Judge hears arguments in Silverstone golf course case
Silverstone Ranch homeowners and their lawyers were in federal court Thursday seeking a new temporary restraining order to turn on the water at the community’s closed golf course.
U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware heard two hours of arguments in a courtroom packed with more than 100 homeowners but had to continue the hearing until Friday morning.
The judge said he was concerned that the property’s new owner, Desert Lifestyles, and its Beverly Hills lawyer, Ronald Richards, failed to abide by a previous state court order to maintain the property amid the ongoing legal fight.
Boulware warned the new owner to be prepared to face “daily consequences” if it failed to follow any order he might issue on Friday.
Las Vegas attorney Ross Goodman, who represents Desert Lifestyles, told Boulware the California company can’t afford the $350,000 to turn the water back on.
That prompted Boulware to question why the company bought the property.
Desert Lifestyles turned off the water and shut down the golf course after the purchase was finalized on Sept. 1.
The abrupt actions infuriated homeowners, who fear their property values and quality of life will suffer.
Goodman argued Thursday that the golf course lost money before Desert Lifestyles bought it and the company can’t be forced to run an unprofitable venture.
City of Las Vegas officials, however, have sided with the homeowners, citing the property this week with code violations and ordering management to maintain the property.
Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Find him on Twitter: @JGermanRJ