FLINT -- Right now grass is growing in the Mott Park Golf Course; part of the oldest neighborhood in Flint.  It is one of three city owned courses closed for budget reasons, and City Councilman Sheldon Neeley is calling on Mayor Dayne Walling to take action.  

“We have to protect the assets of this city,” Neeley said.  “This is one of the jewels.  Since 1923 this golf course has been open.”

Meanwhile homeowners near the course fear their property values may drop by as much as 20 percent if the course remains closed, as grass continues to grow on the greens and unwanted traffic populates the park. 

“Grass is going to go up and my property values are going to go down,” said Chad Morse, one of a handful of bidders interested in leasing the property. 

“Privatize it and lease it out,” he said.  “I don’t understand.  If you aren’t spending any money on the ground, lease it out.  That’s guaranteed money coming into the city.  There’s no money coming into the city sitting like this,” he said.

Dawn Jones, spokesperson for Mayor Dayne Walling told NBC25 his office understands the concerns of residents, but maintained the city lacks of money available to keep the courses open.

Neeley said he will work to enhance dialogue with Walling’s office on the issue. Meanwhile there is word that the Kearsley Lake Golf Course will open this summer, giving golfers a choice between that facility and the Swartz Creek location.