Ridge At Trinitas Files Claim Against Calaveras County
Valley Springs, CA — The owners of the Ridge at Trinitas have filed what could become a third lawsuit against Calaveras County.
The claim is for “unlimited damages.” States co-owner Mike Nemee, “We’ve been denied our right to due process which is in the claim. Not only that we’ve been harmed to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. That’s why the damage claim is unlimited. How do you put a price on ruining your entire life and your future?”
Nemee says the county actually encouraged them to continue construction of the 18 hole layout south of Wallace and even sent a county employee to help them secure a $2.4 million loan from the Community Bank of San Andreas. In addition the county has been taxing the property (approximately $60,000 a year) since 2005.
Nemee and his wife Michelle have already filed two lawsuits against the Calaveras County. Those are being handled by their attorney Ken Foley.
Nemee adds the course is open for play. “87 percent of those who come here to play golf and tour the olive orchards would like to stay on site but at this point they can only play golf and buy olive oil.
Our project was listed in the federal stimulus package to secure 30 plus million dollars for Calaveras County and that apparently didn’t mean anything. It’s really disappointing.”
In addition to a clubhouse and pro shop, the Nemees were planning on building a 30 unit lodging facility.
Recently the Board of Supervisors upheld a Planning Commission decision by a 3-2 vote to close the operation. The Nemees responded by filing for Chapter 11 protection to avoid having their property placed on the auction block.
Click GOLF JUNKYS for a recently posted interview with Ridge at Trinitas co-owner Mike Nemee.
Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com
