LYNDHURST, Ohio -- The city of Lyndhurst has jumped into the battle over the future of Acacia Country Club, launching a very public effort to keep the private club's shareholders from selling their 160-acre golf course to a conservation group.

In a recent letter to the club's president, Mayor Joseph Cicero said the city is willing to buy the land for $16 million, in a deal that would close by Dec. 14. His correspondence included a letter of intent -- an expression of interest, laying out possible deal terms -- that is valid until noon on Sept. 7.

The club, set to vote Sept. 6 on an offer from a Virginia-based nonprofit, has not responded to the mayor's letter.

The Conservation Fund hopes to acquire the high-profile property for $14.75 million and maintain it as public green space. The deal requires approval by Acacia members holding at least two-thirds of the club's outstanding shares.

"Acacia has ceased negotiations with any other prospective buyers until the shareholders have voted on the Conservation Fund offer," said Charles Longo, the club's president. "I'm not going to comment on any offers that are received by the club or by me, because if we do receive any, they will not even be considered."

Cicero sent his letter in response to an Aug. 16 Plain Dealer story about the Conservation Fund's offer. In an interview, the mayor said he has no objection to green space. But he said part of the Acacia land should be used for projects that will generate tax revenue for the city, especially in the wake of state cuts to local government funding.

"As a large piece of property, a balanced approach has to be taken to it," he said Wednesday. "Remaining green, a barren field or whatever, I don't think it's something that the city can look to as beneficial."

Lyndhurst would not pay the $16 million for the property. Rather, the money would come from real estate investors or developers, whom Cicero would not identify. Under the mayor's proposal, the city would act as a conduit, crafting a plan that might include houses, apartments, offices, stores and some greenery.

"We have an agreement with a number of potential investors," Cicero said. "Basically, it is a development agreement that we are in the process of forming."

Surrounded by Beachwood Place mall and Legacy Village shopping center, the Acacia land is the last remaining large swath of green space in Lyndhurst. Developers have been pursuing the property for decades, with the most recent suitors proposing everything from large-scale shopping to a corporate headquarters.

The Conservation Fund's plan is the first preservation proposal. The group, which has been monitoring the property for several years, decided to make an offer after Acacia's shareholders narrowly voted down a deal with a shopping center company.

If Acacia's shareholders vote in favor of the sale, it would close this year. The nonprofit has not shared detailed plans for the property, but an executive said the group's goal is to preserve the land and open it up to the public.

Preservationists say maintaining open space will boost values of nearby homes and prevent more traffic problems on Cedar Road. But Cicero, who expects the city to receive $1.5 million less in tax revenues and state funding next year, sees developing the property as a way to avoid higher local taxes and service cuts.

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