Andy Logar Letter Regarding Terrazzo Project

Dear Mr. Gage:

A philosophy normally associated with the medical profession, “First do no harm,” should be judiciously applied when the Department of Community Development evaluates the Terrazzo Project. How unfortunate the Fountaingrove Varenna Project wasn’t put to this test - the hideous rear of that ugly project, forevermore degrades the views and values from nearby homes.

Unquestionably, the crown jewel of the Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic Club (FGAC) is the Athletic Club and its associated swimming pool, spa, wading pool and well-equipped fitness center – not to mention the adjacent clay tennis court and 5 other courts nearby. It is a well-planned, constructed and maintained facility in a resort-type setting.

In an area where there are many other somewhat similar facilities the readily perceived competitive advantages of the Athletic Club and environs are enough to provide a membership level sufficiently strong to help carry the Golf Club, which reportedly is operating in the red. Unfortunately, construction of the Terrazzo project will take many months, perhaps even stretching to a year or two. The dirt, dust, traffic, safety, security and noise that the project will generate will undoubtedly discourage new membership and very likely cause many current members to drop their membership. This may prove catastrophic to the FGAC’s overall finances.

Therefore, I propose that Mr. Hugh Futrell agree to guarantee the current level of membership and dues. Should the revenues drop due to membership losses, his corporation will make the Club whole. This will encourage the developer to do everything reasonable to mitigate the blighting influences of his project.

As suggested by one our members, Mr. Hardy Soderholm, two measures that entail little cost should be undertaken as soon as possible. Terrazzo’s screening vegetation should be planted at the earliest date practicable – taking advantage of some rains to come this season - the screening being useful regardless of what the final Terrazzo plans turn out to be. Also, he suggests that heavy earth moving be restricted to wet months because the pool is little used during such periods and far less dust will be kicked up by construction equipment. There are many other issues that should be addressed but I leave those to others to expound upon.

I personally believe that real estate should be developed to its highest and best use. From an appraiser’s perspective it would mean evaluating the value of the two properties, FGAC and Terrazzo, separately and then taken together and comparisons made. Clearly, Mr. Futrell will derive full advantage in value from a beautiful resort-style setting, while his proposed Terrazzo project would impose nothing but deleterious effects on the FGAC and its members. This is gross inequity must be addressed – and only the first step is to abide by the aphorism: “First do no harm.”

Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,

Andy Logar