Turkey Creek Homeowners Vote Down $15 Country Club Fee

The attempt to muster support to reopen the Alachua, Fla., club, closed since April 2011, fell short of the required 75% approval.

Homeowners in the Turkey Creek community in northern Florida have rejected a proposed $15 monthly fee, which was intended to lure a potential buyer to reopen the Turkey Creek Golf and Country Club. The Alachua, Fla., club closed in April 2011 due to declining memberships and needed upgrade costs, The Gainesville Sun reports.

The club’s majority owner has discounted the price to around $1.5 million, while owing $2.3 million on the mortgage.

A group of 12, comprised mostly of residents and golfers, is trying to find a way to buy and open the club.

The committee that proposed the monthly fee rounded up “yes” votes from only 56% of homeowners, despite extending the vote deadline after 412 of the 1,200-plus homeowners had not voted. The bylaws of the homeowners association require 75% approval. Eighteen percent voted “no” and 26% did not vote.

Walter Smith, husband of committee member Theenie Smith, still saw a positive message in the outcome, saying the 56% vote shows potential buyers that most homeowners want to help.

Turkey Creek will require upgrades, including rebuilding the greens and irrigation system, which has been in use since the club’s opening in 1978.

The committee has also discussed buying the pool and clubhouse.

Tags: Alachua Fla. The Gainesville Sun Theenie Smith Turkey Creek Golf and Country Club Walter Smith