City of Cedar Rapids is asked to buy a west-side driving range and par 3 course for $1.5 million

Larry Sharp, a local Realtor who ran for the City Council in 2007, wants the city to buy his Meadowridge Golf Driving Range and Par 3 Course for $1.5 million.

In a letter to City Manager Jeff Pomeranz, Sharp states that a past golf director for the city asked him in 2007 if he would sell the facility, at 6677 16th Ave. SW, for $1.5 million. The course wasn't for sale then, reports Sharp, who also states that he thought the facility was worth $1.7 million back then.

Sharp says he is 71 now, ready to retire and will sell the facility to the city for $1.5 million. He adds that he would be willing to sell on contract with payment made over time.

In his letter, Sharp notes that Julie Sina, the city's parks and recreation director, has told him the city doesn't have money to buy Meadowridge at this time.

“In my 45 years of business experience, I know that when an excellent opportunity presents itself, one gets creative,” Sharp states in his letter. “So, in this case, I think the city is probably creative enough to find the money and buy the opportunity.”