Note:  The following is a continuation of Councilman Rob Crawley’s original July post on his blog at Blog: Rob Crawley Cedar Hills Blog  http://cedarhillsrob.blogspot.com/2015/07/over-last-couple-of-years-while-i-have.html, FaceBook Cedar Hills Chatroom, and CHCRG’s posting of “Golf Course Financial Report — Possibly most important doc in 10 years” at http://www.cedarhillscitizens.org/golf-course-financial-report-possibly-most-important-doc-in-10-years/

Crawley’s Golf Course Discussion (Continued)

August 10, 2015

Following is the plan that I proposed to the golf course committee last Thursday as a “Plan B” to compare to “Plan A”, which is keeping the golf course:

For those that are new to the discussion, I will get you up to speed.

• The golf course has continued to be a topic of strong disagreement between residents.
• My goal (and responsibility) as a City Council member is to look at all options to see if there are any good alternatives to keeping the golf course that should be considered.
• The Golf Course Finance Committee is again meeting to discuss first, how to reduce the losses of the golf course “Plan A”. Second, if there is another option that is preferable to keeping the golf course, “Plan B”.
• My part in this is helping to develop an alternative to keeping the golf course (“Plan B”) that is the best possible alternative.
• Finally the Golf Course Finance Committee will issue their recommendation on whether to use the ideas from the first part of our meetings and continue with the golf course or to move to the second option.
• Hopefully in the end, if we keep the golf course, those that are against it will be satisfied that we have looked closely at all options and determined that continuing with the golf course is the best option and will be satisfied accepting our higher taxes to subsidize the golf course. If we don’t keep the golf course, hopefully it will be because we have found a better option for our city. Either way we are in a better position after having this exercise.
• If it is unclear which way is better, then I suggest surveys or a citizen vote to resolve the issue. To further develop “plan B”, I will continue to look at what would be done with the golf course land if we pursue plan B.

Following are some highlights from plan B as conceived so far:

• Holes 13, 14 and 15 would be sold or developed. To maintain a good amount of open space large lots would be zoned to be determined by the city council. I would suggest no less than .5 acre lots to be zoned here and probably on all golf course lots. It is hopeful that developing this area pay off the golf course debt. Whether we keep the golf course or not, some of this area will probably be developed as the city has set aside approximately 10 acres for development to help pay off the golf course debt.
• Holes 11, 12, 16 and 17 directly border The Cedars “wagonwheel” development. I would recommend that the residents of The Cedars determine if they would like to sell a small amount of land for .5 acre lots in order to pay for development of these areas for parks. Parks generally cost $300,000 to $700,000 or more to develop depending on how much parking, how nice the playground equipment, if there will be additional items such as basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball areas, etc. The residents in these areas through town meetings would participate in the decision making process for these parks. The residents directly bordering these areas would be given a few feet extra of the land that was golf course area to ensure no reduction in property values for those directly bordering the golf course land.
• Hole 18 and the driving range. These would be a similar concept as the previously mentioned holes. However, the city, with input from residents would decide how much to develop in order to make the most of the open space. At a minimum a beautiful park and splash pad is what I would recommend. Some may suggest selling a few more lots and having a swimming pool in addition to the park.
• Hole 10 could be converted into a cemetery. There has been a lot of requests for a Cedar Hills Cemetery. The largest cost for most cemeteries is the cost of the land. I believe the costs would be minimal for conversion to a cemetery and it would self-sustain based on plot sales revenue.
• Holes 1-9 are in Highland City and do not directly border any Cedar Hills homes. Because this area is not in Cedar Hills, it would not make sense to spend money beautifying this area or developing parks. I would suggest we put this area up for sale. Highland City is motivated to keep a good amount of green space in this area and not develop it too much so the price per acre would not be extremely high, but the area is over 60 acres and even a modest price of $50,000 per acre would give the city $3,000,000+ to pay off more debt. Whatever decision for this area should be self-sustaining financially as it is not in Cedar Hills City.

These are some initial thoughts and ideas for these areas. The committee will be getting feedback from our attorney regarding any adjustments to this plan that would be needed in order to do this legally. The plan will be adjusted as feedback is obtained from residents or our legal department.

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