RENO, Nev. (AP) - Washoe County commissioners have approved an
agreement to try to preserve the former Northgate Golf Course in
northwest Reno as open space.

Under the option with RJB Development Inc., supporters have until March to try to purchase the 228 acres for at least $4.5 million.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority closed the course in December.

Washoe County has held the land for the convention authority since 1985, but the land gift from the developer included a reversion clause returning it to RJB if no longer used as a golf course.

The county will pay an initial $200,000 to hold the property through January, as well as appraisal and title fees. The county would pay an additional $33,000 a month from January through March to continue holding the property.