The Southwick Select Board votes in favor of choosing not to exercise their right of first refusal to purchase the Southwick Country Club. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – The Select Board has made their decision on the town’s option of right of first refusal to purchase the Southwick Country Club. At Monday night’s Select Board meeting, the board voted in favor of deciding not to exercise that right.
Bill Najam, the owner of the Southwick Country Club, was in attendance and called the decision a bittersweet moment for him.
“I really loved being in the business,” said Najam. “It’s really a tough business.”
Now that the decision from the town is official, Fiore Realty, the second party attempting to purchase the 110-acre property, expressed their thoughts.
“This is a particular opportunity and a particular need for the town,” said Dick Fiore, Vice President of Fiore Realty, who also pointed out that he and his wife are avid members of the golf course.
Southwick Country Club. (Photo courtesy of Dan Desrochers)
Moving forward, Fiore Realty will now be surveying the land as they got approval from the Conservation Commission sub-committee. Fiore will also come up with a plan in place while also looking at the zoning requirements in town. Fiore also added that the hope is to have construction begin at some point in the spring of 2018.
“We want to do what’s good for the town and what’s good for the people of the town,” said Fiore.
Sale of the property was first reported on Nov. 3 when Najam filed papers to sell the property. On Nov. 14, the Select Board gave an overview of the property and what Fiore Realty is planning on doing while also allowing residents the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter.
Since the Candlewood Inn is a part of the golf course that served as the restaurant, Najam said that he will try to sell it as a restaurant.
According to Najam, the Southwick Country Club will remain open the remainder of the calendar year.
“We have a commitment to our members,” said Najam. “We’ll continue to maintain the course and try to provide decent public play golf until the end of the year.”
