of the Planning Commission's request would normally be provided at a later stage in the approval process but he is willing to provide the details now because he understands there is public concern about the development. “I don't want to cram anything down their throats,” LaFavre said. “If this takes extra time, that's OK.” |
Translation: I thought I'd try to skate by and see if you hicks wouldn't ask any questions. Guess I was wrong.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jun. 23 2006,2:02 pm
Ya, and I wonder how much those exclusive games of golf that LaFavre and company are playing will really end up costing? The hicks not knowing how things are done elsewhere are most likely adding at leased to his angst, but it is most appreciated that he doesn't want to cram it down your or my throat. Just don't ask me to return the favor, LaFavre!
Posted by Colorado Conservative on Jun. 23 2006,5:22 pm
here is a quote from the reporter herald that sums up the opposition:"Bergstrom, who lives beside the golf course, said she was concerned a high-end development would raise property values and property taxes for several people on the golf course who live on fixed incomes. She also expressed concern LaFavre would not complete the project." Some one is actually against a project that might raise the value of their property, this about sums it up for me. Cheap bastards!!! Keep living in the 1950's, while the rest of the world passes you by!!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jun. 24 2006,5:03 am
^^Agreed.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jun. 24 2006,4:33 pm
might be light at the end of the tunnel?
Posted by Liberal on Jun. 26 2006,10:58 pm
Looks like we will be digging the old dump out from under Edgewater park.< http://www.kaaltv.com/article/view/101538/ >
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jun. 27 2006,9:34 am
I have been following this just like most of the residents of Albert Lea have. I do understand the views of the people that live by the old Country Club but one question I have, do you really think that Mr. LaFavre would spend 1.3 million on the property and not finish the project? Also, I don't believe anyone is deliberately trying to deceive anyone here. With this getting so much media attention(so far most of which has been negative) any wrong doing(s) would only add fuel to a hot fire.
Posted by Ole1kanobe on Jun. 27 2006,10:53 am
| Quote (Colorado Conservative @ June 23 2006,5:22pm) |
| here is a quote from the reporter herald that sums up the opposition:"Bergstrom, who lives beside the golf course, said she was concerned a high-end development would raise property values and property taxes for several people on the golf course who live on fixed incomes. She also expressed concern LaFavre would not complete the project." Some one is actually against a project that might raise the value of their property, this about sums it up for me. Cheap bastards!!! Keep living in the 1950's, while the rest of the world passes you by!! |
I can see a point with the rise in property value (and property taxes) being an issue so soon after property taxes were just raised. Something like this could really hit someone that lives on a fixed income pretty hard, but on the other hand wouldn't it offer a great opportunity for those same homeowner's to sell and make money off of their property helping to aleve the situations that living on a fixed income can have?
Posted by Liberal on Jun. 27 2006,10:55 am
Or they could get a reverse mortgage and use the new equity in their home to pay their taxes.
Posted by Moparman on Jun. 27 2006,11:24 am
Maybe they do not want to sell their homes they have worked their entire lives to pay off. What would be a better selling point, having a house on the back nine of a golf course or a house in the backyard of a McMansion? It is a no-brainer why these people have concerns.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jun. 27 2006,12:40 pm
BS...the equity gain will more than cover the increased taxes. You don't know anything about high finance.
Posted by Moparman on Jun. 27 2006,1:15 pm
You would be the expert on HIGH finance.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jun. 27 2006,1:40 pm
Their increasing property values might be very helpful considering the new focus on septic systems in the area. Those houses next to the country club site are known to be leaking raw sewage into the lake. This will give them an opportunity to refinance and pay for the $10,000+ septic system upgrade or else pay to have city sewer and water hooked up (Which I think is cheaper). Either way, the fine for non-compliance is $500 a month.. ouch!
Posted by BAD PIG on Jul. 04 2006,10:43 pm
Word has it that there having problems with keeping there greens in good shape. Starting to get spots and fungus. They will have to get control or lose the greens.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 05 2006,12:32 am
| Quote (Moparman @ June 27 2006,1:15pm) |
| You would be the expert on HIGH finance. |
No, Tyvek-Mansion-Boy is just an expert on HIGH.
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 06 2006,10:44 am
Golf course news today, one about the past, one for the future...< Lafavre says the checks are in the mail, says it with a straight face >
< Golf course planned for Pickerel Lake >
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 06 2006,11:06 am
| Quote (Replicant @ July 06 2006,10:44am) |
| Golf course news today, one about the past, one for the future... < Lafavre says the checks are in the mail, says it with a straight face > < Golf course planned for Pickerel Lake > |
Who cares if Lafaver pays the memberships back?
The previous owners need to pony up and pay the
boys back.
They have it right that they needed to pay a lawyer to get the funds back from the previous owner since they were paid the membership monies.
Yes he said that he would repay them back but it is not his responsibility to.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 06 2006,11:14 am
| Quote |
| Sturtz said repayments are further complicated because the club's books were poorly kept and the club often relied on informal payment systems. He said several club members charged club items like golf games and bar tabs to their accounts and other members performed services for the club in exchange for discounted membership fees |
And the good ole boys can't understand why the course closed...
Don't blame Lafavre.
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 06 2006,11:32 am
Actually I agree that the unfulfilled memberships should have been the responsibility of the previous owners. Why Lafavre, astute and crackerjack businessman that he is, didn't realize this and stipulate it as part of the purchase agreement, is beyond me. Why would he assume, or at least appear to assume, this liability? If he had no intention of operating the golf course as is, that should have been the line in the sand as to whether the new or previous owners were responsible for the membership liabilities. But I'm sure my thinking is flawed.In the time since the sale, this issue has festered and only added to his poor public image, which started in the hole to begin with. Plus he arbitrarily decided that only 2/3 of the membership cost is refundable. Nowhere near 1/3 of the season had passed.
As to the poor bookkeeping, agree there as well. The previous owners did little right on the business or marketing side. But I guess they got their money in the end. This also should have been a red flag to Lafavre to say I want nothing to do with figuring out that mess.
By the way, did anyone ever check out the real estate transaction that is public record at the courthouse? It would be interesting to find out the actual purchase price and other details.
Contrast the country club fiasco to the plans for the new course announced today. Here you have two well-known and local developers with a good track record, and I bet they'll do it right.
| Quote |
| O'Byrne joked that he and Petersen are just the right combination for this venture. “I feel we have an awfully good partnership,” he said. “Clayton's an agronomist. He can make things grow. I'm a Realtor, and I can make things sell.” |
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 06 2006,9:46 pm
Replicant, you have a good eye. Why would LaFavre, who appeared to be making a land purchase, agree to be responsible for the liabilities of the previous owners' business? A business that he clearly wanted no part of. Well it is no time to be looking a gift horse in the mouth. I am still not happy with how this deal came about, but at this stage, I hope LaFavre's development plans develop into something good for the community. It is my understanding that he has picked up the land that Dress purchased from the Wedges a few years back, and with all that he now controls I can see potential for a very nice residential development. I still have some questions on where all the growth to drive such a development will come from but I guess a man is entitled to his dreams.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 07 2006,12:40 am
He did it as a gesture of good will hoping it would make it easier to get the project approved.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jul. 07 2006,12:20 pm
I think both you(TTT) and I know that it is difficult to get projects approved regardless of how many good will gestures you do. I have said this in previous posts, with all the press that this gets(most of it negative) it is rare to see a developer "pick up the tab" and do something he doesn't have to do. If I was a former member of the CC(and I am not) I would be asking the former owners for reimbursement not the person who purchased the property. Question, did people raise a stink when Tiger Hills and Larryland were being proposed for development? I didn't see any negative press, did you? Though I enjoyed playing golf at the CC, the deal is done and it is time to move on.
Posted by scorenix on Jul. 07 2006,12:30 pm
I won't say it's necessarily the seller's responsibility to pay back the members. It depends upon the sale agreement and whether he bought the assets of the company, or the going concern.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jul. 07 2006,1:07 pm
Good point!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 07 2006,3:13 pm
| Quote |
| Sturtz said repayments are further complicated because the club's books were poorly kept and the club often relied on informal payment systems. He said several club members charged club items like golf games and bar tabs to their accounts and other members performed services for the club in exchange for discounted membership fees |
No wonder the club never made money. The folks watching the books... were milking the books. In other words a group of insiders were stealing from the owners.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jul. 07 2006,4:12 pm
I wouldn't go that far to say they were "stealing". To me it looks like some of the billing decisions were not consistant with good business practices. Also, we were not as fortunate as the Austin CC was. Hormel Co. came in and basically saved the Club. I have found in the years I have done business that it all starts at the top. Good, quality leadership filters down.
Posted by scorenix on Jul. 07 2006,6:48 pm
| Quote (JeffJimenez @ July 07 2006,4:12pm) |
| I have found in the years I have done business that it all starts at the top. Good, quality leadership filters down. |
Exactly. Dead on. It may very well be that the country club was poorly run, and that's why it was failing. Anyone remember any marketing campaign for the country club?
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 07 2006,11:24 pm
Seeing as there is so much speculation as to what Mr. LaFavre's motives are...............is there anyone who would like to actually ask my dad (yes, my dad is Mr. LaFavre) any direct questions? He'd be more than happy to answer them.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 07 2006,11:53 pm
Of course we already know the motive...$$$ 
Ya, how much is he going to charge for association fees per month? I mean above and beyond the $150,000 lot and $340,000 house. Any idea...or is that a secret too?
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 08 2006,5:30 am
| Quote (TameThaTane @ July 07 2006,11:53pm) |
| Of course we already know the motive...$$$ Ya, how much is he going to charge for association fees per month? I mean above and beyond the $150,000 lot and $340,000 house. Any idea...or is that a secret too? WHO CARES??  |
TTT you gave me the impression in some of your past posts that you're an investor. Are you faulting Mr. LaFavre for wanting to make some $$$ on his investment? Why are you suspicous of Mr. LaFavre?
Posted by Mamma on Jul. 08 2006,7:41 am
TTT, like many people, think that because somebody makes money, they are somehow getting it by cheating, lying, or stealing. I had a friend once that said I was lucky that I had money. I told her, it seems like the harder I worked the luckier I got. LaFavre is what America is about. Free enterprise.
Posted by Colorado Conservative on Jul. 08 2006,8:03 am
| Quote (jane doe @ July 07 2006,10:24pm) |
| Seeing as there is so much speculation as to what Mr. LaFavre's motives are...............is there anyone who would like to actually ask my dad (yes, my dad is Mr. LaFavre) any direct questions? He'd be more than happy to answer them. |
More power to your father!!!!!!!!! He has a very good idea, and a chance to make a very good impression on the town while changing the landscape of the town. I believe that this is what A.L. needs. He just needs to follow through with the original plans, and keep the town abreast of the progress and timetable. The townspeople will be very leary of any changes or delays in his proposal...............the trickle down affect is already happening, a plan for a new (better?) golf course with residential housing around it is in the works!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 08 2006,9:28 am
Well, how much?
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 08 2006,10:26 am
..................
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 08 2006,11:17 am
TTT..........as of right now association fees should be less than $100/month.
Posted by ICU812 on Jul. 08 2006,11:22 am
Any truth to the talk around town that some of the course will be saved for the homeowners to use?
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 08 2006,11:25 am
right now he is still exploring several options, of which, that would be one.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jul. 08 2006,11:28 am
Association fees? What is going to buy? You want to pay 1200.00 a year just to make sure your garbage can is out of sight, the fence is a certain color and the shingles are all the same, what a pant load. More power to you if you want to live like that. I was born to Farmer and his wife we had 750 acres we farmed. We milked 250 cows a day twice a day. Raised corn, soy bean, alfalfa, sun flowers, Milo, and orchard grass. I was raised country we didn't buy a Massey Ferguson cause the neighbor had one we had a John Deere.I am never ever gonna figure out city folk no matter how long I live amongst them. :0
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 08 2006,11:44 am
The economic trickle down effect is still alive and well. The town should have two golf courses. I hope the new course will truely be an asset to the community and not just a frat house for the 125 wealthiest families in AL (at least they claim to be). I hope the arrogance of many former club members (most, but not all) will not carry through on the new course.
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 08 2006,12:25 pm
| Quote |
I hope the new course will truely be an asset to the community and not just a frat house for the 125 wealthiest families in AL (at least they claim to be). |
If they really were the 125 wealthiest families in Albert Lea they should have had no problem coming up with the money needed to buy the course themselves.
Is there any truth to the rumor about wetland credits being needed for the Flying J truckstop?
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 08 2006,1:04 pm
I agree with your first statement completely, and the answer to your question is yes.
Posted by Petunia on Jul. 08 2006,4:23 pm
| Quote (GEOKARJO @ July 08 2006,11:28am) |
| Association fees? What is going to buy? You want to pay 1200.00 a year just to make sure your garbage can is out of sight, the fence is a certain color and the shingles are all the same, what a pant load. More power to you if you want to live like that. I was born to Farmer and his wife we had 750 acres we farmed. We milked 250 cows a day twice a day. Raised corn, soy bean, alfalfa, sun flowers, Milo, and orchard grass. I was raised country we didn't buy a Massey Ferguson cause the neighbor had one we had a John Deere. I am never ever gonna figure out city folk no matter how long I live amongst them. :0 |
I live in an association maintained neighborhood and I LOVE IT! We pay $185 a month and it is worth every penny. My yard always looks like a golf course (and so do my neighbors). I don't have to worry about that neighbor who doesn't keep up his yard or exterior of his house. I also don't have to worry about neighbors who have bad taste in yard decorations (the big giant plastic deer or people bending over statues). There are draw backs (I would love to have a fountain or pond in my yard) and you can't really be an individual. I am a rule follower and love a neat, clean looking neighborhood where everyone follows the rules. I KNOW IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!! God love you if you like maintaining your lawn, landscaping, gutters, shoveling snow, raking leaves. I hate it and my husband works too hard during the week to fuss with that on the weekends. There are other things taken out of the $185 (like garbage, water, exterior insurance). Also, this is the most quiet, peaceful neighborhood I have ever lived in!
BTW, My husband and I grew up "country".
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 08 2006,4:26 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ May 02 2006,4:03pm) | ||
Not sure what you're onto Liberal, but it's interesting. Found this listing of the Minnesota Wetland Bank... < Minnesota Wetland Bank > There are two parcels listed in Freeborn County (Page 4 of the PDF). The city engineer, Steve Jahnke is listed for one parcel, Byron Bjerke is listed for the other. The description doesn't make it obvious where these are. Here's the page I found this link from < Minnesota Wetland Banking > the BWSR website. |
It seems Freeborn County and Albert Lea have gained wetland credits including "upland" credits since the first part of May.
I've been telling people this for 2 months and nobody believes me. My theory is that people just don't want to believe it because it forces them to make a tough decision about keeping a country club that was hardly paying anything in property taxes, or getting a corporate truck-stop that will pay real property taxes and employ up to 75 people, and high end housing that will pay plenty in property taxes on top of that.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Jul. 08 2006,5:11 pm
Fortunately I live in a neighborhood that takes pride in their yards, We love decorating the outside of our home for the holidays. I love the individualism of our neighborhood. We spend around $3,000 dollars a year on the exterior upkeep of our home alone. I am building a paver brick patio in my spare time this summer brick and color of my choice and design of my choice. I love my garden and the fresh veggies I grow every year. I have plans for a fountain in my 40 ft by 20 ft hasta garden.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 08 2006,9:57 pm
15 credits
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 09 2006,5:09 am
| Quote |
| KNOW IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!! God love you if you like maintaining your lawn, landscaping, gutters, shoveling snow, raking leaves. |
I look at it this way.
1. Raking leaves I don't get. Leaves are not trash or debris to be swept up. It is part of the natural cycle and should be left alone.
2. I shovel say 3 times a year. Mow perhaps 7 times a season. Paying what you do its like paying myself $220 dollars cash each time I mow or shovel.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 09 2006,9:45 pm
the country club will be reopening in a few days
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 09 2006,9:51 pm
by the way it will be for the community to enjoy , not the tight wad ex country club members.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 09 2006,9:59 pm
oh , by the way golfing will be free.
Posted by Lea Albert on Jul. 09 2006,10:04 pm
Will there be carts available?
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 09 2006,10:06 pm
unfortunatly no
Posted by Lea Albert on Jul. 09 2006,10:14 pm
That's fiine. I'd love to walk those holes a few more times. Free rocks!
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 09 2006,10:39 pm
| Quote (jane doe @ July 09 2006,9:51pm) |
| by the way it will be for the community to enjoy , not the tight wad ex country club members. |
Jane Doe you are awesome. I'm not a golfer, but I think that opening the CC for free play is a fantastic gesture for sure. Even if it's just a temporary situation. I salute you and Mr LaFavre.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 09 2006,10:51 pm
more details about the reopening will be made in the next few days
Posted by Petunia on Jul. 09 2006,10:59 pm
| Quote (TameThaTane @ July 09 2006,5:09am) | ||
I look at it this way. 1. Raking leaves I don't get. Leaves are not trash or debris to be swept up. It is part of the natural cycle and should be left alone. 2. I shovel say 3 times a year. Mow perhaps 7 times a season. Paying what you do its like paying myself $220 dollars cash each time I mow or shovel. |
Mow 7 times a season?? My lawn gets mowed once a week (I figure from mid May to mid Sept that is 16 mowing jobs). We have underground spinkers so our grass does not get brown so we have to have it mowed every week. Do you know how much it costs to have a lawn service that mows and does the fertilizing and such? Probably not since your Mom is most likely mowing while you are in the basement smoking a bowl.
I hate mowing and yard work and if I can afford to have someone come and do it who cares? To each his own.
And the association does not just cover yard and snow removal--there are other things it pays for so if you actually sit down and figure it out it is not a bad deal.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 09 2006,11:07 pm
| Quote (Petunia @ July 09 2006,10:59pm) |
| I hate mowing and yard work and if I can afford to have someone come and do it who cares? To each his own. |
Besides, you're providing an employment opportunity for those that maintain lawns and driveways. There are some that do very well for themselves in this business.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 09 2006,11:29 pm
| Quote (TameThaTane @ July 09 2006,5:09am) | ||
I look at it this way. 1. Raking leaves I don't get. Leaves are not trash or debris to be swept up. It is part of the natural cycle and should be left alone. 2. I shovel say 3 times a year. Mow perhaps 7 times a season. Paying what you do its like paying myself $220 dollars cash each time I mow or shovel. |
| Quote |
| TameThaTane Posted: July 07 2006,2:52pm^^Again, another person who didn't read and understand the beginning of the thread. |
See what I mean T, you hypocrite.
Posted by Colorado Conservative on Jul. 10 2006,9:25 am
| Quote (menace616 @ July 09 2006,10:07pm) | ||
Besides, you're providing an employment opportunity for those that maintain lawns and driveways. There are some that do very well for themselves in this business. |
I own such a business in Colorado (every new subdivision out here has associations and greenbelts that need cared for), we employ about 9 seasonal employess and 2 full timers, this is avery lucrative and growing industry (as more baby boomers retire, and don't want to care for their own yards or move into "maintenance free" living-home owners associations-the more work there will be), and we are the most heavily regulated industry in the nation (with licensing for pesticide applications, we must be licensed in several areas and maintain continuing education credits to keep the licensing active)......you would be shocked at how good of a living one can make in this industry if they apply themselves.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 10 2006,2:59 pm
I can't even find any punk who'll mow my lawn for $20 without wanting to mow it every week.
Posted by Krusty on Jul. 11 2006,6:04 am
If you let him have a bag of it, I'll bet you could find someone to mow your grass for $20 when ever you like. On the off weeks he can just toke up and think he is mowing it.
Posted by exmember on Jul. 11 2006,8:11 am
I wouldn't charge anyone to play if the greens were dead either. Maybe the tightwad new ownership should hire someone who knows how to take care of a golf course.
Posted by ICU812 on Jul. 11 2006,9:04 am
This whole topic/issue was caused by persons not willing to split with their money, wasn't it?| Quote |
| The fourth former owner, Nils Norland, who was not present Friday, said in a telephone interview he decided to sell because club members “were not willing to support” the club. “We tried for six years,” he said, “but members constantly resisted any increase in membership fees. Mr. LaFavre came along and made an unsolicited offer and we decided to take it.” < Full Albert Lea Tribune Story > |
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 11 2006,9:06 am
| Quote (exmember @ July 11 2006,8:11am) |
| I wouldn't charge anyone to play if the greens were dead either. Maybe the tightwad new ownership should hire someone who knows how to take care of a golf course. |
If we were in the golf course business full time, we would hire someone. But... we're not. That doesn't mean we're "tightwads."
Posted by Krusty on Jul. 11 2006,9:08 am
Maybe those tightwad ex-members might notice the sand greens, but do you think the non-golfing public will notice the pins are in the traps? I don't think so!!! All the community will remember is FREE GOLF! After the crush of people looking for FREE GOLF finishes off the course there will be no choice but to convert it into a housing development. Very smart LaFavre, you will be loved by the masses, and those Tightwads will never pay your price for a lot in Eagles Rest any way!
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 11 2006,9:23 am
I've asked people that know about the greens and they said that the greens have some dead spots because of a fungus, but the fungus only attacks the roots of one type of grass and they use multiple types for each green. So there is no risk of the greens dying, and they recently sprayed the greens. It apparently took a while to find out what it was, and I was also told this fungus attacked the greens at more than 20+ southern Minnesota courses, so it has nothing to do with the people taking care of the course.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jul. 11 2006,10:24 am
Thanks for your comments Liberal. It seems that people here are looking for anything to "slam" LaFavre for purchasing the CC. I personally don't believe anyone that can write a check for $1.4 million is a "tightwad". Can LaFavre do anything right in the public's eye?? Who knows, maybe Eagles Rest just might turn out to be something good for Albert Lea.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 11 2006,11:08 am
| Quote (JeffJimenez @ July 11 2006,10:24am) |
| Thanks for your comments Liberal. It seems that people here are looking for anything to "slam" LaFavre for purchasing the CC. I personally don't believe anyone that can write a check for $1.4 million is a "tightwad". Can LaFavre do anything right in the public's eye?? Who knows, maybe Eagles Rest just might turn out to be something good for Albert Lea. |
I agree!!
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 11 2006,2:32 pm
LaFavre isn't a tightwad from what I hear. I've got two friends that are working out there and they actually said that it's nice to finally work for someone that's willing to invest in good equipment, and not afraid to spend money on things they need. And they've both told me on seperate occasions what a nice guy LaFavre is to work for. The friend that's taking care of the greens said that anyone that believes the ex-member's stories about dead greens should grab their clubs and come out and play a few holes and see for themselves what shape the greens are in.
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 11 2006,3:11 pm
I was an ex member of the country club and i can assure you that the place did not consist solely of tightwads or extremely wealthy people. The membership did give their time and money to make it a better place. I can't believe the people on this forum can bunch everyone into a negative group like you do. As for the free golf issue i think that is just fine too, and as for the ex members not being able to play, i also think that is just fine. They have all gotten memberships at Green Lea, Austin, Rice Lake, etc......and have not much desire to play over there if Mr. Lafavre is a part of it.
As for Mr. Lafavre being loved by the masses because of this i will have to argue. Maybe he will be loved by the people looking for a free round of golf but probably not by the people investing in high end lots.....i would guess they will be developing around the new Wedgewood golf course.
Posted by Liberal on Jul. 11 2006,4:20 pm
| Quote |
I can't believe the people on this forum can bunch everyone into a negative group like you do. |
I can't believe that people bunch all the forum users into a negative group like they do.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Jul. 11 2006,5:21 pm
The problem as I see it is that LaFavre isn't one of the old family of Albert Lea elite. They want to keep everything local. One can see that is why the town has stood still for so long. I wish Mr LaFavre the best of luck. It is apparent that anyone who has lived in this community for even a short time can see no new ideas ever come from "the locals"............Good on ya, Scott, go for it................... .......ned
Posted by scorenix on Jul. 11 2006,5:28 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ July 11 2006,3:11pm) |
| As for the free golf issue i think that is just fine too, and as for the ex members not being able to play, i also think that is just fine. |
This statement reminds me of the Joker at the parade handing out money asking who's really their friend.
If the course is back open for the public to use, would that then mean it could be argued the former members are not due any return of their membership fees because they can in fact golf?
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 11 2006,10:25 pm
I appreciate that idea. I had not thought of that one.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 11 2006,10:35 pm
| Quote (Ned Kelly @ July 11 2006,5:21pm) |
| The problem as I see it is that LaFavre isn't one of the old family of Albert Lea elite. They want to keep everything local. One can see that is why the town has stood still for so long. I wish Mr LaFavre the best of luck. It is apparent that anyone who has lived in this community for even a short time can see no new ideas ever come from "the locals"............Good on ya, Scott, go for it................... .......ned |
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON NED
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 12 2006,12:37 pm
..................
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 12 2006,12:49 pm
...............
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 13 2006,1:33 pm
The article in the AL Tribune today was laughable!!!!!
Posted by Krusty on Jul. 13 2006,1:43 pm
All I can say is if he made a mistake, it is better he wised up to it now than later. However in reading the article I get the impression that maybe he plans to retool all of Albert Lea by himself rather than to work through the problems he has at hand. Redoubling your effort and charging off in all directions doesn't look as though it is a workable stratagy to me. Tonight should be interesting.
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 13 2006,3:17 pm
In my opionion that man has NO intention of developing that land!
Posted by robin on Jul. 13 2006,8:15 pm
I wish this guys friends would get him back on his med's. My god, it has been a very long time since I've read anything so deluded and paranoid."O why isn't this town warm and friendly to my ideas on what I want to do?"
Here is a clue, you roll into town like Mr. Gotlots and buy the Country Club. You float a half baked dream of what you want to do with it that does fit what most people think they know about the community in which they live. When they don't come rushing to you as their savior, you say they are unfriendly, and plotting against you. Maybe so, but that isn't your problem, you need more than a dream, you need a workable plan. Love me, Love my money and I'll give you all free golf just won't fly. If you have the money to buck this one through on just a dream, get to it. If not, maybe you should read a little book titled, "HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE", and putting together an believable as-well-as understandable plan will go a long way to helping you accomplish your dreams.
Lastly, wise up and hire someone to handle your press, every time you get in front of the media, you shoot yourself in the foot.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 13 2006,11:31 pm
I don't get why building a residential development on a piece of privately owned land ZONED for residential use is a "half baked idea". If the community wanted a golf course there, they would have supported it enough to make it financially feasable to keep it as one.
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 14 2006,2:02 am
Scott as you have noticed that the leadership of albert lea has pretty much sucked for the last 20 + years with poeple like sparks running the show ...well you see why.These other bozos in town here that seem to have a lot of disrespect for you are more than likely just jealous of you so just prove them wrong......And ignore them as they can't put their money where their mouth is anyway.
BTW you don't owe the membership dues to them so why even bother to give them anything? Just keep it as you might need it to give as kick backs to some stuff shirtcity officials to finish your project.
Or you could send them all a 1 year membership to the Darkside so that they can get out of the house and watch the shakers
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 14 2006,2:11 am
| Quote (conservativeguy @ July 13 2006,3:17pm) |
| In my opionion that man has NO intention of developing that land! |
Who cares what he does with it?
He bought it and it is his to do with as he wishes.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Jul. 14 2006,7:55 am
Business is business, it's not about "how to win friends and influence people (Dale Carnegie). I'm not sure where you are getting your facts "Robin" and you are entitled to your opinion, but you could not be further from the truth. Unless you know the LaFavre's personally, your comments are exactly what is keeping Albert Lea from growing. Like I posted prevoiusly, when the past owners were looking to sell only one person had the money to buy the property and he now owns it. When Eagles Rest is complete guess who will have the last laugh???
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,8:07 am
Robin makes very valid points. Maybe Lafavre's got the best plan in the world. But his execution of the plan has frankly sucked. In business, yes you do need to win friends and influence people. It's called Advertising. Public Relations. Marketing. Knowing your market.By the way, knowing your market includes things like finding out if a community already has a business incubator instead of having a reporter tell you.
| Quote |
| When told about existing business incubators with the Albert Lea Business Development Center and the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, he said he was interested but speculated there were differences. “I need to learn more about them,” LaFavre said. |
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 14 2006,8:30 am
AMEN ROBIN!!!
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 14 2006,8:31 am
I really hope the Tribune keeps interviewing this guy....it makes for some good reading!!
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,9:48 am
< Lake City golf club to be sold in auction >| Quote |
| LAKE CITY, Minn. (AP) - The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City will be sold to the highest bidder in an unreserved auction in September. The course has been open for less than a year but nearly a decade of constant construction at the site have led to a lukewarm public response. The course has only filled 115 of a possible 410 memberships. Although hundreds of home sites have been sold, only 45 have been constructed and more than 100 lots remain unsold. Jewel and city officials expect the course, clubhouse and restaurant and more than 200 acres of surrounding land will sell for (m) millions of dollars. The course has already drawn inquiries from around the nation and interest is expected to grow as the auction date draws near. Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. |
Here's another opportunity for some whiz-bang developer, another "jewel in the rough".
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 14 2006,10:01 am
....................
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 14 2006,10:04 am
.................
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 14 2006,10:05 am
Maybe the jewel in lake city needs some waterfalls and tennis courts to make it work?!?!? lol
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 14 2006,10:33 am
| Quote (Replicant @ July 14 2006,8:07am) | ||
| Robin makes very valid points. Maybe Lafavre's got the best plan in the world. But his execution of the plan has frankly sucked. In business, yes you do need to win friends and influence people. It's called Advertising. Public Relations. Marketing. Knowing your market. By the way, knowing your market includes things like finding out if a community already has a business incubator instead of having a reporter tell you.
|
Maybe he sees what has NOT happened in albert lea over the last 20 + years and does know that there is an incubator but also feels that they don't do much and wants to get it done himself.
He has the money, He has the vison, let him do what he wants with them.
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,10:44 am
I question how much money he really has, or if he's leveraged to the hilt.As to his vision, dream all you want. His refusal to get basic backround information brings his vision into question. Here's another instance of him not doing his homework from today's Tribune article about the Planning Commission Meeting last night.
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2006/07/14/news/news4.txt >
| Quote |
| LaFavre did not read the countywide housing study published in March before he signed the purchase agreement for the Albert Lea Golf Course in April. On Thursday, he admitted he still hadn't viewed the housing study. According to the study, produced by Maxfield Research, Albert Lea will need 270 single-family households total between 2000 and 2010, and 45 to 60 of the buyers will be from first-time buyers who want modestly priced homes on the opposite end of the scale from the high-end lots in Eagles' Rest. Albert Lea's median household income in 2005 was estimated at $37,600. The study also notes that as of March, “Albert Lea seems to have an adequate supply of lots currently available for upper-end homes.” |
I like Paul Overgaard's comment:
| Quote |
| “I'd like to suggest to Mr. LaFavre that he probably needs to get a new public relations director. His instruction to us - ‘it seems there's a lot of them that want to keep Albert Lea in the stone age' - is hardly an indication of an individual who wants to be a working member of the community,” Overgaard said. |
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 14 2006,11:43 am
| Quote (Replicant @ July 14 2006,10:44am) | ||
Paul Overgaard's comment:
|
The TRUTH hurts
I want to witness Mr LaFavre to suceed with his development and then these sonsofbitches who think they know what's "best for this town" can sit down together and eat some crow.
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 14 2006,12:19 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ July 14 2006,10:44am) | ||||
| I question how much money he really has, or if he's leveraged to the hilt. As to his vision, dream all you want. His refusal to get basic backround information brings his vision into question. Here's another instance of him not doing his homework from today's Tribune article about the Planning Commission Meeting last night. < http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2006/07/14/news/news4.txt >
I like Paul Overgaard's comment:
|
Well he ( Lafavre is right
We keep the same people in positions that do ZERO to help albert lea grow.....SPARKS
Sparks said one time that he did not expect albert lea to grow for the next 20 years....Well he was right since he was the city manager for that entire time NOTHING happened.
And what has overguard done for this town? Ask some of the old hog plant workers.
but this town really has grown under the awesome city management that we have had, good job
But lets try to keep someone from doing something for the city of albert lea, another good idea
You might think that we do not need the housing development that Scott wants to build but did we need the new housing development that Moen is trying to build at Tiger Hills? NO we did not need it but its is his money and you let him build his vision even though the first houses were flooded because they were built
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,12:48 pm
| Quote (menace616 @ July 14 2006,11:43am) |
| these sonsofbitches who think they know what's "best for this town" |
Is the "I know what's best from this town" attitude more acceptable from someone who hasn't lived here in over 20 years, or from the good old boys? Just curious.
As to Mr. Sparks, well my favorite quote from him is from this article: < http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2004/09/02/news/news1.txt >
| Quote |
| "Albert Lea doesn't have the facilities to support something like a software company, but we do for something like a meat packing company," said Sparks. "We have the facilities to make them comfortable." |
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 14 2006,12:53 pm
"He has called the 100 acres a $60 million project filled with $75,000 to $200,000 lots." That is what Lefavre said in the paper the other night. I'm no math major but in order to raise $60 million in revenue that is 300 lots at $200,000 each. That would lead me to believe that this man has no idea what he is doing. Either that or the $60 million number was dreamed up to boost his own ego AGAIN!!
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,1:00 pm
The last few posts reminded me of this earlier exchange several months ago...| Quote (Two Bears @ April 21 2006,1:58pm) | ||
Yes there is value in the ball fields and the country club and would be a loss for the area BUT so was the public hunting on Goose lake. I still think it is kind of funny that now the (golf) people get to lose smoething that affects what they like to do....We did not get a lot of help with the Tiger Hills fiasco because it was not to important to most people in albert lea about losing the public hunting by Goose lake, but now when developers are going to push dozers on your precious little golf course everyone is crying foul.... Like I said what comes around goes around! If we all could stick together to stop these stupid Ideas that brings a BIG losses to a lot of people in the area maybe we could stop some of these things that affect us to one extent or another. By the way I was screaming when the Tiger Hills deal was shoved down our throats were you? |
Posted by Two Bears on Jul. 14 2006,1:17 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ July 14 2006,1:00pm) | ||||
The last few posts reminded me of this earlier exchange several months ago...
|
Ya me too.
BTW I don't like either of the expansions that are eating up recreation areas and even Pickeral lake is bieng encroached on and soon will be lost as far as the recreation value and the true value to the wildlife that thrives in and around the lake as soon it will be built up and instead of trees we will have concrete. It all sucks
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 14 2006,1:23 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ July 14 2006,10:05am) |
| Maybe the jewel in lake city needs some waterfalls and tennis courts to make it work?!?!? lol |
I'm sure a new slogan wouldn't hurt either.
| Quote |
| LaFavre said the city needs a new slogan. He suggested: “A Place to Dream and Grow.” |
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/articles/2006/07/13/news/news2.txt >
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 14 2006,1:43 pm
Get it straight, LaFavre saw an opportunity to turn a quick buck. He thought that he could hold the club members hostage, and they would pay him handsomely to keep their club from going under the bull dozer. That is why he closed the club! It was all part of the pressure he was applying to achieve the flip on the property. This was suppose to be a quick in and out with the sale money coming in before the purchase money had to go out. Profiting with no exposure. It was going to be SLICK except it didn't work out. You know, those dam tightwads. So if some of you want to get played, and buy his BS be my guest, just don't say you weren't told. As for FOOT IN MOUTH Paul Sparks, what can anyone add. His statements speak for themselves. He is old and planning his retirement. He thinks he understands meat packing, and has had quite a bit of experience dealing with the industry. Under him the community invested in infrastructure with the hopes that those investments would keep the old packinghouse going and our population employed. It was quite a dog and pony show, but the dog ran away and the pony died. We still have the infrastructure that is waiting for a similar employer to hook on to, except most who have survived the down turn would rather not go there again. I find it hard to fault Paul for recognizing this untapped value, but if he is going to stay on that development job, he needs to get off the kick that Albert Lea can't go in other directions.
Enjoy historical Albert Lea. For the good life!
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 14 2006,2:20 pm
Alfy Packer is exactly right, the membership, which was filled with very smart and successful people who have been around this town a long time chose not to deal with the man. His plan failed.....my guess is the bank will own that property eventually.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 14 2006,5:43 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ July 14 2006,2:20pm) |
| Alfy Packer is exactly right, the membership, which was filled with very smart and successful people who have been around this town a long time chose not to deal with the man. His plan failed.....my guess is the bank will own that property eventually. |
Wow, that one is just hilarious? What failed? The plan the entire time was to develop the land. If the plan was to corner the old members, then why would he follow through with the purchase? I just don't understand how you can be so oblivious to logic.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 14 2006,6:16 pm
Not everyone has the right brain wiring for logic. Too many here can't separate their own biased views from pure logic. It usually ends up with holier than though exclamations, promises and righteousness all geared towards proving to us that 2+2=5 and nothing a dummy like us says, is going to convince them otherwise!
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 14 2006,6:28 pm
If that was the plan, it would seem prudent to have knowledge of the community, to include:1) Population trends;
2) Existing housing stock;
3) Economic level of those who have the greatest need for new housing; and
4) Prospects for economic growth.
None of this was stated when this first came up as LaFavre's plan for the stated development of the country club for residential purposes. We were told that he was going to create Eagles Rest as a housing development for the wealthy. After saying that he went out of his way to piss off the local population that would fit that target market. We were then told that he didn't need local wealthy people because he was going to import the people he would be marketing to.
Well if you believe all this, you should be looking at the airport to see if it is being expanded for all the jets that will be needed to transport this mythical population to and from what ever it is they do to home in Albert Lea, because there isn't enough going on here to support such a population.
Now LaFavre will tell you that there are plenty of people who want to do just that, or at lease 35 that he could bring to town right now. However he is not talking about any little project here, he is talking about a $60,000,000 project. So now that is why he needs to get together with the local movers and shakers, whom he has called tightwads, and excluded from the free golf outing he has offered to the rest of the community. The purpose of this meeting is to develop an entrepreneurial incubator to hatch local millionaires, with $100,000 donations that Scott would supervise to turn out the new wealthy wanting to buy lots in Eagles Rest so that they can live the life with the rest of the swells who have moved to town, excluding the tightwads that are long time residents who have contributed to the millionaires incubator, because Scott doesn't like them even though he needs their money for the incubator that will hatch those millionaires he needs to buy lots in Eagles Rest.
Now there is a plan, and I don't mind if Scott uses it when he goes for financing, being that most of it came from what I've read that he said to local reporters, and has been printed in the paper.
Sorry John and Jane, it is time to leave home and go to school. Time to learn how to use your mind.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 14 2006,6:40 pm
I'll put up $1,000,000 for economic development if 100 hundred others do the same!So there! Ha!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 14 2006,6:43 pm
C'mon...who's with me now?Prinzing? Jensen? Wayne Thompson?
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 14 2006,6:49 pm
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ July 14 2006,6:28pm) |
| If that was the plan, it would seem prudent to have knowledge of the community, to include: 1) Population trends; 2) Existing housing stock; 3) Economic level of those who have the greatest need for new housing; and 4) Prospects for economic growth. None of this was stated when this first came up as LaFavre's plan for the stated development of the country club for residential purposes. We were told that he was going to create Eagles Rest as a housing development for the wealthy. After saying that he went out of his way to piss off the local population that would fit that target market. We were then told that he didn't need local wealthy people because he was going to import the people he would be marketing to. Well if you believe all this, you should be looking at the airport to see if it is being expanded for all the jets that will be needed to transport this mythical population to and from what ever it is they do to home in Albert Lea, because there isn't enough going on here to support such a population. Now LaFavre will tell you that there are plenty of people who want to do just that, or at lease 35 that he could bring to town right now. However he is not talk about any little project here, he is talking about a $60,000,000 project. So now that is why he needs to get together with the local mover and shakers, whom he has called tightwads, and excluded from the free golf outing he has offered to the rest of the community, for the purpose of developing an entrepreneurial incubator to hatch local millionaires who will in turn want to buy lots in Eagles Rest so that they can live the life with the rest of the swells who have moved to town, excluding the tightwads that are long time residents, because Scott doesn't like them even though he needs their money for the incubator that will hatch those millionaires he needs to buy lots in Eagles Rest. Now there is a plan, and I don't mind if Scott uses it when he goes for financing, being that most of it came from what I've read that he said to local reporters, and has been printed in the paper. |
I think the funniest thing is that no matter what people like Alfy Packer say, the project is making progress. Scott didn't have to do any homework or market studies to buy the property. This is a free market. The only requirement for the sale was money, which obviously he has or it wouldn't have closed. The LaFavres theoretically could have bought the country club to just have it as a private estate. Heck, a 100-acre estate overlooking a lake for a fraction of the cost of farmland in the cities. You don't get it! The country club never made money because the members couldn't support it. Heck, they even complained that the fees this year were too much and had to get refunds, not to mention tons of stuff "under the table."
Nobody needs community approval to buy private property. If he wanted to buy it and try developing some lots, then more power to him. After all, it is zoned residential already. He took the risk and has not asked for any public funds so you have zero say in what happens. He can't be off his rocker too much, he has successfully developed more than $250,000,000 in real estate. The only difference between commercial and residental development is that residential development is a lot smaller and less expensive.
Why don't you people who are constantly whining about losing a "public" amenity go get the city to buy it back with eminent domain power if you want it to stay a golf course so bad? By law it has to sell for market value. How much have other undeveloped residential-zoned properties with lake views inside city limits going for in the region?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 14 2006,6:51 pm
Just came back from the mail box. No check today. Anyone get lucky?
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 14 2006,7:23 pm
I hope he doesn't refund your money. None of you are even appreciative of the fact that he even said he would refund you. He doesn't have to do it. He didn't get your money in the first place so its not even a real refund. He agreed to just pay you to be a nice guy. People like Alfy Packer are what keeps progress from happening in Albert Lea. People who are all talk and not willing to do anything but whine and cry for someone else to fix something.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 14 2006,8:36 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ July 14 2006,7:23pm) |
| People like Alfy Packer are what keeps progress from happening in Albert Lea. People who are all talk and not willing to do anything but whine and cry for someone else to fix something. |
Exactly
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 14 2006,8:37 pm
Ok Johnny, it is a hot evening and I have little to do, being that I am back earlier than I had planned from my travels, so what say we go to school.The former owners of the Albert Lea Country Club state that they sold a business. Scott LaFavre states that he purchased the Country Club land, but not the business. There is quite a bit of confusion on this point, and at this point I don't give a rip. All that I know is Scott stated that although he didn't have to, he would be making refunds to those who purchased memberships from the Albert Lea Country Club, a business he may or may not have purchased. Now I take that statement as his word, his bond, and although I seriously question that he knows what he is doing, I have not to date questioned his credibility. Yes I am a person who having purchased something that can not be delivered, feel that I am entitled to that refund. Up until now I didn't really care where it came from, old group of business owners, new land owner, it just didn't matter. That all changed the date Scott said he would make good on a portion of that debt. Now I am willing to accept a portion of what I feel is owed me because I'm a nice guy too, but a man's word is his bond and I'm taking Scott at his word.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 14 2006,8:58 pm
OK OK...you'll be gittin' paid, relax.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 15 2006,9:16 am
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ July 14 2006,8:37pm) |
| Ok Johnny, it is a hot evening and I have little to do, being that I am back earlier than I had planned from my travels, so what say we go to school. The former owners of the Albert Lea Country Club state that they sold a business. Scott LaFavre states that he purchased the Country Club land, but not the business. There is quite a bit of confusion on this point, and at this point I don't give a rip. All that I know is Scott stated that although he didn't have to, he would be making refunds to those who purchased memberships from the Albert Lea Country Club, a business he may or may not have purchased. Now I take that statement as his word, his bond, and although I seriously question that he knows what he is doing, I have not to date questioned his credibility. Yes I am a person who having purchased something that can not be delivered, feel that I am entitled to that refund. Up until now I didn't really care where it came from, old group of business owners, new land owner, it just didn't matter. That all changed the date Scott said he would make good on a portion of that debt. Now I am willing to accept a portion of what I feel is owed me because I'm a nice guy too, but a man's word is his bond and I'm taking Scott at his word. |
And I highly doubt you'll send him a "thank you" card or letter after, right? I don't think you realize that if you and your fellow ex-members wouldn't have insulted his family or him throughout the whole purchase process, the club would still be open!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 15 2006,9:32 am
^^Of course, You're Scott L..right? I don't blame you...I like to stick it to rude people all I can. I might end up buying a house in Regals Nest one day myself.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 15 2006,9:48 am
Just to be clear, I'm not Scott LaFavre.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 15 2006,10:17 am
| Quote (Replicant @ July 14 2006,10:44am) |
| As to his vision, dream all you want. His refusal to get basic backround information brings his vision into question. |
Well, clearly, the "vision" displayed thus far by Albert Lea's so-called civic and development "leaders" has been lackluster at best.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 15 2006,11:59 am
I heard LaFavre closed on another piece of property this last week. A group of investors from AlbertLea owned the property.I was told he paid cash. THE PRICE WAS 1,700,OOO
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 15 2006,12:18 pm
...............
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 15 2006,12:30 pm
......................
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 15 2006,5:47 pm
The property Lafavre closed on from the Albert Lea investors was in Lakeville on 35w & Ct road 46. He is building a medical project there.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 15 2006,8:15 pm
................
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 16 2006,6:14 am
A thank-you card, now that is a novel idea Johnny. Should we thank Scott for finally recognizing a portion of his obligation to members who had prepaid for a season of golf, which didn't happen because of Scott's decision not to operate the course? Should I be thankful that Scott has stated that there were no, or very poor records and that he couldn't prove who had prepaid for memberships. The proof of that obligation was easy enough to prove, even though the former owner's supposedly had poor records, yet Scott wanted to drag the matter out, denying his obligation while trying to involve the previous owners. Johnny, help me out here, should I be thankful for the delay or the agreement to make a partial payment to settle the obligation. Yes I suppose I am thankful; thankful that I am not involved in an ongoing business relationship with him.Now as far as insulting his family, I am sorry that happened. When the Tribune wrote the first article on Scott, I apologize that I asked who his father was. I am also sorry that others in the community looked up public records on members of his family, and that those records were embarrassing to him.
So now you have it Johnny, I am both thankful and sorry! Do you have a stamp? I will repay you when my check comes in.
Posted by menace616 on Jul. 16 2006,10:46 am
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ July 16 2006,6:14am) |
| A thank-you card, now that is a novel idea Johnny. Should we thank Scott for finally recognizing a portion of his obligation to members who had prepaid for a season of golf, which didn't happen because of Scott's decision not to operate the course? Should I be thankful that Scott has stated that there were no, or very poor records and that he couldn't prove who had prepaid for memberships. The proof of that obligation was easy enough to prove, even though the former owner's supposedly had poor records, yet Scott wanted to drag the matter out, denying his obligation while trying to involve the previous owners. Johnny, help me out here, should I be thankful for the delay or the agreement to make a partial payment to settle the obligation. Yes I suppose I am thankful; thankful that I am not involved in an ongoing business relationship with him. Now as far as insulting his family, I am sorry that happened. When the Tribune wrote the first article on Scott, I apologize that I asked who his father was. I am also sorry that others in the community looked up public records on members of his family, and that those records were embarrassing to him. So now you have it Johnny, I am both thankful and sorry! Do you have a stamp? I will repay you when my check comes in. |
You must realize by now that the Albert Lea Golf Club was a poorly managed business and they ultimately ran the business into the hole. The way I read it, it was just a matter of time before it went belly up or was sold. I believe that the "Club" kept a low profile as being a public course in order to limit its play to the good ole boys. Your resentments to Mr. LaFavre are misguided and should be directed to the "Club's" owners and to its "Club Members".
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 16 2006,9:51 pm
Menance, the club was poorly run! It has been years since the place ran as a restricted country club, and if that fact was known by the public at large had more to do with the owners not being very good at or not thinking they had to do promotion of their business than any attempt by the membership to be exclusive. I am not one of the good old boys, don't really socialize with them or their families, except I did play golf at the Albert Lea Golf Club, and had been a member on and off for many years. The good old boys neither invited me to join or worked to keep me out. Although I didn't eat or spend time at the bar, I did enjoy the golf as did my wife and kids. Most who spent any time out there knew that the place was and had been mismanaged for as far back as most could remember. That being said, the club always found some way to reorganize to keep the doors open. Although I was not part of the group that met with Mr. LaFavre in an attempt to see what could be done to keep the place open, I do know that their efforts were unsuccessful. I do not harbor resentment for LaFavre, and I do not feel it is misguided to think that a refund of all membership fees should have been forthcoming immediately upon his closing the course. Somehow I get the feeling that you and some others think I am misguided for wanting a refund or that somehow I deserved what I got from LaFavre for being a club member. All I can tell you is I like golf and his sitting on my money has kept me off the links most of this summer.
Posted by BAD PIG on Jul. 16 2006,10:09 pm
ALFY.Well , get your butt out to the golf club and get your money's worth on the " free golf " weekend's and drop some of that " refund " into the fire/police pockets. What do you think of them apples?
Posted by Mamma on Jul. 16 2006,10:22 pm
I don't understand why you would think it is the new owners responsibility to refund your membership. I would think that if the previous owners knew they were going to sell the property, they shouldn't have taken your money. They are the ones that profited by your membership, not Scott.
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 16 2006,10:38 pm
Every one is welcome to golf FREE. EVERY ONE
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 17 2006,6:52 am
Mamma, I don't know why Scott and not the old owners. The prepaid members came up short and hired an attorney. Ask an attorney why it is Scott, or you can take Scott at his word that he is just a nice guy.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 17 2006,7:12 am
Jesus H Christ. It's none of your business. You're not even a party to this. Scott's doing a little PR...get over it.
Posted by Mamma on Jul. 17 2006,8:45 am
Oh excuse me, you Tony Soprano wannabe, I didn't realize you were the only one allowed to have an opinion. Once again.....so sorry.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 17 2006,12:21 pm
| Quote (Mamma @ July 17 2006,8:45am) |
| Oh excuse me, you Tony Soprano wannabe, I didn't realize you were the only one allowed to have an opinion. Once again.....so sorry. |
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 19 2006,10:18 am
| Quote (Replicant @ July 06 2006,11:32am) |
| By the way, did anyone ever check out the real estate transaction that is public record at the courthouse? It would be interesting to find out the actual purchase price and other details. |
< Albert Lea Golf Club price: $1.07 million >
| Quote |
| Records also show a mortgage secured by Eagles' Rest development at $937,500. |
That's $137,500 cash on the real estate property if basic math applies here. As the article states, equipment brought the total to $1.4 million. Wonder how much of that was leveraged? This confirms my suspicion this was not an all or mostly cash transaction. Lafavre's pockets are not endlessly deep it seems.
Good article Tribune.
Wish it had made it in sooner though.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 19 2006,10:29 am
You obviously don't know much about leverage and real estate. Why would you pay cash when you can finance it and use your cash for other investments? Donald Trump finances every one of his real estate projects. Does that mean he doesn't have deep pockets either?
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 19 2006,10:52 am
I understand plenty about finance and opportunity cost as it relates to cash resources.Just pointing out that super developer pulls his pants on one leg at a time just like us hicks. After all, he is one of us.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 19 2006,10:54 am
He makes all his deals with other peoples money and of course the house of cards may come down if he can't sell enough high dollar lots. If I spend $400 to $500 thousand dollars I don't wanna live under some association.
Posted by BAD PIG on Jul. 19 2006,10:58 am
TRUMP has been broke a few times when he was younger and had to start over a few times. What happens to the very rich is they put all of there money into buying property and they don't have much for cash flow.
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 19 2006,12:27 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ July 19 2006,10:29am) |
| You obviously don't know much about leverage and real estate. Why would you pay cash when you can finance it and use your cash for other investments? Donald Trump finances every one of his real estate projects. Does that mean he doesn't have deep pockets either? |
Ya know, I think even cavemen have a rudimentary understanding of leverage. Insurance too.
I'll have roast duck with the mango salsa.
Posted by scorenix on Jul. 19 2006,4:22 pm
| Quote (jane doe @ July 07 2006,11:24pm) |
| Seeing as there is so much speculation as to what Mr. LaFavre's motives are...............is there anyone who would like to actually ask my dad (yes, my dad is Mr. LaFavre) any direct questions? He'd be more than happy to answer them. |
Okay. You said checks were going out to the former members last Friday. Now it's Wednesday and the former members have still not received their checks.
Question: have you mailed out checks to the former members?
If not, do you intend to mail out checks to the former members?
If you do, when is the latest date they will get their checks?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 19 2006,6:46 pm
I'm just not lucky! Every time I open the Trib I only have two stars. Every time I go to the mail box I'm just not lucky. Maybe it got lost in the mail. O well there will be kinda free golf this weekend, just too bad that I have to be out of town. See what I mean, stuck with two star days.Replicant, don't mind that you pat yourself on the back, it was a good article, in fact the whole paper tonight was dam good. Except there I was with those stinking two stars again. Why don't you see what you can do about that.
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 19 2006,8:01 pm
Hi Jane Doe....i have a direct question for your father! How does he expect to make any money on this project? As he stated in the tribune it is a $60 million development. That is 300 lots at $200,000. Last i checked he doesn't have half that many lots and he is asking half that amount for them. Did he take junior high math classes or is he as full of it as everyone thinks he is!!!
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 19 2006,9:59 pm
If the development is going to cost him $60 mill to bring in he will be upside down in it by twice what he can make. So it can't be that, and it can't be the potential gross for his portion of the project. So what is going on here? Lots sold and homes constructed, maybe, but I really think he is trying to get the taxing authorities to salivate over his project by blowing smoke up their butts. I think he is gaming at the public trough and he has some of the gullible coming his way. Just watch as he will start pulling away funds from other commitments as public officials start Jonesing for the tax streams off of this "$60 million development".
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 22 2006,6:04 pm
Did anyone get their checks yet ?
Posted by I was born in a small town on Jul. 22 2006,9:23 pm
I never heard him say he was investing 60 million. I assume he means the total value of the property after the homes are built.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 23 2006,6:16 am
^^Well, I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Prob'ly die in a small town
Oh, those small communities
All my friends are so small town
My parents live in the same small town
My job is so small town
Provides little opportunity
Educated in a small town
Taught the fear of Jesus in a small town
Used to daydream in that small town
Another boring romantic that's me
I've seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town
Now she's small town just like me
No, I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be
Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look who's in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Well, I was born in a small town
And I can breathe in a small town
Gonna die in this small town
And that's prob'ly where they'll bury me ...
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 25 2006,8:56 am
Well, last night's approval by city council finalized the country club's fate. The bulldozers should be out there soon. I'm assuming the members got their checks because I haven't heard anything in a while.
Posted by conservativeguy on Jul. 25 2006,9:09 am
It sealed Mr. Lefavre's fate as well......that is a losing project, best of luck to him!!!
Posted by TameThaTane on Jul. 25 2006,9:14 am
I think he'll sell some lots, no doubt. It's prime land with a nice view, I won't dispute that. He doesn't have to sell many to recoup his investment. I just don't like the idea of spending all that money and then having to live under somebody else's association rules.
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 25 2006,9:20 am
| Quote (TameThaTane @ July 25 2006,9:14am) |
| I think he'll sell some lots, no doubt. It's prime land with a nice view, I won't dispute that. He doesn't have to sell many to recoup his investment. I just don't like the idea of spending all that money and then having to live under somebody else's association rules. |
I know that living under an association can make some people feel "constrained" but most associations for high-end single family developments in MN are a lot less intrusive than ones in townhome or other high density developments. In the cities, it seems like homeowners associations are very popular in high-end developments because most include them now it seems.
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 25 2006,9:41 am
'''''''''''''
Posted by JohnDoe on Jul. 25 2006,9:58 am
| Quote (hymiebravo @ July 25 2006,9:41am) |
| JohnDoe < http://www.xtheband.com/doe.html > |
You found me! Want to buy my CD? lol
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 25 2006,10:39 am
......................
Posted by jane doe on Jul. 31 2006,8:54 pm
Did members get refunds yet ?
Posted by FlyguyAL on Jul. 31 2006,9:39 pm
| Quote (jane doe @ July 31 2006,8:54pm) |
| Did members get refunds yet ? |
Posted by banquo on Jul. 31 2006,10:05 pm
| Quote (FlyguyAL @ July 31 2006,9:39pm) | ||
|
Those were the days when SNL was funny! I rarely even watch it anymore. Bad writers?
Good to hear from you again, Fly.
So sorry for the thread sidejack.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 01 2006,10:16 am
It was nice to see the city call Lefavres' bluff on the $100,000. "I can not answer that at this time." Well, as funny as it sounds that is the most intelligent quote the guy has had printed since he showed up here. Maybe he has learned to quit saying insane things as no one believes them anyway!!! Oh, and real classy to show up 20 minutes late!!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 01 2006,2:50 pm
JANE DOE. YES,YES,YES, the Albert Lea Tribune reported the past members got the refunds. I still don't understand why the new owners (Scott L.) had or wanted to pay for the refunds? I think the old owners from Iowa should of had to pay up. Was there a contract reason that Scott paid this refund?
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 01 2006,4:23 pm
He was required to pay them in the contract.....even though he says he wasn't!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 01 2006,9:02 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 01 2006,4:23pm) |
| He was required to pay them in the contract.....even though he says he wasn't!! |
Have you read the contract? The one that I read said nothing about refunding the members.
Posted by jane doe on Aug. 08 2006,9:58 am
When can lots be sold ?
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 08 2006,12:21 pm
Hey Jane Doe, just ask your dad about the lots....i'm sure he can lie and make stuff up to you just as easy as he can to the rest of the town.
Posted by TameThaTane on Aug. 09 2006,5:40 pm
He's got a tough row to hoe, why with O'brien building his get up and all...
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 10 2006,8:27 am
| Quote (TameThaTane @ Aug. 09 2006,5:40pm) |
| He's got a tough row to hoe, why with O'brien building his get up and all... |
Wasn't O'Brien one of the people saying that there is no demand for high-end lots in Albert Lea?
Posted by TameThaTane on Aug. 10 2006,9:30 am
^^If you can't beat em, join em! 
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 10 2006,10:35 am
Big difference John Doe.......Hugh O'Byrne is a well liked and well respected member of the community......unlike Mr. Lefavre. The response to his plan will be much more favorable. Also, he has lots selling for as low as $50-$60 thousand.....not $200,000. Maybe if he put in a water park he could sell more lots and get more money for them..........huge demand for a residential water park around here
Posted by leftALintime on Aug. 10 2006,10:37 am
And Hugh is not tearing down a golf course to do it, or bulldozing his ideas down anyones throat!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 10 2006,6:37 pm
Scott isn't bulldozing his ideas down anybodys throat. Nobody says anything if you were to do landscaping on your property. Think of it as a large landscaping project on his own large, private lawn.I think it's good that there is a new golf course being developed. A 7,000 yard golf course would be awesome, provided that people are willing to pay enough to make it feasable. However, There are thousands of empty lots on golf courses across MN so hopefully they do better than average. You can build a golf course anywhere, but it's much harder to build a large, recreational lake.
Hopefully both developments do well though.
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 10 2006,7:33 pm
...................
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 10 2006,8:01 pm
| Quote (hymiebravo @ Aug. 10 2006,7:33pm) | ||
Except the land out there isn't really even on the lake is it ? You consider that area out there to be a large recreational lake ? lol |
I'm assuming you're talking about the Eagles Rest Development site. Who said it was directly on the lake? It does have spectacular lake views, however. As you should know, lake views are very attractive to homeowners.
And yes, I do consider Fountain Lake to be a recreational lake.
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 10 2006,8:37 pm
...............
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 10 2006,9:16 pm
I would love to see a group of homeowners get together and build a recreational lake of any substance and establish a community around it. I've never seen it done with a body of water over 30 acres but I'm not saying it's impossible. It would, however, be very expensive... If that gets done, I will be impressed.
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 10 2006,9:36 pm
.........................
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 10 2006,10:00 pm
......................
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 11 2006,2:48 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 10 2006,6:37pm) |
| Scott isn't bulldozing his ideas down anybodys throat. Nobody says anything if you were to do landscaping on your property. Think of it as a large landscaping project on his own large, private lawn. |
Well get on with it then.....start your landscaping project and wallow in it the next 30 years. I don't think it has much chance to work at all!!! Unless of course the water park, tennis courts, water fountains, basketball courts, bowling alleys, and whatever other crazy ideas you have are included, then it will be a great success!!!!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 11 2006,3:54 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 11 2006,2:48pm) | ||
Well get on with it then.....start your landscaping project and wallow in it the next 30 years. I don't think it has much chance to work at all!!! Unless of course the water park, tennis courts, water fountains, basketball courts, bowling alleys, and whatever other crazy ideas you have are included, then it will be a great success!!!!! |
The funny part about this comment is... Your opinion doesn't count for anything because you didn't buy the property.
Nobody is forcing you to buy a lot so don't worry about it.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 11 2006,4:14 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 11 2006,3:54pm) |
| Nobody is forcing you to buy a lot so don't worry about it. |
I think the more accurate statement is.....NOBODY IS BUYING A LOT AT ALL........good luck to ya!!!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 12 2006,8:51 am
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 11 2006,4:14pm) | ||
I think the more accurate statement is.....NOBODY IS BUYING A LOT AT ALL........good luck to ya!!!! |
Negative people like you are why Albert Lea has had negative growth over the past 20 years. I applaud anyone who is willing to take a personal risk to try to get Albert Lea to grow.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 14 2006,8:10 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 12 2006,8:51am) |
| Negative people like you are why Albert Lea has had negative growth over the past 20 years. I applaud anyone who is willing to take a personal risk to try to get Albert Lea to grow. |
I am only negative about things that are negative for this town......this clearly is!!! Mr. Lefavre will find that out first hand when he finally realizes that it won't work as a development(especially with the crazy ideas he has), it won't work as a golf course(90% of the people who golf in town hate him), so what he ends up with is a $1.2 million dollar playground of his own. It seems he can afford it though, so enjoy it over the next 40 years!!!!
Posted by Two Bears on Aug. 14 2006,10:51 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 12 2006,8:51am) | ||||
Negative people like you are why Albert Lea has had negative growth over the past 20 years. I applaud anyone who is willing to take a personal risk to try to get Albert Lea to grow. |
You got that right!
Posted by REPOMAN on Aug. 14 2006,3:24 pm
it's an awful lot of money on the line...
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 22 2006,2:54 pm
I see there's people still golfing there, I drove by on monday and seen a few cart's out. Is the free golf offer ( DONATION ) still open to the public on weekday's or just weekend's?
Posted by grassman on Aug. 22 2006,10:51 pm
This thread is waaayyy tooo long! 
Posted by jane doe on Aug. 23 2006,11:45 am
Free golf every day .
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 23 2006,12:14 pm
JANE DOE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 23 2006,4:47 pm
I was driving by the golf course today and there was some kids and there mom golfing. It's good to see the parents take there kids out to learn the game. " PRICELESS" Thanks SCOTTY L. Also, if you need a caddie, Cal Johnson and Dennis Bergstrom will caddie for you.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 24 2006,9:36 am
Hey Bad Pig, do you have a problem with those two for some reason??
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 24 2006,12:35 pm
NO PROBLEM. Just poking a little fun at them BOYS. 
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 24 2006,1:20 pm
I don't get it???
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 24 2006,2:52 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 24 2006,1:20pm) |
| I don't get it??? |
Now there's a statement that has some truth!!
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 24 2006,2:54 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 24 2006,2:52pm) |
| Now there's a statement that has some truth!! |
That development of yours is really booming!!!!! Tons of activity out there.....keep up the good work!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 24 2006,3:57 pm
CONSERVATIVEGUY. Why the big chip on your shoulders? Was that your favorite place to play in the past? Scott owns the land and he can do what ever he wants with it. He must have a BIG HEART To let people golf for free. My hat's off to you Scotty L. , you own it and you can do what you want with it.
Posted by DeadEye on Aug. 24 2006,9:44 pm
Good ole scotty boy has to try and do something to win over the public. He thought that he was going to be the hero of AL, but he needs to realize that he's not wanted here!!!
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,8:29 am
| Quote (DeadEye @ Aug. 24 2006,9:44pm) |
| Good ole scotty boy has to try and do something to win over the public. He thought that he was going to be the hero of AL, but he needs to realize that he's not wanted here!!! |
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 25 2006,8:35 am
DEADEYE. Maybe not wanted by the former members of the golf club because he bought there favorite place to play and the former members can't control what happened. Going against Scotty L. is like going against Albert Lea and SHOOTING yourself in the FOOT. 
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,8:47 am
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Aug. 25 2006,8:35am) |
| DEADEYE. Maybe not wanted by the former members of the golf club because he bought there favorite place to play and the former members can't control what happened. Going against Scotty L. is like going against Albert Lea and SHOOTING yourself in the FOOT. |
90% of the business community in the survey taken by the chamber disapproved of the project. That sounds like more than just the old members to me!!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 25 2006,9:14 am
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 25 2006,8:47am) | ||
90% of the business community in the survey taken by the chamber disapproved of the project. That sounds like more than just the old members to me!!! |
Is whining about the project on an online blog going to make a difference? NO! If you don't like the project, don't buy a lot. It's as simple as that. The market will determine if the project was a good idea or not with time.
Posted by Liberal on Aug. 25 2006,9:31 am
| Quote |
90% of the business community in the survey taken by the chamber disapproved of the project. That sounds like more than just the old members to me!!! |
Why would anyone care what the Chamber thinks about a private business deal?
Does the Chamber put out a survey for every business deal?
Posted by ICU812 on Aug. 25 2006,9:47 am
| Quote |
| Why would anyone care what the Chamber thinks about a private business deal? |
Exactly
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,9:56 am
| Quote (Liberal @ Aug. 25 2006,9:31am) |
| 90% of the business community in the survey taken by the chamber disapproved of the project. That sounds like more than just the old members to me!!! Why would anyone care what the Chamber thinks about a private business deal? Does the Chamber put out a survey for every business deal? |
I don't care myself, i was just stating that it was more than the former members who think this project is a bad idea for the community. By the way John Doe, just how many of those emmaculate lots have you sold so far......and do us all a favor and answer a question without lying!!!!
Posted by menace616 on Aug. 25 2006,10:08 am
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 25 2006,8:47am) |
| 90% of the business community in the survey taken by the chamber disapproved of the project. That sounds like more than just the old members to me!!! |
What survey? I couldn't find any such survey on the Chamber's website. Where did you get this information?
< Chamber >
Posted by jane doe on Aug. 25 2006,10:08 am
Conservativeguy.... What questions has he lied about? And what position are you in to know that even if he did?
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,10:16 am
| Quote (jane doe @ Aug. 25 2006,10:08am) |
| Conservativeguy.... What questions has he lied about? And what position are you in to know that even if he did? |
Ummmmmmm......closing date, when the checks to members would be returned, start date of the project, sales price.......
should i keep going?
Posted by menace616 on Aug. 25 2006,10:19 am
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 25 2006,10:16am) | ||
Ummmmmmm......closing date, when the checks to members would be returned, start date of the project, sales price....... should i keep going? |
What survey? I couldn't find any such survey on the Chamber's website. Where did you get this information?
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,10:20 am
-----Original Message-----From: Chamber of Commerce [mailto:alfccoc@albertlea.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 1:32 PM
To: Chamber Members
Subject: Survey Results
APRIL 24, 2006 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
The results of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce survey have been completed.
The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce received numerous inquiries from our members regarding the Albert Lea Golf Club. Based on these inquiries’s and the public interest the Executive Board made the decision to conduct the survey to obtain the Chamber Member feed back on the proposed Eagles Rest Development.
The multiple choice survey asked our members if they were in favor of the development with no golf course, if they were in favor of development with housing around the golf course or having the golf course remain as is.
The results of the survey are as follows:
Survey Results
The following is a tabular depiction of the responses to each survey question.
1. I am in favor of the development with no golf course.
92.3% 229 No
7.7% 19 Yes
2. I am in favor of development with housing around the golf course.
51.6% 128 Yes
48.4% 120 No
3. I am in favor of leaving the Golf Course as is.
81.0% 201 Yes
19.0% 47 No
Posted by menace616 on Aug. 25 2006,10:31 am
Thank you conservativeguy for the info on the survey. I was unaware of this survey. Do you know who authored the questions listed in the survey? The questions seem biased towards the golf course.
Posted by jane doe on Aug. 25 2006,10:36 am
Ummmmmmm......closing date, when the checks to members would be returned, start date of the project, sales price....... should i keep going? OK.....I hate to break it to you, but seeing as you obviously have no idea how these things work, i'll break them down to a elementary level.
In real estate closing dates never happen on time........too many factors can get in the way.
The checks.....he didn't have to return any money to you......does that not register with you? I find it funny that you loath a man you don't know, (I believe that's called ignorance) yet you're more than happy to take his money. Yes, his money because your money was paid to the previous owners.
Start date of the project and the sale price........he can start it when he wants to start. Let me tell you a secret. It's his property...he can change his mind as many times as he wants........I don't believe that is called lying.
Please keep going, I would like to know them all.
.......now let me ask you another question, have you ever done a real estate deal (buying a house doesn't count) before in your life?
OK, one more............why are you so bitter? Is your life really that bad?
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,10:37 am
| Quote (menace616 @ Aug. 25 2006,10:31am) |
| Thank you conservativeguy for the info on the survey. I was unaware of this survey. Do you know who authored the questions listed in the survey? The questions seem biased towards the golf course. |
Don't know the answer to that...someone at the chamber i suppose but don't know who.
Posted by BAD PIG on Aug. 25 2006,12:20 pm
CONSERVATIVEGUY. I think we will all chip in and buy you a lot out there. You can take a DIRT NAP about 6 FEET UNDER. WE WILL BRING FLOWERS TO YOU.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 25 2006,12:43 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Aug. 25 2006,12:20pm) |
| CONSERVATIVEGUY. I think we will all chip in and buy you a lot out there. You can take a DIRT NAP about 6 FEET UNDER. WE WILL BRING FLOWERS TO YOU. |
It might be his only chance to sell a lot.....you should look into that for him!!!!
Posted by Two Bears on Aug. 25 2006,12:48 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Aug. 25 2006,10:20am) |
| -----Original Message----- From: Chamber of Commerce [mailto:alfccoc@albertlea.org] Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 1:32 PM To: Chamber Members Subject: Survey Results APRIL 24, 2006 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT The results of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce survey have been completed. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce received numerous inquiries from our members regarding the Albert Lea Golf Club. Based on these inquiries’s and the public interest the Executive Board made the decision to conduct the survey to obtain the Chamber Member feed back on the proposed Eagles Rest Development. The multiple choice survey asked our members if they were in favor of the development with no golf course, if they were in favor of development with housing around the golf course or having the golf course remain as is. The results of the survey are as follows: Survey Results The following is a tabular depiction of the responses to each survey question. 1. I am in favor of the development with no golf course. 92.3% 229 No 7.7% 19 Yes 2. I am in favor of development with housing around the golf course. 51.6% 128 Yes 48.4% 120 No 3. I am in favor of leaving the Golf Course as is. 81.0% 201 Yes 19.0% 47 No |
He made it up
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 28 2006,7:25 pm
Why would someone go through all the trouble of administering a survey like that unless they thought their opinion made a difference? Silly people... you were mistaken.
Posted by fredbear on Aug. 28 2006,10:36 pm
Yeah - I'm curious to see other survey results from the Chamber. Like Liberal said Is it just for this project or every new project. What were the survey results for the new golf course and housing development? Or Tiger Hills? Or Larryland? Or another truck stop next to the other truck stop and all the traffic problems? How about a survey on how long will it take to develop the old Farmstead site. How long has it been since its been cleaned up? 4-5 years? And not a damn thing done. Sure is a lovely attraction for all the tourists coming to town
Somebody comes to town and wants to change things up a bit and then gets lambasted because he doesn't have a huge development complete within 2 months and is a considered a failure.
I
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 29 2006,8:24 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 28 2006,7:25pm) |
| Why would someone go through all the trouble of administering a survey like that unless they thought their opinion made a difference? Silly people... you were mistaken. |
There you go again telling the community you are going to be depending on for your project to go take a leap. You've done that in the paper numerous times and now on here. Telling all the business owners in town that their opinions are meaningless. Well done Scotty, you prove once again to everyone how ignorant you are......BRAVO!!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 29 2006,9:16 am
Why do you keep calling me Scotty? I'm not Scott LaFavre.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 29 2006,9:24 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Aug. 29 2006,9:16am) |
| Why do you keep calling me Scotty? I'm not Scott LaFavre. |
And i suppose Jane Doe isn't your kid either?!?!!?
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 29 2006,9:37 am
you are correct, for once.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 29 2006,9:46 am
| Quote (jane doe @ July 07 2006,11:24pm) |
| Seeing as there is so much speculation as to what Mr. LaFavre's motives are...............is there anyone who would like to actually ask my dad (yes, my dad is Mr. LaFavre) any direct questions? He'd be more than happy to answer them. |
Looks like another lie perhaps!!!!
Posted by JohnDoe on Aug. 29 2006,10:22 am
How does that make me that person's father? Just because we both have doe as part of our ID names, it doesn't mean we're related. Do you work or anything? You are so quick to respond on here that it is actually pretty amusing.
Posted by conservativeguy on Aug. 29 2006,10:30 am
Nope, i'm unemployed, so unfortunately i will never be able to afford one of your amazing lots......too bad, i was really looking forward to using that water park!!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 04 2006,11:51 am
I noticed on Thursday as I was driving by the golf course two former members out playing the course. Roy Nystrom and Rory Mattson, are you guys eating CROW FOR LUNCH?
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 04 2006,9:21 pm
Alot of people there today playing the course. Maybe some of the players from the shortstop tournament are there for one final round before they head out of town.
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 05 2006,6:50 pm
I noticed some heavy equipment out there in the parking lot. Are they going to tear it up soon?
Posted by jane doe on Sep. 09 2006,11:37 am
I want to make things clear..........JohnDoe is not my father. Let me spell that out for you Conservativeguy.........that means he is not Scott LaFavre.
Posted by fredbear on Sep. 09 2006,2:33 pm
Hey - thanks for clearing that up.....like 10 days after it was last referenced. In case you didn't notice Bad Pig is the only one posting and their kinda stupid posts anyway. If you ignore it, it will go away.
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 10 2006,8:14 pm
FREDBEAR. IGNORE it and it will not go away, it will go back to the TOP.
Posted by fredbear on Sep. 10 2006,10:23 pm
| Quote (fredbear @ Sep. 09 2006,2:33pm) |
| In case you didn't notice Bad Pig is the only one posting and their kinda stupid posts anyway. |
Now you see exactly what I mean.......
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 11 2006,8:08 am
FREDBEAR. " HAVE A NICE DAY "
Posted by JohnDoe on Sep. 11 2006,8:17 am
Does anyone have any good stories they want to share about golfing at the country club this summer?
Posted by DeadEye on Sep. 11 2006,8:32 am
Yes, everything was great until some jacka** came and ruined it for the community of Albert Lea!!!!!!!!
Posted by fredbear on Sep. 11 2006,9:07 am
Boo - frickin - hoo, bulldoze all the golf courses.
Posted by JohnDoe on Sep. 11 2006,11:16 am
| Quote (DeadEye @ Sep. 11 2006,8:32am) |
| Yes, everything was great until some jacka** came and ruined it for the community of Albert Lea!!!!!!!! |
Wow. Do you mean to imply that golfing at a privately owned golf course is a right and not a privelage? If the old members wouldn't have complained about rate increases the course wouldn't have lost so much money. When investments constantly lose money, especially when they (the former owners)aren't appreciated, they want to sell and get out fast.
I don't get why the vocal minority blame LaFavre for the club going away when the old members brought it on themselves. It was a business decision by the LaFavres and they gave others an opportunity to present them with an offer to purchase it as well. Regardless of what anybody says about a price, no offer was ever submitted!
If they didn't believe that this project would be good for Albert Lea, then they wouldn't have assumed the financial risk to undertake it.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 11 2006,11:22 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Sep. 11 2006,11:16am) |
| Wow. Do you mean to imply that golfing at a privately owned golf course is a right and not a privelage? If the old members wouldn't have complained about rate increases the course wouldn't have lost so much money. When investments constantly lose money, especially when they (the former owners)aren't appreciated, they want to sell and get out fast. |
Were you an old member?
? Do you have any idea what went on out there with the old members??
Posted by JohnDoe on Sep. 11 2006,11:36 am
I have heard many stories and I know what the former owners said about everything. And I know there was a large partial refund of membership dues early this year after everyone complained about rate increases.I also know that ALCC hasn't had a profitable year in over a decade. A reasonable analyst would interpret that as the community not being supportive of a golf course being there. Verbal support won't make a private business continue to lose money, only financial support could have kept the ALCC as a golf course.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 11 2006,11:45 am
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Sep. 11 2006,11:36am) |
| I have heard many stories and I know what the former owners said about everything. And I know there was a large partial refund of membership dues early this year after everyone complained about rate increases. I also know that ALCC hasn't had a profitable year in over a decade. A reasonable analyst would interpret that as the community not being supportive of a golf course being there. Verbal support won't make a private business continue to lose money, only financial support could have kept the ALCC as a golf course. |
So you admit you have no idea how much time and money the membership put into making that place work......the former owners would have lost much much more money than they did if it wasn't for the time, money, and effort the membership put into the place....they put more time and money into making that place work than the former owners ever did.
I don't think the membership was upset over the sale, I think they were upset because the former ownership went behind their backs and sold it, while all the while telling them they were going to take steps to have a better year.
Posted by JohnDoe on Sep. 11 2006,11:56 am
Ok, that I can understand. But if that is all they are upset about, why are they taking it out on the LaFavres?
Posted by scorenix on Sep. 11 2006,12:19 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Sep. 11 2006,11:16am) |
| When investments constantly lose money, especially when they (the former owners)aren't appreciated, they want to sell and get out fast. |
I'm not on either side of this dispute, but I do want to point out that the customer is not in a position to "appreciate" the owner. It's the other way around. And that's why the Country Club was a failure.
Imagine if I ran a business and my attitude was gee, customers won't support a price increase, well, screw them, they just don't appreciate me. I won't be in business very long. Neither were they.
As has been pointed out, Green Lea has been a success, and I remember when Green Lea had major problems. It took an ownership change, someone committed, someone dedicated to customer service (and, most likely, a love for the business).
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 11 2006,1:05 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Sep. 11 2006,11:56am) |
| Ok, that I can understand. But if that is all they are upset about, why are they taking it out on the LaFavres? |
I don't think it is the Lefavres' they are taking it out on.....i don't think it is anything personal towards them, people would be upset with whomever was doing this because people feel it is bad for the community.....it just happens to be the Lefavres' who bought it!!!
I don't hold anything personally against the Lefavres'.....i feel it is a bad idea for the community and a stupid idea on their parts, i would feel that regardless of who had the idea so i don't think they are personally being singled out!
Posted by scorenix on Sep. 11 2006,2:15 pm
It's a risky project in a community with household income of, I think, sub-$40,000. Business expansion has not brought into town the people who would buy $400,000 plus homes. The existing community, if they were to move, would have to find people who would buy their homes. Add to that the national economy with the decline in housing (and an overabudance of homes not selling, which is also true in Albert Lea), and it makes the project even riskier.The biggest "fear" the community has, I think, is that the project will get started, but then not get finished. And all you'd have is a big hole in the ground. No one wants to see that.
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 11 2006,2:16 pm
SCORENIX. GREEN LEA has been a success, WHAT A JOKE. When Jack Greengo owned the course he took good care of the customers and not very good care of the course. Jeff Elseth, takes care of the course and only takes care of his high school buddies and not very good care to the customers.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 11 2006,2:54 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Sep. 11 2006,2:16pm) |
| SCORENIX. GREEN LEA has been a success, WHAT A JOKE. When Jack Greengo owned the course he took good care of the customers and not very good care of the course. Jeff Elseth, takes care of the course and only takes care of his high school buddies and not very good care to the customers. |
That is the stupidest thing i have ever heard.....i'm not his high school buddy and he treats me great!!!!! Also, look at his bottom line, i think it would be hard not to call that a success!!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 11 2006,5:45 pm
CONS GUY. I did'nt say you were one of his high school little buddies. OK, you must be his FAVORITE CUSTOMER that wears the KNEE PADS and shines his POLE.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 12 2006,9:07 am
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Sep. 11 2006,5:45pm) |
| CONS GUY. I did'nt say you were one of his high school little buddies. OK, you must be his FAVORITE CUSTOMER that wears the KNEE PADS and shines his POLE. |
I don't get people on this thing....you obviously don't know Jeff very well at all and you go on this forum and rip on him....for what reason?
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 12 2006,2:52 pm
CONS GUY. I know Jeff Elseth alot better than you think. What do you think, I just make up this stuff or what? I was a former member and also grew up on the course as a kid. You can't own a place and have FAVORITES and expect to keep all the CUSTOMERS.
Posted by fredbear on Sep. 12 2006,3:19 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Sep. 12 2006,9:07am) | ||
I don't get people on this thing....you obviously don't know Jeff very well at all and you go on this forum and rip on him....for what reason? |
Yet you get on here and rip LaFavre. Do you know him that well or did he just by your little course out from under you.
As far as I know you could still offer him a price. Nothing been done yet. He bought it fair and square yet you continue to piss and moan. Make an offer or STFU.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 12 2006,3:20 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Sep. 12 2006,2:52pm) |
| CONS GUY. I know Jeff Elseth alot better than you think. What do you think, I just make up this stuff or what? I was a former member and also grew up on the course as a kid. You can't own a place and have FAVORITES and expect to keep all the CUSTOMERS. |
Well, whatever he is doing he must be doing something right...the golf course is packed, the bar is packed and he is raking in the dough......maybe it is because people like you don't play there anymore!!!
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 12 2006,7:39 pm
CONS GUY. Jeff Elseth now has the ONLY COURSE IN TOWN , it's not to hard to be #1 with no other course in town. THINK ABOUT IT. This is why we need another course in town to have choices and to keep JEFF HONEST. Also a few years ago alot of the members went to the golf club and other courses and some to oak view in freeborn. Some members said because it's to high priced for the course it is. You look at the cost of memberships at some of the area courses around this area and you will see that green lea is out of line, way out of line.
Posted by scorenix on Sep. 12 2006,8:22 pm
So is your real grievance the price of an annual membership?
Posted by BAD PIG on Sep. 12 2006,9:31 pm
SORENIX. NO, my gripe is what alot of others would say to. Back about 5 to 10 years ago Jeff was more worried about chasing this chick that use to work for him (coleen) and not taking care of his customers and he had a attitude problem. Also he did lose some players due to all his increases. The GOLDEN RULE is you treat all customers EQUAL . Maybe he finally got his act togeather when his mom and dad got back to town. His dad HARLAN is very nice to all the people at the course and a very hard worker.
Posted by conservativeguy on Sep. 12 2006,9:51 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Sep. 12 2006,9:31pm) |
| SORENIX. NO, my gripe is what alot of others would say to. Back about 5 to 10 years ago Jeff was more worried about chasing this chick that use to work for him (coleen) and not taking care of his customers and he had a attitude problem. Also he did lose some players due to all his increases. The GOLDEN RULE is you treat all customers EQUAL . Maybe he finally got his act togeather when his mom and dad got back to town. His dad HARLAN is very nice to all the people at the course and a very hard worker. |
You obviously don't know anything, and i stress ANYTHING about golf if you think his rates are high!!! Good ridance, i'm sure jeff is much happier without you playing HIS course!!!
Posted by TameThaTane on Sep. 12 2006,10:53 pm
Never chase a chick that hard...she'll only lose respect for you. Chicks don't see it like you really like her...they see it as desperate. It's when you're ambivalent that they get mad you're not chasing. I know, they're weird. The better lookin', the weirder they are. Want a normal chick, get a fat chick.
Posted by JeffJimenez on Oct. 02 2006,3:05 pm
anyone have any news regarding the country club being "for sale". as posted on another thread the country club was for sale as a golf course once again. any news???
Posted by dufferguy on Oct. 06 2006,10:35 am
I just wanted to congratulate scott on getting through the planning commission last night!!! Good for you buddy!!!!!!
Posted by DeadEye on Oct. 06 2006,12:34 pm
Yeah good for him....he can really get going and fall flat on his face even harder now!!!! What a fool!!!!!!!!!
Posted by conservativeguy on Oct. 06 2006,12:48 pm
I heard a rumor, and granted it is just that so take it with a grain of salt but he wants to get started on Monday but he might not be able to because one of his big CAT rigs is going to get repo'd!! That would be hilarious!!
Posted by ICU812 on Oct. 06 2006,1:24 pm
Well if you see a big cat going down the road with a guy in batman tights driving it, it was repo'd
Posted by BAD PIG on Nov. 07 2006,12:36 pm
I drove by the course today and noticed that they had taken down alot of tree's. WOW, some of them tree's had to be really old. To bad that this project can't work around some of the tree's that are already there. So far it looks like scotty is moving forward with his project.
Posted by Liberal on Nov. 09 2006,9:26 pm
Taken this afternoon.
Posted by menace616 on Nov. 09 2006,10:24 pm
| Quote (BAD PIG @ Nov. 07 2006,12:36pm) |
| I drove by the course today and noticed that they had taken down alot of tree's. WOW, some of them tree's had to be really old. To bad that this project can't work around some of the tree's that are already there. So far it looks like scotty is moving forward with his project. |
I wonder what kind of trees were taken down. Were they diseased trees?
Posted by Ned Kelly on Nov. 10 2006,8:01 am
| Quote (menace616 @ Nov. 09 2006,10:24pm) |
| [quote=BAD PIG,Nov. 07 2006,12:36pm]I drove by the course today and noticed that they had taken down alot of tree's. I wonder what kind of trees were taken down. Were they diseased trees? |
Probably they interferred with someone's view of the lake or something.........
......ned
Posted by Krusty on Nov. 10 2006,8:26 am
Without tree tops, it does leave me to wonder where the Eagles will Rest! Maybe this part of the development will be called Muskrat Rest.
Posted by Liberal on Nov. 10 2006,11:52 am
| Quote (menace616 @ Nov. 09 2006,10:24pm) | ||
I wonder what kind of trees were taken down. Were they diseased trees? |
There were some branches from some type of conifer on the ground in front of me when I took the picture, and they didn't look like the branches from a healthy tree.
Posted by jane doe on Nov. 12 2006,9:33 am
Most of the removed trees were Cottenwoods that were rotted and pines that had seen their better days. For every tree removed it will be replaced with much more desireable hard woods. Most of the replaced trees will be 25 - 40 feet tall.
Posted by Roadhouse on Nov. 12 2006,9:51 pm
No disrespect intended here Ms Doe, but you are dead wrong about those tree's. There were a few large Cottonwood's taken down but there were also many Maples, Locust's, Ash's along with other mature healthy tree's that will not be duplicated for decades. The pine tree's taken down had many good decades left. A land owner has every right to do what he want's with his property, but don't paint that picture any brighter.
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 12 2006,10:40 pm
How big are the lots gonna be?
Posted by jane doe on Nov. 13 2006,9:04 am
The smallest lots will be about a half acre, many will be more than an acre
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 13 2006,8:22 pm
| Quote (jane doe @ Nov. 13 2006,9:04am) |
| The smallest lots will be about a half acre, many will be more than an acre |
Seems like a that's an large lot. See table.
< measures >
Posted by Mamma on Nov. 14 2006,7:22 am
I think the sizes seem about right. By the time you sit a house in the middle, you aren't left with much with a half acre. An acre seems about right to me. It would leave you with a nice lawn.
Posted by hairhertz on Nov. 14 2006,7:50 am
An acre is about 43,000 square feet, many lots in the older parts of AL are in the 6000-10,000 sf range. Roughly 208' x 208' is an acre of land.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 14 2006,7:51 am
Maybe for you or me that aren't city dwellers. That's about 70 yards X 70 yards.
Posted by hymiebravo on Nov. 14 2006,2:47 pm
.........................
Posted by hymiebravo on Nov. 14 2006,2:48 pm
.................
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 14 2006,3:03 pm
Acre lots seem about right Mamma, I concur. How about calling it "Albert Lea Acres" instead of the "Eagles Rest" which seems a bit contemptuous, conceited or supercilious.
Posted by conservativeguy on Nov. 14 2006,3:50 pm
| Quote (TameThaTane @ Nov. 14 2006,3:03pm) |
| which seems a bit contemptuous, conceited or supercilious. |
I think you just described the Lefavres' very well!!!!
Good work!
Posted by JohnDoe on Nov. 14 2006,5:07 pm
| Quote (conservativeguy @ Nov. 14 2006,3:50pm) | ||
I think you just described the Lefavres' very well!!!! Good work! |
Wow, now we're back to showing our maturity by name-calling. If you don't like the development, don't buy a lot. It's that simple.
Posted by menace616 on Nov. 14 2006,6:50 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Nov. 14 2006,5:07pm) | ||||
Wow, now we're back to showing our maturity by name-calling. If you don't like the development, don't buy a lot. It's that simple. |
For sure! I don't understand the name calling at all. Wierd.
Posted by conservativeguy on Nov. 14 2006,6:50 pm
| Quote (JohnDoe @ Nov. 14 2006,5:07pm) | ||||
Wow, now we're back to showing our maturity by name-calling. If you don't like the development, don't buy a lot. It's that simple. |
Okay, thank you for the advice!!! How many lots have you sold so far??
Posted by banquo on Nov. 14 2006,7:44 pm
OK, we have 3 new developments. Who is going to buy all these lots/houses? Somebody is gonna loose out.
Posted by menace616 on Nov. 15 2006,7:49 am
| Quote (banquo @ Nov. 14 2006,7:44pm) |
| OK, we have 3 new developments. Who is going to buy all these lots/houses? Somebody is gonna loose out. |
Look around Albert Lea and you'll see that there's several empty commercial properties and and acres of undeveloped commercial property that have been that way for several years. If you insist on attacking LaFavre, why not ask the owners of these other properties what their plans are and what their timetable is for the development or sale of property they own.
Posted by ICU812 on Nov. 15 2006,9:49 am
| Quote (banquo @ Nov. 14 2006,7:44pm) |
| OK, we have 3 new developments. Who is going to buy all these lots/houses? Somebody is gonna loose out. |
| Quote |
| A new wind was about to blow. |
Fjelstad announced at the last coucil meeting that Paul Sparks will be retiring in July. A private firm(the one we found Victoria with) will be finding us a new Director. With a new director I would think AL should improve its tax base. Time will tell.
| Quote |
| This time payback is for real |
Posted by scorenix on Nov. 15 2006,10:26 am
| Quote (ICU812 @ Nov. 15 2006,9:49am) |
| Fjelstad announced at the last coucil meeting that Paul Sparks will be retiring in July. A private firm(the one we found Victoria with) will be finding us a new Director. With a new director I would think AL should improve its tax base. Time will tell. |
Unless the search is a ruse.
Who really controls the ALEDA? It's not the city, it's the board itself, and with that, the "moneyed, business interests" in Albert Lea.
You really think existing businesses in Albert Lea, like the other manufacturing companies, want to see Albert Lea bring in $13-14 an hour jobs, when existing businesses can get by for under $10 an hour. It would forced them to have to pay their employees more.
The search will end up with someone local, who the business interests can, well, persuade.
Posted by ICU812 on Nov. 15 2006,10:54 am
If they even think of hiring a person from AL we are screwed, I did forget to mention that in my post. And right now with Larson coming in(Thank You whoever made that happen) it is the beginning of a manufacturer(wharehouse) paying better wages in AL.
Who in AL is paying <10 bucks an hour for manufacturing?
Posted by TheTruth on Nov. 15 2006,1:16 pm
| Quote (ICU812 @ Nov. 15 2006,10:54am) |
| And right now with Larson coming in(Thank You whoever made that happen) |
Larson is doing it out of sympathy.
Posted by ICU812 on Nov. 15 2006,1:23 pm
| Quote (TheTruth @ Nov. 15 2006,1:16pm) | ||
Larson is doing it out of sympathy. |
I've heard that before too.
Posted by Madd Max on Nov. 15 2006,3:36 pm
| Quote (scorenix @ Nov. 15 2006,10:26am) |
| The search will end up with someone local, who the business interests can, well, persuade. |
"Bully" Might be a better word
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 15 2006,8:03 pm
The search will end up with someone local, who the business interests can, well, persuade.Really, Now do you suppose they already know who it might be?
Posted by banquo on Nov. 16 2006,8:57 am
| Quote (menace616 @ Nov. 15 2006,7:49am) | ||
Look around Albert Lea and you'll see that there's several empty commercial properties and and acres of undeveloped commercial property that have been that way for several years. If you insist on attacking LaFavre, why not ask the owners of these other properties what their plans are and what their timetable is for the development or sale of property they own. |
My post wasn't attacking anybody, I was just asking what you all thought about where these home buyers are gonna come from for 3 new developments.
Posted by fredbear on Nov. 16 2006,10:10 am
| Quote (ICU812 @ Nov. 15 2006,1:23pm) | ||||
I've heard that before too. |
I doubt that.
Businesses don't make those decisions based on sympathy.
Larson will be money ahead when all is said and done.
Posted by jane doe on Dec. 13 2006,1:03 pm
extensive testing by the MPCA has been completed on the border of the Eagles Rest property and the park. Eagles Rest is CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 13 2006,1:07 pm
^And dat means BLING BLING BLING for you!What are you going to buy wit all your BLING?
Posted by conservativeguy on Dec. 21 2006,3:23 pm
| Quote (TameThaTane @ Dec. 13 2006,1:07pm) |
| ^And dat means BLING BLING BLING for you! What are you going to buy wit all your BLING? |
you gotta sell something to make bling....plus they have to pay for all the infrastructure themselves......they aren't going to make any bling at all.......now that the check to the tree company bounced i doubt it will be much longer until that is American Bank Golf Course!!!!
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 22 2006,1:00 pm
^What you talkin' bout Willis?
Posted by Montyman on Dec. 22 2006,5:20 pm
Someone has to pay for the sewer, water, storm sewer, streets, etc, etc, etc...And someone has to have money to do that...
I bet that property goes back to who ever really has the money in it too !!!!
MM
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 23 2006,5:44 pm
Too late now, all the trees been cut and the course ruined.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Dec. 23 2006,6:07 pm
| Quote (TameThaTane @ Dec. 23 2006,5:44pm) |
| Too late now, all the trees been cut and the course ruined. |
Darn good place to ride snowmobile if it ever snows.....
Or maybe four wheelin? ....ned
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 24 2006,12:22 am
| Quote (scorenix @ Nov. 15 2006,10:26am) |
| Who really controls the ALEDA? It's not the city, it's the board itself, and with that, the "moneyed, business interests" in Albert Lea. The search will end up with someone local, who the business interests can, well, persuade. |
If this is really true, then why does it matter if the person is from Albert Lea or from the outside? Why would someone from "outside" not be subject to the same pressure?
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 24 2006,12:30 am
| Quote (scorenix @ Nov. 15 2006,10:26am) |
| Who really controls the ALEDA? It's not the city, it's the board itself, and with that, the "moneyed, business interests" in Albert Lea. You really think existing businesses in Albert Lea, like the other manufacturing companies, want to see Albert Lea bring in $13-14 an hour jobs, when existing businesses can get by for under $10 an hour. It would forced them to have to pay their employees more. |
You really seem bitter. Why do you choose to live here if things are so bad? I was not born here, but I like it here, but there seems to be a small number of people who are really angery about their lives.
Who are these moneyed folks?
I have heard this rumor over and over but no one seems to be able to name names.
Posted by scorenix on Dec. 24 2006,1:30 am
| Quote (wormbook @ Dec. 24 2006,12:22am) |
| If this is really true, then why does it matter if the person is from Albert Lea or from the outside? Why would someone from "outside" not be subject to the same pressure? |
The mayor and the city council will be responsible for appointing the new Port Authority head, and, thus, the head of the ALEDA. It is important that the mayor and city council go outside the city, because the new head will be independent with respect to the power structure within Albert Lea. He/she will not have vested interests with the existing businesses and organizations within Albert Lea.
When the assistant was appointed, the city went from within and chose a local boy. Someone whose credentials did not match with the position: education and work history. Yet they had applicants from outside the city that had experience in other places, in some cases many years.
Now, take a look at some of the deals the ALEDA has performed: one that was in direct competition with existing local businesses, which the JOBZ program strongly suggested not occur; slapping decals on boats and calling it manufacturing, only to have the state step in say they could not do it; two businesses, after two years, no longer qualifying for JOBZ, yet the ALEDA does nothing to revoke JOBZ status (even though the state has said to do it) - and now I hear "but if we revoke JOBZ the company will go out of business".
Posted by scorenix on Dec. 24 2006,1:37 am
| Quote (wormbook @ Dec. 24 2006,12:30am) |
| You really seem bitter. Why do you choose to live here if things are so bad? I was not born here, but I like it here, but there seems to be a small number of people who are really angery about their lives. Who are these moneyed folks? I have heard this rumor over and over but no one seems to be able to name names. |
No, I'm not bitter, just realistic, and, perhaps, a bit cynical (realism with a sense of humor). The economic climate in Albert Lea, as far as wage prospects, is not good. And it has steadily gone down hill. Minneapolis/St. Paul, even Rochester to a degree, offer more advancement potential.
Albert Lea has a tough future ahead of itself. In order to draw people to this town, it has to have good paying jobs. They aren't here. So we need a development office. We need one that will work not only outside the city to bring in jobs, but within to foster expansion. And that's not happening in this town. There should be an economic team, comprised of several area businesses, whose purpose is to assist economic development. Again, it's not happening here.
The moneyed interests are not hard to find. Think of this way, if you ran a company in Albert Lea, and you could get by paying $9 an hour or less, do you want to see businesses come in and pay more? Of course not, because there will be upward pressure on area wage rates.
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 24 2006,9:53 pm
| Quote (scorenix @ Dec. 24 2006,1:37am) |
| The moneyed interests are not hard to find. Think of this way, if you ran a company in Albert Lea, and you could get by paying $9 an hour or less, do you want to see businesses come in and pay more? Of course not, because there will be upward pressure on area wage rates. |
They must be because I can't think of them and you don't seem to be able to name them either.
The closest thing I can think of goes back to Queens and that was 30 years ago.
If you want to look at a group of elected officals I think you would have to go back to the 60's and 70's. They seem to have thought that meatpacking would not change, Scottsman would not move production out of state, and Streaters was here to stay. And all of these were not local companies so the "monied interests" does not hold true.
Your theroy on labor supply costs ignores the fact that the market for labor is larger than Albert Lea. If someone came in paying more, you would see workers who live in Albert Lea but work outside come back. The idea that a few people can control labor inputs may have been true in the 50's but it is not today.
Posted by scorenix on Dec. 25 2006,2:14 am
| Quote (wormbook @ Dec. 24 2006,9:53pm) |
| They must be because I can't think of them and you don't seem to be able to name them either. |
I can name the influence, and I have pointed you in the direction. If you would like, I'm more than willing to discuss it with you in person.
As far as the labor supply, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about an artificial pressure to keep wages low in Albert Lea.
Posted by Wareagle11B on Dec. 25 2006,3:12 pm
| Quote (wormbook @ Dec. 24 2006,9:53pm) |
| Your theroy on labor supply costs ignores the fact that the market for labor is larger than Albert Lea. If someone came in paying more, you would see workers who live in Albert Lea but work outside come back. The idea that a few people can control labor inputs may have been true in the 50's but it is not today. |
Scorenix is right on target with his statements. There are a few local businesses who can, because of the infrastructre at ALEDA, control what happens within the local business community. The labor market may be larger than Albert Lea but yet it is not so large that Albert Lea could not benefit from a change of authority within the Port Authority and the ALDEA. Businesses attract employees and the competition for employees will drive the wages to a higher level than what they are currently and then not only would AL keep their locals here to work but then we could compete with other cities such as Owatonna for employees.
The local businesses know that if they can keep other companies and direct competitors out that will pay more for similar jobs then they can control the local wages.
Think of it this way..... If you are a local business owner paying say $10.50/hour and you control which businesses can come into your community and/or what they would pay employees you can keep the wages low. An employee is not going to quit to go to another local business because he/she knows they wouldn't make that much more, if a higher wage at all, because the employee knows the situation.
All of a sudden a new business moves in that is in the same, or similar, business as your company but yet pays $1 - $2 higher per hour for this employees skills. Where do you think that employee will be going and what do you suppose the other company will have to do. The employee will go to the better paying company, provided everything else such as benefits etc are good and the former employer will be forced to offer higher wages to keep qualified employees to stay.
Hence the local companies, by keeping the ALDEA under their control, can control the local business climate and keep the wages where ever they wish them to be. This is why so many people, myself included, travel outside of Albert Lea to work. The wages and benefits are worth the price of gas and the other costs of driving to work.
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 25 2006,3:20 pm
So then go back to the 70's. People who worked at Wilson's made more than Streaters and if I recall Streaters more than Queens. If your theory was correct, they would all have paid the same. Now lets examine the labor market today. First you can't name anyone because it is BS. Who is the largest employeer owned by someone local? Mayo? Good Sam? these are your top employeers. I think Lou Rich would be the largest employeer of people that would fit your description. Last time I checked, they paid a wage that would compare with others in that industry.
Posted by scorenix on Dec. 25 2006,6:50 pm
| Quote (wormbook @ Dec. 25 2006,3:20pm) |
| I think Lou Rich would be the largest employeer of people that would fit your description. Last time I checked, they paid a wage that would compare with others in that industry. |
And if I remember right, the 7 member ALEDA board has two members directly tied to Lou Rich and Lou Rich is now receiving the benefits of JOBZ. To which industry and participants do you compare Lou Rich?
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 26 2006,12:22 am
Any CNC facility in souther minnesota and northern iowa. They can't underpay people with the skills to run these machines. Plus the owenership is not concentrated in one or two peoples hands. But even if it was still ran by the 2 guys that started it they would not have been able to control JOBS or ALEDA. But even if they could control ALEDA, you don't need the ALEDA to go into business. There are people who own CI land that are not tight with Sparks, (like Mr Habben) who controls him?
Posted by wormbook on Dec. 26 2006,12:26 am
But back to who replaces Mr Sparks, if you are right, it does not matter if the person is from inside or outside. I don't like the search should be limited like that, but I can't think of any local people who I think could do the job. Nolander is not ready but there may be someone else out there.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 27 2006,8:34 am
If LaFavre is paying for his development of the country club with rubber checks, it begs the question of how far will he be allowed to go before his financial situation stops development leaving the site in an unusable condition, and requiring the tax payers involvement to return it to the tax roles? The free golf of late summer may still have an unexpected price.
Posted by MADDOG on Dec. 27 2006,7:14 pm
| Quote (Alfy Packer @ Dec. 27 2006,8:34am) |
| If LaFavre is paying for his development of the country club with rubber checks, it begs the question of how far will he be allowed to go before his financial situation stops development leaving the site in an unusable condition, and requiring the tax payers involvement to return it to the tax roles? The free golf of late summer may still have an unexpected price. |
I guess then, Lavavre would have put the screws to Albert Lea.
Don't worry, he'd bounce back.
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 27 2006,9:15 pm
Is it true Jane Doe? your silence is very telling.
Posted by Eddie Cochran's Ghost on Feb. 24 2007,12:25 pm
| Quote (Replicant @ April 21 2006,9:54am) | ||||
< Officials: City already has plenty of high-end homes >
|
When I saw this comment about him being "impoverished" I almost threw up in my mouth.
I've known people in Albert Lea that grew up poor and he and his family were not in that category. I remember when the family moved into the neighborhood. Although I considered my family neither wealthy nor impoverished, those kids wore better clothes and lived in a bigger and newer house than I did. Frequently it seemed that they were getting new "toys" big and small. I recall one time, the dad showed up after what seemed to be one of his extended absences, with a freakin' MASH hospital that they set up right in the back yard! Needless to say that... didn't sit well with the neighbors and Jerry was forced by the city to take it down.
I say this not out of any past or present envy or jealousy, just statings facts. Maybe his perspective is so warped by the living standards that he currently enjoys that people that live in decent middle-class areas seem "impoverished" to him.
It was always somewhat curious to me how the old man would disappear for who knows how long and then just reappear. I'm not going to even attempt to speculate about the reasons for that and I'm not sure that his father's issues are relevant to the discussion. However I'm not sure why he felt the need to embellish on his childhood. Maybe it is a defense mechanism to deflect potential questions about the old man's past... I really don't know but it does bother me that he said this.
I know Scott worked pretty hard even while he was in high school. I believe he used to peddle water conditioners or something similar to that while he was in high school which was a little unique when compared to flipping burgers, pumping gas or delivering Jakes pizzas. I don't know how he amassed such wealth as I haven't kept up with his story. I'm not making any insinuation of dirty money, I just don't know.
I really see both sides of this issue. Although our family wasn't wealthy enough to be a CC member I still have fond memories of going sledding and playing numerous rounds of golf there. It's too bad that something wasn't worked out so the resource could have been used for the community. I have a hard time believing that there will be a huge demand for the high-buck housing that he is envisioning. It would be terrible if it turns out to be a sparsely populated development that ultimately fails. I just don't see AL as a popular destination for retired execs, Mayo doctors, etc.
I do wish him well and hope it works out for him and the community.
Posted by ICU812 on Apr. 24 2007,1:23 pm
Golf anyone?
Posted by citizen on Apr. 24 2007,10:59 pm
FYI lots at the old country club will start at around 80K and go up, for anything that can see the water.Just when you were wondering what to do with all that extra income!I'LL TAKE TWO, THEY ARE SMALL AFTER ALL!
Posted by Ned Kelly on Apr. 25 2007,4:51 am
| Quote (citizen @ April 24 2007,10:59pm) |
| FYI lots at the old country club will start at around 80K and go up, for anything that can see the water.Just when you were wondering what to do with all that extra income! I'LL TAKE TWO, THEY ARE SMALL AFTER ALL! |
The lots are expensive, but then the rest of the taxpayers in town haven't been asked to put city money into this development!
Wedgewood Cove will soon be back looking for financial help from the city. Local developers, as always, think the taxpayers owe them monetary assistance. Almost sounds like they think they are a sports franchise. Team Wedgewood Cove!............. and so it goes in our little corner of the world...........
.......ned
Posted by usmcr on Apr. 25 2007,7:24 am
the tax payers also were not consulted with the clean up of the moly dump by one of the manufacturing concearns. $400,000 +! they also were not counsulted with the bank building renovation to the tune of $2,000,000 & counting! i guess it all amounts to who is pushing the cart! this is an indepentet developer who has not as of yet come calling to the public trough! the cc was not making it let us see if this developer will make it!
Posted by citizen on Apr. 25 2007,8:52 am
Does anyone know of an investor who has ever come to this town with millions to invest that hasnt gotten a big pile of money from the tax base to help out? Just asking, I havent been watching for the years that a lot of folks have?Seems like all you have to have is a big idea, and the right sucking up, and you get a BIG check.
Where does the line form, I've got some great developement ideas (wink, wink,nudge, nudge)
But seriously, a brief history would be nice.
Posted by Replicant on Apr. 25 2007,9:49 am
Wow, as of today 101,865 views on this thread since it was created, and 635 replies. By far the largest of any thread on the forum in Current Events or Opinion. I never thought it would generate that much interest.
Posted by TameThaTane on Apr. 25 2007,10:21 am
People love watching a car wreck.
Posted by Whiskero on Apr. 25 2007,10:27 am
You know, these golf courses and housing developments are nice; but it sure would be even better, if these men with money, influence and connections would develop the Farmland site,(water park, etc.) and really put Albert Lea on the map.
Posted by menace616 on Apr. 25 2007,5:26 pm
| Quote (Whiskero @ April 25 2007,10:27am) |
| You know, these golf courses and housing developments are nice; but it sure would be even better, if these men with money, influence and connections would develop the Farmland site,(water park, etc.) and really put Albert Lea on the map. |
Posted by bianca on Apr. 25 2007,8:25 pm
C'mon now, don't you think that those fancy lights that they are putting up, to direct people right to the empty weed pile, is enough of an invitation for any prospective buyers just passing by?!
Posted by diehard on Apr. 26 2007,12:11 am
| Quote (usmcr @ April 25 2007,7:24am) |
| the tax payers also were not consulted with the clean up of the moly dump by one of the manufacturing concearns. $400,000 +! they also were not counsulted with the bank building renovation to the tune of $2,000,000 & counting! i guess it all amounts to who is pushing the cart! this is an indepentet developer who has not as of yet come calling to the public trough! the cc was not making it let us see if this developer will make it! |
Not consulted? We elected them. That is the way the system works. For the record, I am not big fan of the $2 million in the bank building.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Apr. 26 2007,5:13 am
| Quote (bianca @ April 25 2007,8:25pm) |
| C'mon now, don't you think that those fancy lights that they are putting up, to direct people right to the empty weed pile, is enough of an invitation for any prospective buyers just passing by?! |
What city Department is in charge of making the Farmland sit look as valuable as our leadership thinks it is? One would think that just because it is an undeveloped area, it doesn't have to look like a dump.
Isn't there a volunteer group who would be willing to pick up the rocks and other junk, and a city department able to work up the ground and seed it with some kind of grass? Anything that was done to improve the looks of the site now would help sell it later.
The Farmland site now looks like the "Empty Heart" of Albert Lea! It surely doesn't resemble a jewel at this point........
............ ned
Posted by citizen on Apr. 26 2007,10:28 am
Since the city manager is worried about losing a golf course to development, maybe the site should be made into the worlds largest putt putt course. We could even get whoever did the spam musem to make it a pork product themed course, as a tribute to the old days of AL.
I'm sure they are willing to give some kind of kickback from the design fee....right?
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 26 2007,2:41 pm
...and a great big Cow-pie bingo plot!
Posted by citizen on Apr. 26 2007,7:07 pm
Sweet! Bingo is great, and will further the cause, of the genuis idea, of AL as a retirement community.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 26 2007,8:46 pm
oh my, Bessie headrd for B-10, will it be a Bingo? it's...it's...Nope, just an expelation of methane, hold your cards folks.
Posted by jane doe on Aug. 26 2007,3:32 pm
Does anyone know when the excavation of the contaminated edge water park will begin?
Posted by ICU812 on Oct. 19 2007,10:04 am
< OUCH >
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 19 2007,10:54 am
QUOTE
Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen said Thursday evening that the city was not aware the property was under a notice of foreclosure.
“It’s my understanding that local contractors have been paid,” Simonsen said.
Mayor Randy Erdman declined to comment.
tight lipped aren't they? “It’s my understanding that local contractors have been paid,” Simonsen said.
Mayor Randy Erdman declined to comment.
Posted by Botto 82 on Oct. 19 2007,10:57 am
Posted by scorenix on Oct. 19 2007,11:35 am
(MADDOG @ Oct. 19 2007,10:54 am)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen said Thursday evening that the city was not aware the property was under a notice of foreclosure.
“It’s my understanding that local contractors have been paid,” Simonsen said.
Mayor Randy Erdman declined to comment.
tihgt lipped aren't they? “It’s my understanding that local contractors have been paid,” Simonsen said.
Mayor Randy Erdman declined to comment.
I'm guessing little miss vicky and dandy randy will blame the negativity of the community (i.e. this forum) for the failure to attract wealthy individuals who might want to move to Albert Lea and live here.
Posted by canvasback on Oct. 19 2007,11:39 am
If they don't, Scott certainly will blame the attitudes and negativety of the city.
Posted by Replicant on Oct. 19 2007,12:19 pm
(Replicant @ May 12 2006,5:40 pm)
QUOTE
(--Botto 82 @ May 03 2006,8:35am)
QUOTE
I can't wait for the furor that results from the announcement(s) that 1st Baptist/1st Lutheran/1st Presbyterian church has to come down, and Central Park is deemed worthy of asphalt status. That's when I pop the top on a cold bottle of "I told you so."
I myself prefer my cold bottle of "I told you so" with a twist of lemon.
In several years, when the former country club lies stripped of its greenery and is a barren mudhole borne of a failed development, I will regretfully sip mine.
< Lafavre closes deal > Tribune posts story at 5:38 p.m. Friday scooping TV news...
I've got it on ice. Not ready to pop the top yet. But it's getting cold. And I'll pick up some lemon on the way home from work.
I'll wait for John Doe or Jane Doe to tell us everything will be OK.
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 19 2007,12:43 pm
Somehow, the "I told you so"s will be rolling in on this one. 
Posted by samsdad on Oct. 19 2007,12:45 pm
Seems like the high priced Bible Totters have caused a lot of havec in the last few months. All have said "Not Me"or "Not True" untill the spin stops. Then it's all tears and "I'm Sorry's",but Iam still rich. 
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 19 2007,5:11 pm
Dollars to donuts his brother, the Christ loving scammer, was financing the deal. They had so much money they couldn't spend it all until Jesus called in the note.
Posted by hmmmnoidea on Oct. 19 2007,6:10 pm
I wonder what they will do with the mud pit. Hopefully have mud races The I told you so's arent going to do anybody any good. I suppose it will just be a eye sore like the old Farmstead plant site
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 21 2007,2:56 pm
Ill conceived, and done more so that some one could say, "Look at me, look at me, LOOK AT ME NOW!" Well we are all looking at you now and it is much of the same that one saw before. O' did I thank you for the free golf last summer?
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 21 2007,3:54 pm
How do they like me now...now that I'm on my way...--Toby "redneck" Kieth-dumb Southern cracker
Posted by Wolfie on Oct. 21 2007,10:10 pm
If I am not mistaken didn't he (lafavre) have a beef with some richie rich snobs that screwed him over in a past life or something to that effect. And didnt he also state he would make em pay. You dont suppose this was his plan all along. Come in to town singing praises and throwing flowers and then when everyones guard is down buy the CC tear it down, make it almost impossible to rebuild it and then take off and laugh all the way home. Who knows only he will I guess.
Posted by TitleWave on Oct. 22 2007,1:21 am
I think the most interesting name to Eagle's Rest is the L.L.C. behind the name. Limited Liability Corporation, what that means is that Scott or any of its members of that corporation is not liable for any of its losses,debts or bankruptcy of the business entity, and are not held individually or personally liable unless there are personal guarantees or fraud. If Scott personally guaranteed the notes that are being foreclosed on then I think he has plans on going through with this development, but if not he can walk away anytime.
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 22 2007,1:57 am
Nobody is out anything. Real estate is a solid asset. Those lots could be sold for a REASONABLE price and no silly neighborhood association fees for a very handsome profit. If the developer, whoever it ends up being, gets greedy and asks for too much in this market, it could really kill the project.
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 22 2007,11:38 am
As I have said in the past, Adam LaFavre has nothing to do with this development. If he did, there would be public records showing his involvement, as loans and investment interests are indeed public records. For those of you clearly not educated enough to understand that A-D-A-M is not spelled S-C-O-T-T. Unfortunately, some cannot grasp this seemingly elementary concept. I can assure everyone that the development is and will remain in our hands and will come to fruition and we indeed will be picking up the lemons and making the sweet toast of "I told you so". Cheers!
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 22 2007,12:44 pm
Thanks for your clarification on this Jane. So you're saying that there is no connection with Adam on this business deal? Hey, do you still live in Lakeville?
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 22 2007,12:53 pm
No paper connection...QUOTE
I can assure everyone that the development is and will remain in our hands and will come to fruition and we indeed will be picking up the lemons and making the sweet toast of "I told you so". Cheers!
I see, so all the people suing you are just making things up? Before you tell us we told you so, you have to at least pay your landscapers so the graders can run again.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 22 2007,2:02 pm
Sweet toasted lemons. I think I'll just run right over to Ken Leland's and lay a big down payment on him based on Jane's assurances.NOT!
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 22 2007,3:35 pm
I think she mean't she'll be making lemonade from the lemons and when that happens she'll be making a toast (with the lemonade in place of a alcoholic drink) and saying "I told you so" to herself.Hehe....
Kind of like how Jim Bakker toasted the PTL club...
Or she's saying her dad will be "sweet toast" after all the lawsuits are settled.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 22 2007,3:38 pm
Thank's T, I wouldn't have gotten that on my own.Please put a head on my lemonaid
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,8:22 am
Nice twist. (pardon the pun) What the paper didn't mention is that a mechanics lean is normal and every contractor has the right and should use their right to place it on their project. Plans with the development are going along as usual without pause. As soon as we have 3 days of sunny weather the machines will be up and going again.
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,8:24 am
No, no one in my immediate family lives in Lakeville, haven't for over 5 years. Yet another factual error of the fine tribune.
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,8:27 am
(TameThaTane @ Oct. 22 2007,12:53 pm)
QUOTE
No paper connection...
I see, so all the people suing you are just making things up? Before you tell us we told you so, you have to at least pay your landscapers so the graders can run again.
QUOTE
I can assure everyone that the development is and will remain in our hands and will come to fruition and we indeed will be picking up the lemons and making the sweet toast of "I told you so". Cheers!
I see, so all the people suing you are just making things up? Before you tell us we told you so, you have to at least pay your landscapers so the graders can run again.
The dozers can't run with all of this rain. We need 3 days of sun.
Posted by ICU812 on Oct. 23 2007,10:17 am
QUOTE
Eagle's Rest Development Foreclosure Notices by Cristina Frank
KIMT News 3
A southern Minnesota housing project promising high-end homes may be on hold. Eagle's Rest Development in Albert Lea broke ground on the old county club property in May. Some people in town argued there isn't a need for this kind of development. Since its groundbreaking, workers have been building the project. According to Freeborn County records, there are two foreclosure notices on the development totaling $1 million.
The foreclosure notices are on the property's mortgage from American Bank. Neighbors in the area say they've noticed no work has been done on the project since the beginning of August. It has some wondering if it will start back up again.
Joe Ferguson has lived in Albert Lea for about 31 years. He says during that time, when the old country club used to be down the street he had a good view right from his front door. "I mean, there were people out golfing and there was manicured green," Ferguson said.
And since the Eagle's Rest Development has moved in, it's been a different sight. "It's a mud hole. As you can see, they started the development and now it's about third to fourth week in August and everything stopped."
With foreclosure notices on the project, the development owes more than $1 million. And if those don't get paid it could mean an end to Eagle's Rest. According to the Freeborn County records that we checked, there is also a mechanic's lien against the development for $350,000. The county recorder says that means the company didn't get paid for work done.
According to those documents, one of the foreclosure notices was filed on October 9, 2007. The county recorder says if those issues aren't taken care of, the property will go to the bank or the highest bidder through a land sale.
"As I see it, it's too late to be a golf course. So, if this guy fails, I'm sure someone will come in and finish the project," Ferguson said. As for what's going to happen down the road, Ferguson says he hopes something is done before it's too late. "Yeah, that's all we can do. It's gonna snow here pretty quick within a month or two. So, I'm pretty sure it'll be like this until next spring at least."
We talked with the developer's daughter, Crystal LaFavre, Monday afternoon and she told us a different story. She says financial issues were taken care of through a verbal agreement. And plans for Eagle's Rest will go ahead as scheduled. The Freeborn County Sheriff's Office says a land sale for Eagle's Rest has been scheduled for December 20th. The department says the amount owed on the property is more than $1 million.
< null >
KIMT News 3
A southern Minnesota housing project promising high-end homes may be on hold. Eagle's Rest Development in Albert Lea broke ground on the old county club property in May. Some people in town argued there isn't a need for this kind of development. Since its groundbreaking, workers have been building the project. According to Freeborn County records, there are two foreclosure notices on the development totaling $1 million.
The foreclosure notices are on the property's mortgage from American Bank. Neighbors in the area say they've noticed no work has been done on the project since the beginning of August. It has some wondering if it will start back up again.
Joe Ferguson has lived in Albert Lea for about 31 years. He says during that time, when the old country club used to be down the street he had a good view right from his front door. "I mean, there were people out golfing and there was manicured green," Ferguson said.
And since the Eagle's Rest Development has moved in, it's been a different sight. "It's a mud hole. As you can see, they started the development and now it's about third to fourth week in August and everything stopped."
With foreclosure notices on the project, the development owes more than $1 million. And if those don't get paid it could mean an end to Eagle's Rest. According to the Freeborn County records that we checked, there is also a mechanic's lien against the development for $350,000. The county recorder says that means the company didn't get paid for work done.
According to those documents, one of the foreclosure notices was filed on October 9, 2007. The county recorder says if those issues aren't taken care of, the property will go to the bank or the highest bidder through a land sale.
"As I see it, it's too late to be a golf course. So, if this guy fails, I'm sure someone will come in and finish the project," Ferguson said. As for what's going to happen down the road, Ferguson says he hopes something is done before it's too late. "Yeah, that's all we can do. It's gonna snow here pretty quick within a month or two. So, I'm pretty sure it'll be like this until next spring at least."
We talked with the developer's daughter, Crystal LaFavre, Monday afternoon and she told us a different story. She says financial issues were taken care of through a verbal agreement. And plans for Eagle's Rest will go ahead as scheduled. The Freeborn County Sheriff's Office says a land sale for Eagle's Rest has been scheduled for December 20th. The department says the amount owed on the property is more than $1 million.
< null >
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 23 2007,11:48 am
Sheriffs sale on Dec. 20th? Someones being less than honest. Verbal agreement?
I'll gladly pay you for a hamburger on Tuesday...I promise. Really...honestly...I promise. I won't give you anything in writing but just trust me, OK?
Posted by Common Citizen on Oct. 23 2007,12:26 pm
Can I buy it for a buck?
Posted by Botto 82 on Oct. 23 2007,1:12 pm
Boy, that town sure knows how to get ripped off.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 23 2007,1:52 pm
Saturday---Sunshine all daySunday-----Cloudy but no rain
Monday-----Partly Cloudy and no rain
Tuesday----Sunshine all day
Looks to me like Jane Doe, or is it Crystal will have those (sleeping dozers) earth movers going tomorrow!
Are you able to sell a fellow any trees off of the Wedge property, or are you in trouble there too?
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,2:22 pm
Wouldn't that be great! I hope they are. Cloudy isn't sunshine though. Dan Niles told us we needed 3 days of sunshine. Basically, the dirt needs to be dry before things can continue. We are able to sell trees......would you like some? It's Christal by the way. Anyone else brave enough to out themselves and actually put an identity behind their fightin words? Probably not........surprise!
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 23 2007,2:45 pm
KIMT really outed you. You chose to go by "Jane Doe". 
But I digress...
Well, is it going up for auction or no?
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 23 2007,5:02 pm
Say Jane, how are you coming on the property taxes anyway?< Freeborn County Tax Bill >
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 23 2007,5:07 pm
Or how about your tree farm?< Tree Farm Taxes >
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,5:20 pm
Well if you look back a few pages, I outed myself as the daughter of Scott LaFavre. It will not go up for auction. Anyone want to out themselves? Anyone? Didn't think so. How about we have a real discussion when I'm talking to real people who are brave enough to stand behind their words. I'm willing to be real, are you? Probably not.
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 23 2007,5:33 pm
QUOTE
Anyone want to out themselves? Anyone?
Shoot, just about anyone on this board knows who I am. I'm not shy. But answer me this, how are the property taxes coming on either Eagle's Rest development or the Tree Farm?
EAGLES REST DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $3,336.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 10/15/2007 $3,336.00
EAGLES REST TREE FARMS LLC
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $1,875.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 11/15/2007 $1,875.00
Posted by jane doe on Oct. 23 2007,8:39 pm
So who are you?
Posted by JohnDoe on Oct. 23 2007,10:13 pm
My vote is that we just turn it into a dirtbike track. Yea, I think that'd be fun...
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 23 2007,10:56 pm
Sounds like some ancient civilization.Hello. I am Crystal, daughter of Scott LaFavre. We shall break bread and drink gourds of wine.
Posted by ICU812 on Oct. 24 2007,7:17 am
QUOTE
EAGLES REST DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $3,336.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 10/15/2007 $3,336.00
EAGLES REST TREE FARMS LLC
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $1,875.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 11/15/2007 $1,875.00
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $3,336.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 10/15/2007 $3,336.00
EAGLES REST TREE FARMS LLC
Installments Due Date Due Amount
Taxes/Assessments 1st Half 5/15/2007 $1,875.00
Taxes/Assessments 2nd Half 11/15/2007 $1,875.00
Probably have a verbal agreement with the taxman.............it only ten grand.
Posted by katlade on Oct. 24 2007,8:14 am
What smart business person would have a "verbal financial agreement"? Doesn't sound very prudent. Not for the kind of money wrapped up in this venture. The way the wind blew yesterday everything should be dried up for the dozers.
Posted by Replicant on Oct. 29 2007,2:19 pm
Lovely weather we've been having, blue skies most every day. A trace of rain Friday night (10/26). What a beautiful weekend. Today's looking great too.If these things aren't going to move, maybe someone could trim the weeds coming up around them.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 29 2007,4:42 pm
Stop being so cynical. That's my job.
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 29 2007,9:48 pm
It's too dry now...
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 29 2007,9:52 pm
Ya, and the only thing that will save this development is if it starts raining money. Lots and Lots of money!
Posted by Liberal on Oct. 29 2007,10:50 pm
Does this mean no waterfalls at the entrance?
Posted by shaker on Oct. 29 2007,11:03 pm
Lets call this Albert Leas "open pit mine" when all the people come to see our lites into the city they could stop to look at this folly also
Posted by TameThaTane on Oct. 30 2007,6:54 pm
It's funny how both brothers happened to have financial problems at the exact same time isn't it. I guess Jesus decided to stop doing business with his chosen ones.
Posted by katlade on Oct. 31 2007,11:21 am
So are the earth movers moving yet?
Posted by FlyguyAL on Nov. 03 2007,8:08 pm
I noticed the notice of mortgage foreclosure sale in Friday's Tribune. Looks like the old golf course will go to the highest bidder Dec. 20th.I just hope that someone can make something good out of what Scott and the gang destroyed.
Posted by spike on Nov. 03 2007,11:05 pm
Amazing, simply amazing.
Posted by Liberal on Nov. 03 2007,11:09 pm
QUOTE
So are the earth movers moving yet?
Rumor has it they need 3 days of sunshine and about $300,000
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 03 2007,11:34 pm
Highest bidder pays mechanics lien! Got a feeling even 1 dollar may be too high. This would be an excellent buy for the landscape company. If I were them, I'd buy it and finish the job, then sell the lots for a reasonable price. Change the silly name, no fountain and no association fees. Lots will sell if they're reasonably priced in todays market.
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 04 2007,11:16 am
I think whoever buys it should turn it into a nice park or something. A family place. Does there have to be buildings on it? Those people who live in those condos right there had to have been pissed to begin with, I can't imagine how mad they are now. Maybe just flatten it all out, lay some sod and decide later. But make it look nice for now.
Posted by spike on Nov. 04 2007,11:19 am
(AnEngrsWife @ Nov. 04 2007,11:16 am)
QUOTE
Maybe just flatten it all out, lay some sod and decide later. But make it look nice for now.
Kind of like the Farmland site?
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 04 2007,12:19 pm
True. I don't know, I wish these people would've all pulled their heads out of their a**es before it got this far. I wish I had the money to buy it. I'd hold a city wide vote as to what to do with it!!!!Actually, not true now that I think about it. What would be the difference if it was sodded and just sat there for a bit. That's what it was doing as a golf course too, before they decided to murder it. I just think whoever purchases it should take their time deciding what goes there and plans it all out. Something that is going to WORK for the town.
Posted by Liberal on Nov. 04 2007,3:38 pm
A golf course sized park would be rather spendy on upkeep. Whatever is there the wetlands will be part of it now since there are big areas of land out there that have been turned into wetland credits.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 04 2007,6:00 pm
I just wish the city would have made it as difficult for Lafavre to rezone it as they did to Hugh and Clayton. Maybe if they would have made him jump through as many hoops, he would have given up on the idea to begin with.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 04 2007,6:01 pm
Oh, yeah. Where's jane doe? Maybe she can 'splain this, too.
Posted by wildjim on Nov. 04 2007,6:47 pm
Maddog. What zoning problems did Clayton and Hugh have? The city put up too many road blocks but I don't recall zoning being one of them.
Posted by MADDOG on Nov. 04 2007,7:36 pm
I stand corrected. Roadblocks.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Nov. 05 2007,4:46 am
(Liberal @ Nov. 04 2007,3:38 pm)
QUOTE
A golf course sized park would be rather spendy on upkeep. Whatever is there the wetlands will be part of it now since there are big areas of land out there that have been turned into wetland credits.
If the city were to buy it, it would be a nice addition to edgewater park. No landfill to uncover. Give the old dump at the west entrance to the state........
.....ned
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 05 2007,6:30 am
It'd make one hell of a park. Bike and walking trails, camping, natural outdoor band-shell. It'd be a good buy for the city and I'm sure the people would back this expenditure.
Posted by katlade on Nov. 05 2007,8:36 am
Has Victoria been brought up to speed yet.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Nov. 05 2007,8:45 am
Don't know much other than it isn't rain or dry conditions that is the problem with this development moving forward. Earth movers are working at other sites around the city, but not on the old country club. If you ask me, I think Scott was successful with accomplishing everything he wanted to do with this development. He showed us what for.Now as far as what will it become, it would make a great park, but does a park need the water and sewer work that was done earlier this year? It will be interesting to see what comes after LaFavre.
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 05 2007,9:24 am
Here's my take. LaFavre was using his brothers ill gotten gain to fund this boondoggle. It didn't make sense from a realistic business standpoint, but if you have tons of free money to wash...and the money dried up with his arrest or investigation. Now what?
I say we (the city) buy it, satisfy the leans and make a real cool blazing star 2 out of it. Trails, paths, a super park. It'd be a good buy and be worth it and I'm cheap.
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 06 2007,5:29 pm
Would a really nice family park need the water and sewer that were put in earlier this year? Actually, yes, that would be a huge bonus. Being able to go to a park and having working toilets and sinks is a bonus. You don't have to leave to do your thing and come back. Kids get dirty too, it would be nice to have something there to clean them up. Gutters have started to be put in. There is the start of a parking lot. Think about this..... Where does Albert Lea really have for a family hang out? I agree with the outdoor bandshell, etc. This would be great for our town. Make it nice. So people WANT to spend time there.
Posted by bianca on Nov. 06 2007,6:29 pm
Happy Birthday an engineers wife, hope it was fun.
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 06 2007,7:54 pm
TY Bianca. My 3 yr old sang me Happy Birthday and made me a cake
Posted by Counterfeit Fake on Nov. 06 2007,9:57 pm
A park would be great. That is one things this town has going for it. There are many great parks here and people from out of town notice that. Our parks are something to be proud of.
Posted by Ned Kelly on Nov. 07 2007,6:01 am
Can you see a very nice park structure situated in a nicely landscaped area? It could be a really good opportunity to have a decent place for weddings and other gatherings. The old cottage might have history but it is in need of major repairs that may cost much more than a decent new structure that could be used year around. A building with heat and bathrooms overlooking the lake! Can you see it yet?What Eagles Rest is now is like an unpainted canvas. A painting waiting to be painted. The city missed the boat when it was sold before, please don't let it happen again.Hopefully the city council will get behind something like this and make it happen. Make Albert Lea a city to look up to because of it's forward thinking!
Maybe some larger company or bank or individual would buy the land and donate it to the city/community?..............
........ned
Posted by fredbear on Nov. 07 2007,6:15 am
But were already committed to making the old Farmstead site a major attraction. And in what, 6 or 7 years the biggest thing "we" have done is install a bunch of lights to this patch of weed infested ground.I know I'm a negative guy but good luck with the park thing............maybe by 2020.
Posted by TameThaTane on Nov. 07 2007,6:22 am
Eagles rest should be a super park that takes advantage of the sloping ground for a natural band shell, have walking trails and separate bike trails and summer festivals called "Saturday in the Park". The old farmstead site should be allowed to be commercial property due to it's past use and proximity to downtown. The Tane has spoken, let it be so...
Posted by Common Citizen on Nov. 07 2007,8:06 am
I agree. It would make a beautiful park. If only they would have left the trees alone before they got to far.If the city ever does put up a building, I hope it's not a tin pole shed.
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 07 2007,1:02 pm
That's just it. It can't be slipshot work. A place to have weddings would be nice. But at the same time, part of it to be rented out for family events?? There are so many endless possibilities it's unreal.............As far as a park/playground, I think the nicest one i've seen here is at Hawthorne Elementary. I'm talking bigger and better for the kids. I don't like taking my daughter to the park at Hawthorne when school is going on. I feel like we are invading the school kids' property. We need a bigger and better one that people can feel comfortable going to all the time.
Like I said, the possibilities are endless and if the lottery gods would ever smile on me, I'd take advantage and buy that property. Don't hold your breath tho
Posted by Alfy Packer on Nov. 07 2007,5:09 pm
The casino was before my time in Albert Lea, but the concept of a place that the public could go and dance by the lake seems pretty romantic. I think an attraction like that on the property could be quite a draw for Albert Lea. Don't know how that would work into a city park, but as long as we are just brainstorming, I thought I would through it out.
Posted by katlade on Nov. 07 2007,5:24 pm
I think renting it our for family reunion, company picnics would be a good idea. If you don't get a place at Edgewater rented right away in the Spring you don't get it at all.
Posted by Replicant on Nov. 08 2007,11:41 am
Hey, I see Jane Doe is paying a visit. Perhaps we'll get a weather update. How soon til it starts snowing Jane?
Posted by scorenix on Nov. 08 2007,12:03 pm
(Replicant @ Nov. 08 2007,11:41 am)
QUOTE
Hey, I see Jane Doe is paying a visit. Perhaps we'll get a weather update. How soon til it starts snowing Jane?
My, my Replicant, why SO cynical? Don't you know a dark cloud has been hanging over Eagle's Nest bringing rain everyday? Why if the weather would only cooperate, maybe then the bulldozers could get moving (but my guess is that those bulldozers would be leaving).
Posted by Botto 82 on Nov. 08 2007,12:34 pm
Is the Country Club building still standing? Or did they already raze that?
Posted by ICU812 on Nov. 08 2007,12:57 pm
Gone
Posted by Fighting Yeti on Nov. 08 2007,1:22 pm
(Alfy Packer @ Nov. 07 2007,5:09 pm)
QUOTE
The casino was before my time in Albert Lea, but the concept of a place that the public could go and dance by the lake seems pretty romantic. I think an attraction like that on the property could be quite a draw for Albert Lea. Don't know how that would work into a city park, but as long as we are just brainstorming, I thought I would through it out.
It was before my time, too, but I agree with your statement. Anytime I've heard someone speak of the Casino, they had fond memories. Maybe they could take that idea and piggyback on it. Make something for families, too.
Posted by Replicant on Nov. 09 2007,11:55 am
QUOTE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of that certain mortgage, dated the 12th day of May, 2006 executed by Eagles Rest Development, LLC, as mortgagor, to American Bank of St. Paul, as mortgagee, filed for record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for the County of Freebom, and State of Minnesota, on the 12th day of May, 2006, as Document No. 108603;
That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all notice provisions and conditions precedent as required by law; and that the mortgagee or assignee has elected to declare the entire sum secured by the note and mortgage to be immediately due and payable as provided in the note and mortgage;
That the original or maximum principal amount secured by the mortgage was Nine Hundred Thirty-seven Thousand Five Hundred and no/100 ($937,500.00) DOLLARS;
That there is due and claimed to be due on the mortgage, including interest to date hereof, the sum of One Million One Thousand Four Hundred Six and 99/100 ($1,001,406.99) DOLLARS;
And that pursuant to the power of sale therein contained, said mortgage will be foreclosed and the tract of land lying and being in the County of Freebom, State of Minnesota, described as follows, to-wit:
Tract A of Registered Land Survey No. 12;
will be sold by the sheriff of said county at public auction on the 20th day of December, 2007, at 10:00 o'clock a.m., at the main office of the Law Enforcement Center, 411 South Broadway, in the City of Albert Lea in said county and state, to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage on said premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law, subject to redemption by the mortgagor, its personal representative or assigns within twelve (12) months from date of sale.
THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHlN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
Dated this 9th day of October, 2007
American Bank of St. Paul, Mortgagee
/s/Jeff C.
Braegelmann
Jeff C.
Braegelmann
GISLASON & HUNTER LLP
Attorneys for Mortgagee
2700 South Broadway
P. 0. Box 458
New Ulm, MN 56073-0458
Phone: 507-354-3111
Fax: 507-354-8447
Published in the Albert Lea Tribune on the 2, 9, 16, 23, 30th days of November & 7th day of December, 2007
Noticed this was in again today, after FlyguyAL caught it last Friday...NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of that certain mortgage, dated the 12th day of May, 2006 executed by Eagles Rest Development, LLC, as mortgagor, to American Bank of St. Paul, as mortgagee, filed for record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for the County of Freebom, and State of Minnesota, on the 12th day of May, 2006, as Document No. 108603;
That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all notice provisions and conditions precedent as required by law; and that the mortgagee or assignee has elected to declare the entire sum secured by the note and mortgage to be immediately due and payable as provided in the note and mortgage;
That the original or maximum principal amount secured by the mortgage was Nine Hundred Thirty-seven Thousand Five Hundred and no/100 ($937,500.00) DOLLARS;
That there is due and claimed to be due on the mortgage, including interest to date hereof, the sum of One Million One Thousand Four Hundred Six and 99/100 ($1,001,406.99) DOLLARS;
And that pursuant to the power of sale therein contained, said mortgage will be foreclosed and the tract of land lying and being in the County of Freebom, State of Minnesota, described as follows, to-wit:
Tract A of Registered Land Survey No. 12;
will be sold by the sheriff of said county at public auction on the 20th day of December, 2007, at 10:00 o'clock a.m., at the main office of the Law Enforcement Center, 411 South Broadway, in the City of Albert Lea in said county and state, to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage on said premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law, subject to redemption by the mortgagor, its personal representative or assigns within twelve (12) months from date of sale.
THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHlN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
Dated this 9th day of October, 2007
American Bank of St. Paul, Mortgagee
/s/Jeff C.
Braegelmann
Jeff C.
Braegelmann
GISLASON & HUNTER LLP
Attorneys for Mortgagee
2700 South Broadway
P. 0. Box 458
New Ulm, MN 56073-0458
Phone: 507-354-3111
Fax: 507-354-8447
Published in the Albert Lea Tribune on the 2, 9, 16, 23, 30th days of November & 7th day of December, 2007
This isn't over yet. The entire amount is now due. I imagine it could be refinanced elsewhere such that the foreclosure sale would be cancelled. But also note that even if the sale occurs, the Mortgagor (Lafavre) has 12 months to redeem the mortgage.
So unless as Alfy pointed out, it starts raining money out there, nothing much is going to happen. If they don't get other financing, my guess is the land will just sit there as is for at least a year. Even if someone else buys it at the foreclosure sale, how much could they realistically do to it if it's subject to redemption? Nobody else would put much money or work into it for that 12 month period. Not like a house you bought on foreclosure, at least you could rent it out for the time being.
Posted by Replicant on Nov. 30 2007,4:03 pm
I noticed just this week that it looks like someone's been joyriding with bulldozers over on the "newer" holes (west of Country Club Road) and basically tore up some of the fairways over there.It doesn't seem like that would be part of Phase 1, especially when it's in foreclosure before the part closest to Richway and Lakeview Blvd. is done.
With the foreclosure sale looming, I'm wondering if this isn't just an attempt to destroy a good part of what's left of the golf course, so whoever gets their hands on it can't just go mow the grass and have at least partial start to restoring a course.
Perhaps I'm wrong. Alfy, what do you think?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Nov. 30 2007,4:22 pm
It looks to me as though there has been some activity but I am not smart enough to know what it is about. The LaFavre's don't have me on their Christmas Card list, and I'm not too good at smoke signals.As far as the weather, money is not falling, my guess is it nothing but a snow job with more to come.
Stay tuned for updates.
Posted by pccm on Nov. 30 2007,4:27 pm
New to this town....maybe I can buy a great lot in this development....any ideas?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Nov. 30 2007,4:29 pm
Hold off until you can get clear title! In my opinion it is a great location but not worth the risk!
Posted by pccm on Nov. 30 2007,5:15 pm
No risk, no gain, who knows maybe I can get a great price!
Posted by Alfy Packer on Nov. 30 2007,5:40 pm
No roads, no water, no sewer, no gas and no electrical. No body in charge of getting this done! Might be a good investment, just hope you are not in any hurry!
Posted by AnEngrsWife on Nov. 30 2007,7:00 pm
I thought I had seen some movement out there too. I have a terrible cold though and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me! Glad someone else saw it too!
Posted by pccm on Nov. 30 2007,11:27 pm
As anyone offered to help this deal?? Or is everyone sitting around just talking about it? Are there any doers in this town or just alot of talkers?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 01 2007,5:14 am
With housing in free fall, new construction dead, one bank on the hook for over a million, and the reputations of those currently involved, I don't see this as a place many doers will wade in. It will require a developer with financing to complete, and I don't think you will see individual lots being sold in foreclosure this go around. Another thing the next owner will have to honor will be the wet lands obligations that the current owner sold to raise money. It is becoming everything I had feared it could be, and it has the potential to be that for some time to come.
Posted by Wolfie on Dec. 01 2007,6:49 pm
You are new to town but you will find out soon enough that the people of this town always want something for nothing. Your help and advice aren't good enough to listen to when they are asking you to do something for free. But as soon as they decide to buy something somewhere else your advice is priceless as they see it as not having a horse in the race. You will also find that the organizations that are here to help promote this town (ie the chamber, CVB and destination AL) can't even promote in town, most people from town don't have a clue about the things going on in town because they don't do a very good job at letting us know what is going on. Maybe I am cynical, maybe that its just that I am sick and tired of certain people in this town acting like a big tadpoles in a small mud puddle.
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 02 2007,7:07 am
What do you propose someone does to help pccm?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 06 2007,8:03 am
ReplicantQUOTE
I noticed just this week that it looks like someone's been joyriding with bulldozers over on the "newer" holes (west of Country Club Road) and basically tore up some of the fairways over there.
....Alfy, what do you think?
....Alfy, what do you think?
I think it makes the property less desirable. Now that the property is being foreclosed on, Lafavre was out to devalue it. It is the only thing that could be behind running through the back nine at this time. The golf course could never have been restored but the back nine could have fit into a private residential golf development. With that option gone, it will be less likely that another private developer will have as much of an interest in the property.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. I just wanted a little time to see if anything else was going to happen before commenting.
Posted by justmealmn on Dec. 06 2007,8:56 am
I was wondering if since when Lafavre's family lived in town if something happened out there as a kid/adult that made him think one day if I can come back one day and teach "THEM" a lesson. To get rid of something as great as the golf course was to the city. Oh well one really doesn't know his reason expect that hes just a BIG TALKER with lots of hot air that he never can follow through with things. So now we'll just sit back and see what happens after the auction later this month. And whom will come up with the cash to buy it.
Posted by Liberal on Dec. 06 2007,4:01 pm
Maybe they should have come up with the cash a couple years ago, then they wouldn't have to whine about losing this golf course forever.
Posted by hymiebravo on Dec. 06 2007,11:30 pm
..................
Posted by usmcr on Dec. 07 2007,8:13 am
"nontraditional golfers"??? didn't know there was such a thing! i have golfed for over 30 years or so, most of those years at green lea. i now golf at oak veiw out by freeborn. it is a very friendly & accessible golf course of which both myself & wife enjoy playing. i have golfed at the c.c. but very infrequently. the times i was there i found it to be stuffy like "what are you doing here" type of mentality! the downfall of the c.c. in my opinion started when the manufacturing firms either left town or downsized. it was a gradual thing, like when the mom & pop stores were forced out of business & decimated the down town area. during its heyday the c.c. bustled with top management, middle management & the store owners. it was the place to be for them. unfortunately these numbers dwindled & so did the membership. the c.c. in my opinion did not reach out to the general population & consequently became stagnant. there have been many opportunities to make a go of the c.c. but they have all revolved around the idea of a private club. going the route of a public course could have been a viable choice. i guess what i am trying to say is what goes around comes around & bites one in the arse! green areas are a definite asset to an area & it is indeed a shame to see this destroyed in such a manner!! time will tell what will become of this site but for now & the foreseeable future it will be a reminder of the past glory days. this reminds me of an old saying "adapt or perish".
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 07 2007,4:22 pm
Nope, it was my fault! I should have come up with the cash years ago. Funny, I always paid my bill, as it was billed. I paid it on time, but I guess I should of asked if they didn't need a little more. Yes, it is truly my fault. I didn't see the advertisement that the place was for sale. Don't think anyone did because it wasn't for sale, at lease not until LaFavre offered to buy it. And then the deal was done before anyone could put together a counter offer. But your right Lib, my bad! I should have, awe you know.
You know for those who were saying that the city should bid on it when it comes up for sale under foreclosure, wouldn't it have been a plus if there were a 9 hole golf course on the property for the public to use? But I guess I shouldn't have said anything about running the bulldozer through the back 9. It is LaFavre's and he is free to do as he pleases with it.
Posted by TameThaTane on Dec. 07 2007,5:05 pm
What if it goes very cheaply at the auction and Lafavre buys it?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 07 2007,6:09 pm
Then it goes cheap, LaFavre gets a better deal and the bank gets screwed. Where will LaFavre go then to get the financing needed to complete the development? O', I forgot, all those doctors stuck in Rochester needing Eagles Rest to be completed.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 20 2007,8:05 pm
QUOTE
Old Golf Course up for Auction
(KAAL) - A date has been set to auction off a controversial housing development in Albert Lea.
The Freeborn County Sheriff Department confirmed that an old golf course will be up for sale, unless developer Scott LaFavre makes good on loan payments to the bank that holds the mortgage.
LaFavre bought the golf course a year ago with plans to build a housing development called The Eagles Rest.
The field house was torn down and roadwork is started, but LaFavre owes nearly a million dollars in back payments.
The sheriffís department plans to auction off the land on December 20th.
(KAAL) - A date has been set to auction off a controversial housing development in Albert Lea.
The Freeborn County Sheriff Department confirmed that an old golf course will be up for sale, unless developer Scott LaFavre makes good on loan payments to the bank that holds the mortgage.
LaFavre bought the golf course a year ago with plans to build a housing development called The Eagles Rest.
The field house was torn down and roadwork is started, but LaFavre owes nearly a million dollars in back payments.
The sheriffís department plans to auction off the land on December 20th.
Word is the bank has it. It will take a year before it is final. During that year Scott can buy it back.
Posted by usmcr on Dec. 22 2007,2:00 pm
just out of curiosity, what limitations are in place now that the bank owns the eagles rest? can lafavre continue to work the property? has the contractor been paid because of the sale? it would seem that no one would put any more money into the development until the year has passed in order to get clear title to the property. with the low turnout at the sale, this looks like a very poor investment. with the go ahead of the south golf course & housing development it seems very unlikely that the eagles rest will ever become a viable project. it just does not make sense to go out & tear up the back nine fairways & greens. i would presume that it did not help matters with a bio-hazard site next door, with no clean up date in sight!
Posted by hmmmnoidea on Dec. 22 2007,4:41 pm
he can buy it back within a year but he has to pay all the money that anybody puts into it. So the buyer wont lose any money If he does reclaims it
Posted by gary grobowski on Dec. 22 2007,5:07 pm
(usmcr @ Dec. 07 2007,8:13 am)
QUOTE
"nontraditional golfers"??? didn't know there was such a thing! i have golfed for over 30 years or so, most of those years at green lea. i now golf at oak veiw out by freeborn. it is a very friendly & accessible golf course of which both myself & wife enjoy playing. i have golfed at the c.c. but very infrequently. the times i was there i found it to be stuffy like "what are you doing here" type of mentality! the downfall of the c.c. in my opinion started when the manufacturing firms either left town or downsized. it was a gradual thing, like when the mom & pop stores were forced out of business & decimated the down town area. during its heyday the c.c. bustled with top management, middle management & the store owners. it was the place to be for them. unfortunately these numbers dwindled & so did the membership. the c.c. in my opinion did not reach out to the general population & consequently became stagnant. there have been many opportunities to make a go of the c.c. but they have all revolved around the idea of a private club. going the route of a public course could have been a viable choice. i guess what i am trying to say is what goes around comes around & bites one in the arse! green areas are a definite asset to an area & it is indeed a shame to see this destroyed in such a manner!! time will tell what will become of this site but for now & the foreseeable future it will be a reminder of the past glory days. this reminds me of an old saying "adapt or perish".
??? didn't know there was such a thing! i have golfed for over 30 years or so, most of those years at green lea. i now golf at oak veiw out by freeborn. it is a very friendly & accessible golf course of which both myself & wife enjoy playing. i have golfed at the c.c. but very infrequently. the times i was there i found it to be stuffy like "what are you doing here" type of mentality! the downfall of the c.c. in my opinion started when the manufacturing firms either left town or downsized. it was a gradual thing, like when the mom & pop stores were forced out of business & decimated the down town area. during its heyday the c.c. bustled with top management, middle management & the store owners. it was the place to be for them. unfortunately these numbers dwindled & so did the membership. the c.c. in my opinion did not reach out to the general population & consequently became stagnant. there have been many opportunities to make a go of the c.c. but they have all revolved around the idea of a private club. going the route of a public course could have been a viable choice. i guess what i am trying to say is what goes around comes around & bites one in the arse! green areas are a definite asset to an area & it is indeed a shame to see this destroyed in such a manner!! time will tell what will become of this site but for now & the foreseeable future it will be a reminder of the past glory days. this reminds me of an old saying "adapt or perish".I always thought the CC was over rated, especially when it was a nine hole course. I really never let some people being pompous bother me.
Green Lea was always better. Freeborn is maturing into a better course, but not really in the same league as either the CC or Green Lea.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Dec. 24 2007,11:37 am
Rumor has it a new developer will step forward and has plans to turn it back into a golf course possible name of the project could be Tiger Woods.
Posted by Eddie Cochran's Ghost on Dec. 26 2007,7:29 am
(gary grobowski @ Dec. 22 2007,5:07 pm)
QUOTE
(usmcr @ Dec. 07 2007,8:13 am)
QUOTE
"nontraditional golfers"??? didn't know there was such a thing! i have golfed for over 30 years or so, most of those years at green lea. i now golf at oak veiw out by freeborn. it is a very friendly & accessible golf course of which both myself & wife enjoy playing. i have golfed at the c.c. but very infrequently. the times i was there i found it to be stuffy like "what are you doing here" type of mentality! the downfall of the c.c. in my opinion started when the manufacturing firms either left town or downsized. it was a gradual thing, like when the mom & pop stores were forced out of business & decimated the down town area. during its heyday the c.c. bustled with top management, middle management & the store owners. it was the place to be for them. unfortunately these numbers dwindled & so did the membership. the c.c. in my opinion did not reach out to the general population & consequently became stagnant. there have been many opportunities to make a go of the c.c. but they have all revolved around the idea of a private club. going the route of a public course could have been a viable choice. i guess what i am trying to say is what goes around comes around & bites one in the arse! green areas are a definite asset to an area & it is indeed a shame to see this destroyed in such a manner!! time will tell what will become of this site but for now & the foreseeable future it will be a reminder of the past glory days. this reminds me of an old saying "adapt or perish".
??? didn't know there was such a thing! i have golfed for over 30 years or so, most of those years at green lea. i now golf at oak veiw out by freeborn. it is a very friendly & accessible golf course of which both myself & wife enjoy playing. i have golfed at the c.c. but very infrequently. the times i was there i found it to be stuffy like "what are you doing here" type of mentality! the downfall of the c.c. in my opinion started when the manufacturing firms either left town or downsized. it was a gradual thing, like when the mom & pop stores were forced out of business & decimated the down town area. during its heyday the c.c. bustled with top management, middle management & the store owners. it was the place to be for them. unfortunately these numbers dwindled & so did the membership. the c.c. in my opinion did not reach out to the general population & consequently became stagnant. there have been many opportunities to make a go of the c.c. but they have all revolved around the idea of a private club. going the route of a public course could have been a viable choice. i guess what i am trying to say is what goes around comes around & bites one in the arse! green areas are a definite asset to an area & it is indeed a shame to see this destroyed in such a manner!! time will tell what will become of this site but for now & the foreseeable future it will be a reminder of the past glory days. this reminds me of an old saying "adapt or perish".I always thought the CC was over rated, especially when it was a nine hole course. I really never let some people being pompous bother me.
Green Lea was always better. Freeborn is maturing into a better course, but not really in the same league as either the CC or Green Lea.
I agree that it was overrated in the 9-hole days. I can't speak to it after that as I had never played the back nine. To the CC's defense in the 9-hole days, it was kept in better shape than Green Lea during some of Greengo's days. The sad thing is that the numbers of people playing golf started to really grow in the past twenty years or so. I believe CC would still be alive today if they had modified their private club status to attract more people to play and spend money. AL and the surrounding area should be large enough to support two golf clubs.
Posted by gary grobowski on Dec. 26 2007,11:45 pm
(Eddie Cochran's Ghost @ Dec. 26 2007,7:29 am)
QUOTE
The sad thing is that the numbers of people playing golf started to really grow in the past twenty years or so. I believe CC would still be alive today if they had modified their private club status to attract more people to play and spend money. AL and the surrounding area should be large enough to support two golf clubs.
I could be wrong, but it has been years since it was ran like a true country club. The handful of time I played it in the past 20 years I was able to walk on and pay to play. In fact, I am not sure that it was ever ran like a true country club.
Posted by shaker on Dec. 27 2007,6:46 pm
A person could go out and play their, but there were still enough elete a$$ holes that let you know you wern't where you should be 
Posted by Eddie Cochran's Ghost on Dec. 27 2007,9:46 pm
(gary grobowski @ Dec. 26 2007,11:45 pm)
QUOTE
(Eddie Cochran's Ghost @ Dec. 26 2007,7:29 am)
QUOTE
The sad thing is that the numbers of people playing golf started to really grow in the past twenty years or so. I believe CC would still be alive today if they had modified their private club status to attract more people to play and spend money. AL and the surrounding area should be large enough to support two golf clubs.
I could be wrong, but it has been years since it was ran like a true country club. The handful of time I played it in the past 20 years I was able to walk on and pay to play. In fact, I am not sure that it was ever ran like a true country club.
Years ago I'm pretty certain that the public couldn't play unless you were with a member. They may have changed that policy in the mid-80's as I didn't bother to be concerned with it after that time period.
Even though Green Lea was my home course, my only ace was at the CC so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Dec. 28 2007,2:31 pm
QUOTE
there were still enough elete a$$ holes that let you know you wern't where you should be
I think I could name a few of them, and it is a shame that will be what is remembered of the place. Not families playing a round together, not a place that friends got together, just some uptight people with their noses in the air. All I can say is that one can't let those types deter you from doing what you have every right to do. It wasn't a private club and hadn't been for years.
Posted by january on Dec. 28 2007,5:13 pm
I believe the problem with the Country Clubis that it was perceived as an elitist establishment.
It was primarily a private club and then when the memberships could not financially sustain its viability the doors were opened to the public.
Perhaps a marketing campaign could have ushered in more people but the stigma was firmly planted and by then, the damage had been done and it was too little too late.
I do not golf but attended a couple of events there and it was beautiful.
It is gone now but the clubhouse was a lovely place for wedding receptions.
I hope that progress of some kind can be made on the landscape.
I personally am a bit worried because the economic forecast looks dismal for 2008-2009
Lesson learned is that inclusion and acceptance of all people is not only good for the human spirit and for good citizenship but also for economic gain
Posted by grassman on Dec. 29 2007,2:28 pm
A friend lof mine used to bartend there along time ago, he said there was alot " wannabe millionaires" with their noses in the air. But to get them to pay their bar bill, like pulling teeth.
Posted by Duck Hunter on Dec. 29 2007,9:48 pm
Sounds like Brad?
Posted by grassman on Dec. 31 2007,5:47 am
No it wasn't Brad. Actually I forgot he bartended there.
Posted by Whiskero on Dec. 31 2007,9:49 am
Just like any other business; after 30 days a bill gets sent to the customer. If it isn't paid shortly after that, he does not get any services until it is paid-and then it is cash only until he proves himself.
Posted by gary grobowski on Jan. 02 2008,11:28 am
(grassman @ Dec. 29 2007,2:28 pm)
QUOTE
A friend lof mine used to bartend there along time ago, he said there was alot " wannabe millionaires" with their noses in the air. But to get them to pay their bar bill, like pulling teeth.
Good point. Which is why I never let people like that bother me. Seems to me that some of the people wanted to be a member of a club but did not want to pay fees at that level. Most clubs at the end of the year can can assess the operational losses.
Posted by riffraff on Jan. 02 2008,6:46 pm
,.
Posted by TameThaTane on Jan. 02 2008,9:02 pm
^Still hungover are we?
Posted by MADDOG on Jan. 02 2008,9:12 pm
(TameThaTane @ Jan. 02 2008,9:02 pm)
QUOTE
^Still hungover are we?
best laugh I've had all day!
Posted by Replicant on Jul. 09 2008,4:59 pm
< Gas stolen from tank >QUOTE
Fuel was reported stolen from a tank of one of the construction vehicles at the Eagles Rest site at 1:48 p.m. Tuesday, police reports stated.
Had to have been stale gas as long as that stuff has been sitting. I'm surprised they even noticed it was missing - could've evaporated by now for that matter.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Jul. 10 2008,2:23 pm
Wasn't the first theft to occur out there. Just add it to the list. If the project ever gets finished we can rank them and award a grand theft grand prize. I bet I could tell you who will take the award right now.
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 12 2008,9:18 am
It's such a beautiful setting. I wonder how much Leland Realty spent on this. < Eagle's Rest Video >
Posted by Eddie Cochran's Ghost on Jul. 13 2008,9:00 am
(MADDOG @ Jul. 12 2008,9:18 am)
QUOTE
It's such a beautiful setting. I wonder how much Leland Realty spent on this. < Eagle's Rest Video >
Not much. A few digital photos and a video editing program found on just about any pc is more than enough technology to slap this brief thing together. The biggest cost was likely for the artist's renditions but those probably came right from LaFavre (I wonder if the artist was paid).
Posted by MADDOG on Aug. 25 2008,11:14 am
Now this is rich. < Tribune breaking news > There's a couple of skunks in this one.
Posted by canvasback on Aug. 25 2008,11:25 am
Greg Jensen??? 
Somone is going to bend over and take it........
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 25 2008,2:19 pm
..............
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 25 2008,2:21 pm
.............
Posted by Expatriate on Aug. 25 2008,3:22 pm
(MADDOG @ Aug. 25 2008,11:14 am)
QUOTE
Now this is rich. < Tribune breaking news > There's a couple of skunks in this one.
If the property tax is at least three years past due (I'm betting they are) the city can do a tax foreclosure and take ownership of the property, pressing the owner to pay back taxes plus penalties or give up claim.. LaFavre/American Bank??
Posted by ICU812 on Aug. 25 2008,4:16 pm
(Expatriate @ Aug. 25 2008,3:22 pm)
QUOTE
(MADDOG @ Aug. 25 2008,11:14 am)
QUOTE
Now this is rich. < Tribune breaking news > There's a couple of skunks in this one.
If the property tax is at least three years past due (I'm betting they are) the city can do a tax foreclosure and take ownership of the property, pressing the owner to pay back taxes plus penalties or give up claim.. LaFavre/American Bank??
< 2 Years UNPAID >
Posted by ICU812 on Aug. 25 2008,4:24 pm
And 2 years past due on all the property he financed that was from the Wedge farm.That guy sure did a number on good ol' AL.
He needs to put up the mission accomplished banner....
Posted by Liberal on Aug. 25 2008,4:26 pm
This just makes me believe even more that the land was gravy after the wetlands.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 25 2008,4:53 pm
Why would the city even consider dealing with this d-nk! Everyone who has ever had a dealing with him has been burned. If anyone has an interest, my advices would be to let the clock tick down and then do a deal with the bank. Next question is how did Jensen get in the middle of this. I thought that Ken Leland had an exclusive. I guess there is no end to the list LaFavre is willing to slime.
Posted by gurrah on Aug. 25 2008,8:58 pm
(Alfy Packer @ Aug. 25 2008,4:53 pm)
QUOTE
Why would the city even consider dealing with this d-nk! Everyone who has ever had a dealing with him has been burned. If anyone has an interest, my advices would be to let the clock tick down and then do a deal with the bank. Next question is how did Jensen get in the middle of this. I thought that Ken Leland had an exclusive. I guess there is no end to the list LaFavre is willing to slime.
Good point, they should have laughed and hung up the phone. No wonder the city is broke.
Posted by Whiskero on Aug. 26 2008,12:06 pm
If everyone knows what a scoundrel he is, why are they all willing to jump in bed with him?
Posted by hymiebravo on Aug. 26 2008,3:16 pm
................
Posted by Whiskero on Aug. 26 2008,5:01 pm
I think with the track record, you'd be better off putting your money in the bank and making 1/2% interest! At least you would still have your initial investment.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 26 2008,5:13 pm
This town likes a good gamble! Maybe we will get lucky even though the house is stacked and the dealer is a crook. Hell with a little luck we could be rich enough to build our dream. You know the "Land between the Lakes".
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 03 2008,10:20 am
Friggin' idiot. Let's hope no one will be stupid enough to business with him or his family again.QUOTE
Eagle’s Rest Tree Farms has 1-49 creditors, checked that it has $500,001-$10 million in estimated assets and checked that it has $1 million-$10 million in estimated liabilities.
< tribune >
< tribune >
Posted by Common Citizen on Oct. 03 2008,10:42 am
Drove by there again yesterday and my daughter commented that every time I drive by I go off on a tantrum...
Posted by menace616 on Oct. 03 2008,11:09 am
Look at this list:Case No./Location Entered/Docketed Debtor(s) Creditor(s) Details
19-C4-05-007209
Dakota-Hastings - Non-Criminal
04/07/2005
04/07/2005
11:25 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT L.
LAFAVRE, SHARI L.
C & C COURTS, INC., A MINNESOTA CORPORATION
SPORT COURT TWIN CITIES
Orig. Amount: $23,994.14
Current Principal: $23,994.14
Status: Active
Type: CNVDISCLO
19-C9-07-009428
Dakota-Hastings - Non-Criminal
05/25/2007
07/17/2007
7:53 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT L
MCC INVESTMENTS, INC, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION
Orig. Amount: $722,646.70
Current Principal: $722,646.70
Status: Satisfied
Type: CNVDISCLO
24-CV-06-1877
Freeborn
12/07/2006
12/07/2006
11:03 AM
Eagle's Rest Farms
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
B.K. Lindgren Inc
Orig. Amount: $15,108.94
Current Principal: $15,108.94
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
27-CV-02-015473
- Hennepin Civil
07/17/2003
07/17/2003
6:55 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT L
BNC NATIONAL BANK
Orig. Amount: $51,131.00
Current Principal: $51,131.00
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
27-CV-05-012608
- Hennepin Civil
10/19/2005
10/24/2005
6:40 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
NULOOK ACQUISITIONS INC
Orig. Amount: $6,263.29
Current Principal: $6,263.29
Status: Satisfied
Type: JUDGGR
27-CV-07-7139
- Hennepin Civil
05/25/2007
05/25/2007
2:32 PM
LaFavre, Scott L
MCC Investments Inc
Orig. Amount: $722,646.70
Current Principal: $722,646.70
Status: Satisfied
Type: JUDGGR
27-CV-91-014401
- Hennepin Civil
02/04/1992
02/04/1992
2:10 PM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
FORT WORTH-MINNESOTA PARTNERS
Orig. Amount: $104,642.80
Current Principal: $104,642.80
Status: Satisfied
Type: JUDGGR
66-C1-05-001843
Rice
10/31/2005
10/31/2005
9:33 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT A.
VALLEY NATIONAL BANK
Orig. Amount: $40,916.01
Current Principal: $40,916.01
Status: Active
Type: CNVDISCLO
66-C2-06-000856
Rice
05/30/2006
05/30/2006
4:04 PM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND
Orig. Amount: $50,842.96
Current Principal: $50,842.96
Status: Active
Type: CNVDISCLO
66-C3-06-000705
Rice
05/03/2006
05/03/2006
12:53 PM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT L.
US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND
Orig. Amount: $60,594.18
Current Principal: $60,594.18
Status: Active
Type: CNVDISCLO
66-CV-06-499
Rice
07/17/2006
07/17/2006
11:41 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT L.
LAFAVRE, SHARI L.
C & C Courts, Inc.
Orig. Amount: $23,994.14
Current Principal: $23,994.14
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-415
Rice
12/07/2006
01/29/2007
1:28 PM
Eagle's Rest Farms
Eagle's Rest Farms
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
WEDGE, BRADFORD
B.K. LINDGREN INC.
Orig. Amount: $15,108.94
Current Principal: $15,108.94
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-417
Rice
02/12/2007
02/12/2007
11:33 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
LAFAVRE, SHARI L.
US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND
Orig. Amount: $6,772.64
Current Principal: $6,772.64
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-2607
Rice
07/19/2007
07/19/2007
11:58 AM
LaFavre, Scott L
MCC Investments Inc
Orig. Amount: $722,646.70
Current Principal: $8,840.35
Status: Satisfied
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-2870
Rice
08/08/2007
08/08/2007
4:10 PM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
LaFavre, Shari L
US BANK
Orig. Amount: $142,615.28
Current Principal: $142,615.28
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-3199
Rice
09/18/2007
09/18/2007
9:12 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT
Cadleway Properties, Inc.
HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK
Orig. Amount: $133,861.47
Current Principal: $133,861.47
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-07-4494
Rice
12/04/2007
12/04/2007
8:59 AM
LAFAVRE, SCOTT LEE
LaFavre, Shari L
Accounts Receivable Control, Inc
Orig. Amount: $15,671.07
Current Principal: $15,671.07
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CV-08-1801
Rice
05/20/2008
05/20/2008
8:50 AM
LaFavre, Scott
LaFavre, Shari
Badois, Ken
Orig. Amount: $639,645.72
Current Principal: $639,645.72
Status: Active
Type: JUDGGR
66-CX-06-000541
Rice
Posted by menace616 on Oct. 03 2008,11:12 am
Upcoming court dates;Case Number Judicial Officer Time
Type Style Physical Location Hearing Type
24-CV-06-1877
Default Judgment
B.K. Lindgren, Inc., d/b/a Express Personnel Services vs. Bradford Wedge, individually, Scott LaFavre, individually, d/b/a Eagle's Rest Farms
Bueltel, Joseph A.
Courtroom A
10/27/2008
10:30 AM
Pre-trial
24-CV-06-1877
Default Judgment
B.K. Lindgren, Inc., d/b/a Express Personnel Services vs. Bradford Wedge, individually, Scott LaFavre, individually, d/b/a Eagle's Rest Farms
Bueltel, Joseph A.
Courtroom A
11/25/2008
8:30 AM
Court Trial
24-CV-07-233
Contract
Delinear Concepts LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company vs Eagles Rest Development LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, Scott L. LaFavre, Dustin L. LaFavre and XYZ Corporation, ABC Partnership, John Doe and Mary Roe, whose true names are unknown to Plaintiff
Chesterman, John A.
Court Room 2
10/21/2008
8:30 AM
Jury Trial
24-CV-07-3315
Mechanics Lien
Webster Grading, Inc. d/b/a Rud Excavating of Webster vs. Niles-Wiese Construction Co. Inc., Eagles Rest Development, LLC, Scott L. LaFavre, Dustin L. LaFavre, American Bank of St. Paul, Delinear Concepts, LLC, John Doe, Mary Roe, XYZ Corporation, and ABC Partnership
Chesterman, John A.
Court Room 2
01/27/2009
8:30 AM
Jury Trial
24-CV-07-3420
Contract
Eagles Rest Tree Farms, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, Crown Bank, Scott LaFavre, Sheri LaFavre, James Rowland, John Doe and Mary Roe, ABC Corporation and XYZ Partnership
Chesterman, John A.
Court Room 2
10/20/2008
10:30 AM
Pre-trial
Posted by menace616 on Oct. 03 2008,11:19 am
His spouse;19-C4-05-007209 C & C COURTS, INC., A MINNESOTA CORPORATION et al. vs. SCOTT L. LAFAVRE et al.
04/07/2005
Dakota-Hastings - Non-Criminal
Confession of Judgment
Converted Closed
19-C5-03-006369 DAKOTA, COUNTY OF, THE vs. CHARLES F. DEUTSCH
01/29/2003
Dakota-Hastings - Non-Criminal
Condemnation
Converted Closed
19-C5-04-006091 S.J. P. et al. vs. DUSTIN LEE LAFAVRE et al
01/09/2004
Dakota-Hastings - Non-Criminal
Personal Injury
Converted Closed
27-CV-07-9997 Associated Bank, National Association, a national banking association vs Scott L LaFavre, Shari L LaFavre, LaFavre Holdings LLC, Stoneybrook Apartments Limited Partnership, Chateau Deville Apartments Partnership, a Minnesota General Partnership, and Skyline Square Limited Partnership, a Minnesota Limited Partnership
05/11/2007
- Hennepin Civil
Contract
Closed
66-C3-06-000705 US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND VS SCOTT L. LAFAVRE AND SHARI L. LAFAVRE
04/28/2006
Rice
Default Judgment
Converted Closed
66-CV-06-499 C & C Courts, Inc., D/B/A Sport Court Twin Cities vs SCOTT L. LAFAVRE, SHARI L. LAFAVRE
07/17/2006
Rice
Transcript Judgment From Other Minnesota County
Closed
66-CV-07-417 US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND vs SCOTT LAFAVRE, SHARI L. LAFAVRE
01/29/2007
Rice
Default Judgment
Closed
66-CV-07-2870 US BANK vs SCOTT LAFAVRE, Shari L LaFavre
08/03/2007
Rice
Default Judgment
Closed
66-CV-07-4494 Accounts Receivable Control, Inc vs SCOTT LEE LAFAVRE, Shari L LaFavre
12/03/2007
Rice
Default Judgment
Closed
66-CV-08-1801 Ken Badois vs Scott LaFavre, Shari LaFavre
05/14/2008
Rice
Confession of Judgment
Closed
66-CX-06-000541 US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ND VS SHARI LAFAVRE, ET AL
03/31/2006
Rice
Contract
Converted Closed
66-S6-04-000175 NORTHLAND BUILDINGS, INC. VS SCOTT AND SHARI LAFAVRE
04/22/2004
Rice
Conciliation
Converted Closed
66-S9-05-000181 HIGHLAND BANK VS SCOTT L. LAFAVRE AND SHARI L. LAFAVRE
05/04/2005
Rice
Conciliation
Converted Closed
Posted by menace616 on Oct. 03 2008,11:22 am
Thanks loser for building the "road to nowhere" at the Country Club site. What a vision you had, were you drunk or what?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Oct. 03 2008,4:27 pm
Aren't you glad he didn't end up buying the town like he boasted.Hard to believe such a looooooooser could get that much credit.
Posted by Page_6 on Oct. 03 2008,5:11 pm
This clown sigle handedly created a need for a bail out.