Brighton, N.Y. (WHAM) — The Topgolf project in Brighton is not a “hole-in-one” for everybody. The major investment is drawing both praise and protest.

A public hearing was held Thursday at Brighton Town Hall, giving residents a chance to voice their views on the Topgolf venture.

Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle sees a field of opportunity at this spot.

“It’s land right on the town line with the city,” Moehle said. “It’s been raw land, vacant land for many many years, and this is an opportunity to bring some new, much needed development there.”

The plan calls for a nearly 50,000-foot Topgolf facility, with hitting bays, restaurant and a sports bar.

The venue will be located at City Gate on Westfall Road near East Henrietta Road, behind Costco.

Yet, some Brighton residents aren’t on board.

Diane Navarro voiced her concerns at Thursday’s meeting.

“Why build more brick-and-mortar when you can reuse? I’m just very concerned about our green spaces, to be honest with you,” Navarro said. “I am really glad that Topgolf is thinking about this area, but please maybe just consider a different space that’s not already overburdened.”

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is among those speaking out against the project.

In a letter sent to COMIDA, which could provide tax breaks for the project, Barnhart raises a number of issues, including the number of jobs it will actually create, and how much taxpayers will have to invest in the project.

Moehle believes it will be worth the investment.

“They would be looking at abatement of school taxes and county taxes, but they would pay some taxes or payments in lieu of taxes,” Moehle explained. “The amount of taxes they would pay under what is being proposed would increase over 10 years. So, in 10 years, they would be paying full taxes.”

It’s unclear when we will learn of a decision on tax breaks for the project. Topgolf hopes to open the facility sometime next year.

You can still weigh in on the project on the town of Brighton’s website linked below.

______