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Hamden council gives green light to amending Laurel View Country Club

The Company will put about $300,000 towards improvements to the Laurel View Country Club.

Hamden’s Legislative Council unanimously approved a proposed amendment to the municipal contract between Triumph Golf Management Inc. and the town on Oct. 25.

After weeks of back and forth changes, an agreement was made upon the final details of the amendment first proposed Oct. 7.

The amendment, formerly named the “October 25th document” by Town Attorney Sue Gruen, gives Triumph the reins to the Laurel View Country Club property. Under the newly amended contract, Triumph will put an estimated $300,000 of improvements towards the facility. 

Another key highlight is the opportunity Triumph has with the banquet facility. Prior to the amendment, the unused banquet facility was being run by the town while the 19th Hole Cafe and East Mountain Pro Shop were leased out to Triumph. 

“I don’t see how it’s a loss for Hamden,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth Wesmore. “Even if we have to call in a default, at least the work will be done and the building will be repaired. We do not have the money to repair it ourselves.”

Section D of the lease agreement states, “The Lessee shall keep and maintain in good repair and replace as needed, all cosmetic upgrades to the entire building, at its own cost and expense.”

President and director of Triumph Golf Management Matt Menchetti declined to comment at this time.

Schedule “A” Improvements of the amendment is a set of eight areas of focus. Included in the eight areas is all work necessary to repair the maintenance building, remove 917 square feet of shingle siding, remove and dispose of the existing outdoor deck, rebuild entire deck in exact same footprint utilizing the existing support beams and even install a granite fountain in the front circle at the entrance to the banquet facility.

Section nine, default provision, states that Triumph will have to commence improvements within 60 days and complete within one year of execution of the amended lease.

“Obviously we’re saving a ton of money by having it done this way,” said Councilman Austin Cesare. “I think it’s going to be a benefit to the whole community to have this facility up and running and making it be a pride and joy for the town.” 

Featured within the amendment are beneficial to the community. Points six and seven state that Laurel View Country Club is to host three town events at cost and have monthly clinics between May through October for Hamden youth. 

Councilman Justin Farmer shared his concerns regarding the monthly clinics.

“I think it will be up to us to make sure that it’s not one or two kids that are participating,” Farmer said. “But we’re really making sure that there’s racial, economical, geographical diversity in the opportunities of students that are participating in these activities.”

In order to host these activities, the course must have a driving range to have the clinics at. Tornadoes in 2018 and 2020 caused much damage to the range.

A big question from the original proposed amendment was about standards being upheld by Triumph.  

The second portion of section nine, default provisions, was added to ensure that the golf course is kept up to par. The course must be maintained consistent with United States Golf Association standards.  

“I think we’ve been able to make some adjustments here that certainly make it more clear what both sides are going to expect over the duration of this contract,” said Councilman Brad Macdowell.

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