After Shadow Pines, a golf course in the town of Penfield, faced the possibility of being turned into a subdivision just last year, residents came forward in strong opposition to the plan — and the Penfield Town Board listened.

In response to public outcry, the board stepped in, imposing a moratorium on the land to stall development and give stakeholders time to formulate alternative uses for the green space.

Now, the town board is acting.

More:Penfield extends Shadow Pines moratorium

At a meeting that was held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, Town Supervisor Tony LaFountain announced that the town has signed a letter of intent to purchase the land from its current owner.

LaFountain said the town is not disclosing a purchase price for the property, at this point.

According to LaFountain, the purchase is contingent upon a number of conditions that still need to be worked through, but this serves as a step forward in the effort to keep Penfield green and show residents that they have a voice in what happens in their community.

"In anything like this there is going to be a process associated with it. Sometimes it moves quicker than others, but getting to this next milestone is a very positive aspect of the process for the town," he said.

Still, many steps remain between the board and the final purchase, including environmental review and an eventual refrerendum. LaFountain said that he expects that a purchase agreement will be presented to the board within the next 30 days for review and signing.

"We'll be working with our bound council for funding, as well," said LaFountain.

The announcement comes at a time of stewing tension in the neighboring town of Webster, where a different golf course has been posed for development. It will almost certainly face a different fate.

On Aug. 17, a letter was circulated among residents who live in houses that border Webster Golf Club's west golf course, many of whom moved into their respective homes for two primary reasons — the view of the course and the open space. The letter, which was written by Michael D'Amico of Combat Construction — a local developer — invited residents of the surrounding neighborhoods to attend an informational meeting on a proposed 114-lot subdivision that, if approved, would be built on the current course. The meeting was held Sept. 7.

Despite much backlash from residents, the plan to develop the course remains in full-swing.

More:Webster golf course developer's plan for homes debated at Planning Board meeting

More:Political golf heats up over proposed sale of Webster course

The initial presentation of concept for review was done before the town planning board at a meeting on Sept. 19.

Concerns raised by residents who attended the meeting ranged from lot size and the proximity of the houses, to environmental concerns about the destruction of ecosystems and toxic air pollution during construction, but a willingness to find compromise was demonstrated by the developer, community members and the board.

The project is currently back on the drawing board for continued review, following board and community feedback.

The next Planning Board meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.

LPEACE@GANNETT.COM

Sarah Taddeo contributed to this report.