What happens when a golf course closes? In Palm Springs, that question is about to become a very real debate over housing, open space and who gets a say in what happens next.
The Palm Springs Planning Commission will consider changing approximately 35 acres of the former Bel Air Greens Golf Course from open space to residential use. Under the city’s golf course conversion rules, half of the property would still have to remain open space, while the land could potentially accommodate dozens of homes.
The issue goes beyond one former golf course. Across the Coachella Valley, golf courses occupy valuable land, and when one closes, the question becomes what should replace it.
On the Roggin Report, host Fred Roggin discussed the issue with international realtor Nick Collins and HR professional Cherie Johnson.
Collins questioned whether a property owner should be allowed to convert a closed golf course to housing if the city’s requirements are followed. He also pointed to the distinction between people who own homes near the property and the actual landowners.
“If you’re inside the development, whether it be an HOA or not, if you’re inside the development, then you absolutely get a say,” Collins said. “But if you’re just across the way and looking at it, just because it’s your view, you’re not going to stop that at all.”
The discussion also turned to residents who may have purchased homes expecting to live next to a golf course. Johnson suggested buyers may need to consider the possibility of future changes involving the land around their homes.
Housing needs were another part of the conversation. Roggin asked whether it makes sense to require a closed golf course to remain mostly open space when the Valley needs more housing.
Collins said he supports retaining some green space rather than turning the entire property into homes.
“I don’t want all concrete with this much room between the houses,” Collins said, adding that he likes the idea of leaving some land available rather than filling the entire area with two- and three-story homes.
Johnson also raised questions about whether the area has enough water, electrical and other utility capacity to support additional housing.
The discussion highlights the larger challenge Palm Springs and other Coachella Valley communities could face as golf courses close and valuable land becomes available for other uses.
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