Locust Valley Golf Club Needs Tax Relief to Survive

Upper Saucon Township resident Robert Ashford became the owner of on Aug. 1.

And now he's asking for tax relief to keep the course alive.

Ashford and attorney James Omdahl gave a presentation during Monday’s township Board of Supervisors meeting, agreeing to pay all delinquent real estate taxes -- but on the basis of a market-based assessment of the property's value.

At a previous supervisors meeting, Ashford asked for elimination of a 4 percent amusement tax.

“Locust Valley is a great golf course,” Ashford said at Monday's meeting. “But it’s showing its age. We want to keep it a golf course.”

Ashford and Omdahl argued that the 2013 new assessed value of the property, $5.4 million, exceeds the implied market value by more than $1 million and the actual market value by more than $3 million.

“The Manor House [Inn] was estimated at $986,000,” said Ashford. “This building is decrepit. It hasn’t had heat in seven years.”

Ashford will have to overcome other financial burdens as well.

Locust Valley Golf Club produces its revenue without a bar, restaurant or banquet area -- commonplace features at public golf courses. He plans to implement those things along with a wide array of improvements if he is able to receive relief before Sept. 12 -- the date of the property’s upset tax sale.

“My client [Ashford] is willing to invest upwards of $500,000,” said Omdahl. “But right now [with all taxes] it’s not likely he would be able to keep it a golf course.”

The board supported the idea of exploring the legalities of offering a market-based assessment of the property's value.

“I think we can at least look into any fees that could possibly be removed,” said supervisor Dennis Benner.

The decision to relieve Ashford of any taxes ultimately lies with the three taxing districts: the township, Lehigh County and the Southern Lehigh School District.

Ashford was also at the Aug. 6 supervisors meeting. He asked for consideration to eliminate the amusement tax -- a 4 percent tax on all club-generated revenue he claims only four local businesses are forced to pay.

Locust Valley Golf Club currently has 16 employees.