Lake Isle Country Club has been taking on many improvement projects over the last few years and one of the larger ones is stirring up controversy over the projects efficiency and timeliness.
"It's going to be an even better playing facility and will really be a positive thing for tennis players in the end," said Tennis Pro/Director Kela Simunyola, who has been with the club for 16 years now.
His hope is that the project, will be completed in time for winter tennis and will dramatically improve and attract people to the facility.
Ironically however, this project has begun to create the reverse effect for many of the club's current members, who have voiced concerns over the last few months to the Lake Isle Advisory Board Committee, saying that the playing conditions have been poor due to the use of nearby heavy machinery as well as simply the availability of the courts themselves.
"July 4 will be the halfway point in the season and the date set by the club to have seven of the eight courts completed," stated one member who wished to remain anonymous but continued that, "since we have lost virtually half the season of tennis to court closures and poor conditions, we should rightfully expect a 50% discount on this year's dues."
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Another letter sent to the supervisor at Lake Isle read as follows:
Dear Supervisor
I entered in "good faith" into a contractual agreement with the Town of Eastchester. I took out a tennis membership for the summer of 2012.
I complied with my side of the contract by providing the required money, and abiding by your rules and regulations. Your side of the contract was to provide 4 playable har-tru courts by opening day, April 16, 2012 and 3 more had-tru courts by memorial day, May 28, 2012.
In addition, the town promised that all these courts would have lights, to enable working members to play after work. It is now June 4, and the Town has not fulfilled their part of the contract. There are only 4 courts available and no lights.
I think refunding 50% of our contractual dollar amount would be a reasonable way for the town to handle their failure to comply with their side of the contract.
Lake Isle Club Manager George Papademetriou looks at the inconveniences due to construction as minor set backs for the members and says that the $5 million project will have great long-term effects for the members and the club.
"Work is progressing as quickly as possible and with as much labor as possible and has had to battle rainy conditions that hampers progress," said Papademetriou who added that, "members and residents can check out weekly progress reports from Sporttime on the club's website lakeislecountryclub.org."
Are you a current member of Lake Isle? If so, how have you viewed the renovations taking place on the tennis courts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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