The Whaling City Golf Course on Hathaway Road will soon be turned into a business park, WBSM News has learned.

The city-owned golf course, operated by Johnson Golf Management of Harwich, has long been speculated as a site for development, including past discussions of a casino on the site.

According to a press release sent out by the City of New Bedford, city and state officials will be making an announcement on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Charles S. Ashley Room in City Hall. The release says the announcement is "regarding a major job creation and redevelopment initiative."

It also states that "New Bedford’s economic growth has been increasingly constrained by the lack of large-scale, so-called 'greenfield' sites for commercial development within the city limits. The City and State have worked together to explore creative opportunities that would address this problem."

Two independent sources have confirmed to WBSM News on the condition of anonymity that this announcement is that the municipal golf course will be developed into a business park. Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, as well as other city officials, could not confirm nor deny the information. It's not known how much, if any, of the golf course will remain as is.

Governor Charlie Baker is scheduled to be in New Bedford on Thursday to tour the renovations to the Mariner's Home and Seamen's Bethel. It is unknown if the governor is expected to be part of the City Hall announcement.

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