America the Messy Yard Police StateMessy yard cops terrorize gold course owner!!!!!Messy yard cops terrorize gold course owner!!!!! Owner defends appearance of former golf property Weldon B. Johnson The Arizona Republic Jul. 28, 2006 12:00 AM SCOTTSDALE - One of the owners of the shuttered Villa Monterey Golf Course appeared in municipal court Thursday to defend the aesthetics of his property, which has turned from golf greens to brown. The city's Code Enforcement Department has cited the former golf course's owner Ron McGarey and Southwest Retail Group for blight, stagnant water and improperly maintained vegetation on the 36-acre property, off Hayden Road between Camelback and Chaparral roads. McGarey argues that his property, which has not operated as a golf course since 2004, does not violate city codes, despite the complaints of neighbors. His case, however, was postponed and will likely be heard in September in Scottsdale Municipal Court. McGarey was given a warning letter in May, but the city maintains that the property is still not up to code. If a judge upholds the violations, the property owners can be forced to bring the former golf course into compliance. Neighbors say the property isn't being maintained and the water in the ponds on the property smells bad and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. McGarey said that the property is maintained on a weekly basis and that the water in the ponds is tested and did not pose a mos- quito hazard or any other threat. He said it was irresponsible during a drought to keep the property in the lush condition of a golf course when it is not being used for that purpose. "The neighbors are upset because they expect it to be maintained like a golf course, but it isn't anymore," McGarey said. McGarey said there were no immediate plans for development or sale of the property.
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