Golf course future stalled in court
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

The fate of Greencastle Greens Golf Course is still tied up in District Federal Court in Harrisburg.

According to James Stein, an attorney with Dick, Stein, Schemel, Wine and Frey LLC, the case remains in the discovery phase, as it was in January. Stein is co-counsel with a Harrisburg law firm representing the plaintiffs who wish to preserve the course as a recreational facility.

Greencastle GIBC LLC, South Norwalk, Connecticut, purchased the course July 1, 2005 and presented a plan to Antrim Township on July 19, 2006 to convert the property into a 191-lot subdivision.

Local developer Dan Sheedy and Admar Homes seek to block the change to the 212-acre property. They believe that the deed requires the land remain a golf course even when the title changes hands.

"There's not a whole lot to tell," said Stein. "The case was postponed a few times, which is not uncommon."

Right now depositions are being taken on both sides. Stein said settlement negotiations weren't really viable but it was possible motions before the trial could resolve the situation sooner.

For now, an October trial date has been set. Oral arguments should take two to three days. Stein said federal judges like to keep things moving and would possibly issue an immediate verdict.