Council Supports Golf Course Plan

A proposed 550-home golf course development criticized by neighbors will go forward after the City Council’s approval Monday of a basic concept plan for the project.

Last week, scores of residents criticized the Runkle Canyon project, saying it would adversely affect schools, traffic and the area’s ridgelines.

But GreenPark Group executives convinced council members that the 18-hole golf course and homes would not reach the ridgelines.

The developer agreed to add more affordable homes for seniors. Sixty-two of the 155 homes pegged for seniors will be for lower-income residents, said Randy Wheeler, GreenPark’s chief operating officer.

GreenPark executives also agreed to include 20 one-acre estate lots that council members had insisted on.

The developer also agreed not to build more than 550 units.

“The developer went back and did what we asked him to do,” Councilwoman Barbra Williamson said. “I think he’s a good neighbor, a developer serious about putting together a good project.”

But council members reminded GreenPark executives to meet regularly with residents as the project unfolds.

“They have a lot of homework to do,” Councilman Paul Miller said. “They need to work with the people there because they’re the ones who will have to live with it.”

The council’s action allows GreenPark to apply to develop the project.