A petition started by a former employee of the Mountain Valley Golf Course asks local officials to oppose industrial or large-scale commercial development at the recently sold property.

In his petition posted to Change.org, Brendon Walsh-Lowe asks that the property on Brockton Mountain Drive in Barnesville be preserved as open space or utilized for low-impact projects.

“Or alternative options that align with the character of the community,” he wrote in the petition.

The golf course was sold for about $15 million on March 16 to PNK P8 LLC, a New York City firm that builds warehouses.

Mountain Valley owners noted last month that the property was purchased for “future commercial and industrial business use.” Owners also noted that the Ryan Township property, which includes a restaurant and events venue, will close during the second week of October.

Walsh-Lowe wrote in his petition that while working at the course he saw “how special” the property is and how much the community appreciates its natural beauty, peaceful setting and recreational opportunities.

“The potential for industrial or large-scale commercial development on this land is deeply concerning. Transforming such a large, scenic, and environmentally valuable property into warehouses, data centers, or other industrial uses would significantly change the character of the area,” Walsh-Lowe said.

Furthermore, he said, development “could increase truck traffic, noise, light pollution, and stormwater runoff, while also reducing wildlife habitat and permanently eliminating a meaningful green space.”

The petition, which was posted March 30, has received approximately 2,000 signatures.

“Once land like this is developed, it cannot easily be restored,” Walsh-Lowe said. “Many community members believe this property should be carefully considered before any large-scale development moves forward.”