Cedar Hills considers future of golf course

CEDAR HILLS — Shots sailed in all directions this week as Cedar Hills residents were given a chance to tee off on options for the city-owned golf course.

"You want us to keep paying for a stupid golf course," longtime resident Shanna Wilkinson told the City Council.

"The golf course is what makes Cedar Hills," countered Brooks Casper.

Then there was H.R. Brown, who said he'd rather buy the golf course than see portions of the property sold for residential development.

City meetings to discuss alternatives for the Cedar Hills Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday attracted about 200 people, many of whom had strong opinions on what the City Council should do with the debt-laden course.

After more than two years of gathering information and reviewing options, city staff and elected officials have unveiled what they say are the four best alternatives.

Two of those options call for portions of golf course property to be sold for residential development to pay off — or pay down — the city's $6.27 million bond debt, reducing or eliminating the property tax burden on residents. The course then would be restructured to remain 18 holes and continue to be owned and operated by the city.

One reconfiguration option requires approval of The Cedars homeowners association. Portions of the city-owned course are included in residential plats, making them subject to the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) of the HOA.

Another option has the city selling property on the east side of the course for residential development, reconfiguring the layout to replace the holes and then seeking a buyer for the course.

Then there's the do-nothing option, preferred by a minority of homeowners — mainly those whose homes overlook the east-side holes being considered for development.

Residents at both meetings made arguments for and against each alternative. That was expected, said Councilman Eric Richardson. None of the alternatives will make everyone happy, he said.

"I was hoping there would be some option to come in and save the day," Richardson said during Wednesday's meeting. "So far, there hasn't been anyone to ride in and do that."