Former Councilman Questions Ely Park Golf Course Deal

Anthony Massar, a former Binghamton city councilmember, is criticizing efforts to hire a qualified manager for the city-owned Ely Park Golf Course.

Massar described the handling of the contract for a new operator of the facility as "improper and ineffective."

The city in March selected Davern Management LLC to operate the golf course.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Massar noted the city had stipulated the operator would have to equip and manage the course restaurant.

Now, Massar said, the city has advertised to seek bids for restaurant equipment at the course.

Massar said that contradicts the original request for proposals to operate the golf course. He maintains Davern Management would have been given an unfair advantage over other prospective bidders.

Bids for the restaurant equipment are scheduled to be opened at City hall on Wednesday.

Massar last week outlined his concerns about the Ely Park situation in a three-page letter to Mayor Richard David and members of city council. He said no one had yet replied.

Deputy mayor Jared Kraham said Massar's letter was hand-delivered Friday afternoon and "we're reviewing it."

Matt Davern of Davern Management could not be reached to comment on Massar's remarks.