Study Delays Golf Course Plan

The El Segundo City Council voted 5 to 0 Tuesday to table a proposal to develop a nine-hole executive golf course and driving range until the city can determine the value and revenue-generating potential of the property.

The 25-acre site, located east of Sepulveda Boulevard and south of El Segundo Boulevard, was given to the city by Chevron in 1988 for a golf course or public outdoor recreational use. It already has a driving range. The proposal also calls for leasing an additional three acres from Southern California Edison.

As part of its revenue enhancement program, the city is conducting an economic study to determine the best use of all city property, including the golf-course site. The study should be completed in May.

“We’ll be looking at the best use for that property in the marketplace, in terms of the sales and property tax it could generate,” City Manager Ron Cano said.

Cano said it would cost the city approximately $2.7 million to build the golf course, which would net $300,000 in profits annually.

“Who knows . . . that land could net the city five times that amount,” said Councilman J. B. Wise. “Until the market study is done, it’s a grave mistake to vote on the project.”

Mayor Carl Jacobson questioned whether building a golf course would be wise when the city is facing mandatory water cuts.

“Building and maintaining a golf course requires a great use of water. We’ve got to look at conservation,” Jacobson said.

The council will review the project again in May.