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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2006.08.31 - 28078REPORT (MISC. 106157) August 31, 2006 BY: General Government Committee, William R. Patterson, Chairperson IN RE: MR #06157 - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — SUPPORT FOR RACKHAM GOLF COURSE AND PRESERVING HISTORIC GREEN SPACE To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: The General Government Committee, having reviewed Miscellaneous Resolution #06157 on August 14, 2006, reports with a recommendation that the resolution be adopted. Chairperson, on behalf of the General Government Committee, I move acceptance of the foregoing report. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE General Government Committee Vote: Motion carried on a roll call vote with Crawford absent. Miscellaneous Resolution # 06157 BY: Commissioners Helaine Zack, District #22 and Bill Bullard, Jr., District #2 IN RE: Board of Commissioners — Support for Rackham Golf Course and Preserving Historic Green Space To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS Oakland County has a rich cultural heritage and architectural history that has been attained throughout the years by encouraging the preservation of historic and natural resources and by acknowledging the contribution that invaluable greenspaces make to the strength and vitality of our local communities; and WHEREAS in 1922, the Baker Land Company developed the Bronx subdivision within Huntington Woods (the land between 10 Mile and 11 Mile and Scotia and Wyoming). Its deed to the Rackham family stated that the property must be used "only as a public park or golf course or for other similar purposes." The Baker Land Company wanted a golf course because it understood that a golf course makes a city more attractive to potential residents; and WHEREAS Horace and Mary Rackham donated this 120-acre parcel of land located in Huntington Woods to the City of Detroit in 1924. The couple enjoyed golf and wanted to give the common man and woman a place to appreciate it also; and WHEREAS to protect their generous gift, the Rackham's also placed a restriction in the deed that provided that the property must be used as a public golf course; and WHEREAS the Rackham Golf Course is of major historical significance to the region. Donald Ross, one of the greatest names in golf history, designed the course; and WHEREAS Rackham Golf Course was the first integrated public course in the State of Michigan. Its opening in 1923 was during a period of time when segregation was the norm. Rackham was open to all people regardless of their ethnicity, color or class; and WHEREAS adding to its historical significance, the Rackham Golf Course contains a clubhouse that was designed by renowned architect N. Chester Sorensen and includes Pewabic tile in its interior; and WHEREAS Ben Davis, a 97-year-old golf professional, began his career at Rackham Golf Course in 1936. He was the first black professional golfer in Michigan and for 60 years the course pro at Rackham. Mr. Davis taught such notables as boxing champion Joe Louis and former Detroit Mayor and Supreme Court Justice Dennis Archer; and WHEREAS recognizing this rich history, the City of Huntington Woods is in the process of having the Rackham Golf Course declared an historic preservation district; and WHEREAS many communities are facing difficult financial challenges, and the City of Detroit has indicated an interest in entertaining offers to purchase Rackham Golf Course. The initial offer from a developer to purchase Rackham to construct 400 or more single family housing units was rejected by the Detroit City Council who suggested that the Mayor pursue an open bid process; and WHEREAS the City of Huntington Woods and its residents view the Rackham Golf Course as an integral part of the community. This local community is interested in preserving the Rackham Golf Course and its 120 acres of greenspace, not only for its residents - but for the metropolitan area as well, and has submitted an offer to purchase the property; and ittieteiti CommissioneaZ; Zack Distgict #22 ommissioner D ist-jot # missioner rip; # Missioner District # AiD2 g 1-teelq) Commissioner Bill Bullard, Jr. —e-1-2 -4 ,//Distric #2 \ om7fissioner District # ', t i C ssion9r District # I l' 2 / Corn-rnvIsiorYer District # 'Commissione District # WHEREAS the City of Huntington Woods has determined that a development of such high density would increase the number of households in Huntington Woods by 17%. This would be a dramatic change to the community's character and a drain on its public safety resources. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby supports urban initiatives to enhance the quality of life in our communities by offering recreational parkland. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners supports the community-based efforts to maintain Rackham Golf Course as a recreational greenspace that can be enjoyed by residents throughout the region for many generations to come, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners encourages the efforts of concerned citizens and the residents of Huntington Woods to seek alternatives that will preserve and protect the historic Rackham Golf Course. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners urges the City of Detroit and the City of Huntington Woods to collaborate in the true spirit of regional cooperation to seek a solution that affirms the intangible value that the Rackham Golf Course brings to the region — a precious natural jewel endowed with an historic legacy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk is requested to forward copies of this adopted resolution to the Mayor and City Council of the Cities of Detroit and Huntington Woods and the Michigan Historic Preservation Review Board. Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution. 004 z va( 447 12 Commissioner District # cZei Commissione1/2 Commissioner District #_ Z District # Commissioner Commissioner District # A District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Commissioner Commissioner District # District # Resolution #06157 July 20, 2006 The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no objections. Resolution #06157 August 31, 2006 Moved by Palmer supported by Zack the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent Agenda, be adopted (with accompanying reports being aceiited). AYES: Coleman, Coulter, Crawford, Douglas, Gershensen, Hatchett, Jamian, KowaII, Long, Melton, Middleton, Molnar, Moss, Nash, Palmer, Patterson, Potter, Rogers, Scott, Suarez, Wilson, Woodward, Zack, Bullard. (24) NAYS: None. (0) A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent Agenda, were adopted (with accompanying reports being accepted). STATE OF MICHIGAN) COUNTY OF OAKLAND) I, Ruth Johnson, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on August 31, 2006, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at Pontiac, Michigan this 31st day of August, 2006.