Ramsey County, Falcon Heights not interested in purchasing U golf course

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Ramsey County and Falcon Heights will not pursue purchase of the approximately 141-acre Les Bolstad Golf Course, city and county officials informed the University of Minnesota ahead of the school’s Friday deadline.

The University of Minnesota announced its intent to sell the public facility in June, citing financial and infrastructure needs. As part of its sale process, the University offers surplus property like the golf course to the state, county or city where it is located before it is presented for sale to the general public.

The state of Minnesota, Ramsey County and Falcon Heights officials had until the end of the business day Friday to inform the University as to whether they were interested in purchasing the property. An email to the state Department of Administration to confirm the state’s decision was not immediately returned Friday.

The John W. Mooty Golf Facility used by the University’s men’s and women’s golf teams, as well as the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium used by the women’s soccer team and the KUOM radio tower are not included in the sale.

The Falcon Heights city council during their Wednesday meeting confirmed they do not intend to pursue buying the property as they expect the property’s sale price to be higher than the city’s borrowing capacity, said Falcon Heights Mayor Randy Gustafson on Friday.

The city will still play a role in the property’s future as officials work with future buyers on zoning regulations and city code.

While it’s still early to know what will happen to the property, its future will have to work with several components, Gustafson said. Falcon Heights’ city code requires that 8% to 10% of land be dedicated to green space, such as a park or trail system, as a condition for approval of any subdivision of land.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing what people are hoping for,” Gustafson said. “And I’m looking for something that’s going to benefit everybody in the long term, and go for a better – you know, so we can maintain a good community and good quality of life and places to to live, raise families, recreate, have jobs, that type of thing, all be part of that. That’s what we’re hoping for.”

University officials said they also plan to work closely with the city of Falcon Heights throughout the request for proposal process.

“The City of Falcon Heights, as the land use authority, is leading planning efforts for the future of the Leo Bolstad Golf Course site,” Ramsey County officials said in a statement. “Ramsey County is not pursuing the purchase of this site but remains committed to close coordination with the City, particularly given the County’s adjacent facilities along Larpenteur and Cleveland Avenues.”

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