Build the golf course

There are three significant reasons why the golf course should be rebuilt at Fort Sheridan.

First: In August 1991, the district offered $10 million to the Army to acquire the northern 253 acres of Fort Sheridan. Instead, in October 1995, legislation was signed by President Clinton granting the land at no cost - except for the obligation to maintain a golf course in perpetuity. That implies in good times and bad. The district accepted this obligation.

Second: The district's promise of a golf course was a very visible and clear commitment, beginning with the developer's first marketing efforts. The district's promotion of its Robert Trent Jones II golf course design followed later by the Brian Silva redesign (both are prominent course architects) clearly demonstrated its commitment. Homeowners purchased homes at Fort Sheridan fully believing the district's promise.

Third: In 2004, the district approved a $14.5 million budget for Fort Sheridan improvements, of which $5.8 million was attributed to golf course renovation. Later bids were $5 million over budget, primarily due to 235,000 cubic yards of dirt and construction material the district had permitted the developer to temporarily dump. Additionally, the bids included estimates for a ravine restoration project the bidders were unaccustomed to undertaking.

With the settlement of the lawsuit against the developer the dirt stockpiles have now been resolved. And with the benefit of grant money, ravine remediation work is underway.

It is now time for the district to move forward with the golf course. The district has an approved budget, has received unanimous support from the Highland Park and Highwood city councils and has the wherewithal to fund the project - as recently demonstrated by voter approval of $185 million for district projects.

It is now a matter of honoring the contract and representations. Surely, once built, the golf course will be a wonderful amenity for northeastern Illinois.