[UPDATE, May 19: Tallgrass will remain open through the summer of 2016, according to Newsday's Mark Herrmann.]
SEE LATEST POSTS:
Supporters, opponents of Tallgrass solar development state their case to Brookhaven Planning Board (1/26/2016)
Tallgrass offering 2016 tee-time memberships as threat of solar development lingers (12/18/2015)
Talks concerning solar-farm future at Tallgrass continue (9/8/2015)
With an out-of-state energy company making plans to convert the sunny skies over Shoreham into renewable energy, dark clouds are looming on the horizon for Tallgrass Golf Course.
In a 139-page report submitted to the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board last month, Chicago-based Invenergy detailed plans for a 110,000-panel solar farm to be built on the grounds of the existing Tallgrass course. According to the report, the current clubhouse would be used as a community center, and the cart path would be repurposed as a multi-use recreational trail.
The Town of Brookhaven still needs to approve the proposal, which would be Long Island's second-largest renewable-energy project, according to Newsday. The former Calverton Links golf course has also been tied to discussions regarding solar farms.
Speculation varies among those close to the Tallgrass situation, with some doubting approval, while others consider it likely, Golf On Long Island has learned. It is believed that a sale of the course to the developer is already in place in the event of approval.
Tallgrass Golf Course was designed by Gil Hanse and opened in 2000 on the site of a former sod farm. For the past six years, Tallgrass has been ranked by Golfweek as one of the "Best Courses You Can Play" in New York State.