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Residents urge DeSoto council to support revitalization of Thorn Tree golf course
Summary
Several DeSoto residents used the citizen-appearance period to request council support for revitalizing Thorn Tree Golf Club, warning that decline of the course could lower nearby home values and asking the city to encourage a new buyer or investment.
Three residents addressed the DeSoto City Council during the Jan. 21 citizen appearances to press for action on the Thorn Tree Golf Club property. Speakers told the council the property has deteriorated under current ownership and urged the city to support prospective buyers or investments to restore the golf course—s clubhouse, grounds and amenities.
Trey Cockrell said Thorn Tree has become an "eyesore" and argued a revitalized course would attract visitors and boost the local economy, raising property values and supporting nearby businesses. Pam Smith, a DeSoto resident and local real-estate agent, said a closed or decaying golf course could reduce nearby home values by 25 to 50 percent and reduce property-tax revenue that funds local services; she urged the council to help ensure Thorn Tree is redeveloped as a functioning course and community asset.
Both speakers asked the council to prioritize the property as part of ongoing economic-development and community-image efforts. The council did not take action during the meeting; the speakers— comments were placed in the public record as citizen appearances.
