Broome County Proposes Taking Ownership of En-Joie from Endicott

Broome County officials have been talking with village of Endicott representatives about the possibility of transferring ownership of the En-Joie Golf Course.

The course, which was established for Endicott Johnson Shoe Company workers in 1927, is owned by the village. The county has operated the facility since 2006.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the course's irrigation system needs to be replaced. He said that project could cost of millions of dollars.

Garnar told WNBF News that if Endicott turns over ownership of the course, the county would pay for the irrigation project. He said that would free up about 10 million gallons of water that's used annually by En-Joie.

The county executive said as long as Endicott remains the owner of the course, the village "is on the hook for any infrastructure repairs."

Garnar said the upgrade of the irrigation system is "absolutely necessary." He said the work would help to retain the Dick's Sporting Goods Open, the annual PGA event held at En-Joie.

Village and county officials have discussed a possible transfer of ownership of the golf course over the last few months.

Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame said the village has owned En-Joie for more than six decades.

The mayor told WNBF News that when the county notified Endicott that an engineering firm recommended upgrading the irrigation system, the village requested a copy of the report.

Burlingame said Endicott has yet to receive the report. He said once it's received, village officials "will analyze our options and allow an opportunity for public comment."

The mayor said Endicott also has requested an "objective assessment" from another engineering firm to review the golf course situation.

Burlingame said once additional information has been received, the village board will make a decision that will be in the best interest of the village and its residents.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.