Golf at Fort Sheridan isn't good for the county, board member says
Land that borders Lake Michigan is not only hard to find, but extremely rare in Illinois. Using the Fort Sheridan property for a golf course would be contrary to the interests of the taxpayers of the county as a whole.
Golf play is down nationally; more courses are closing than opening. The national economy is fragile, and constructing a new golf course, especially a "high end" one, sends the wrong message to the people of Lake County who support public access and restoration on forest preserve sites.
The argument that property values of the area homeowners would be hurt if a golf course was not constructed may have some merit. But would a high-quality nature center at Fort Sheridan, which would draw from an area far greater than a golf course, hurt property values? Just living adjacent to or near a Lake County Forest Preserve site will enhance values.
Also consider the Fort Sheridan parade ground, which could be dedicated to the historical value of the site and provide a rich experience far beyond the four golf holes planned for that historic ground.
Yes, there is a deed restriction on the property that has two requirements: to keep a cemetery and a golf course. It is my belief that the golf course restriction was meant only as a method to ensure that the area remains open space to protect it from development.
It has been said that we need to honor the "promise" of previous boards to build a golf course. Times and circumstances change. Revenues continue to decline while expenses rise on our four existing golf courses.
This board has been elected by the people to deal with the opportunities and problems of today. To spend $30 million, or more, of taxpayers' money to construct something that we don't need, don't want and can't afford is something I cannot support.
I made two promises as a forest preserve commissioner: to protect the resources that we have been blessed with in Lake County and to protect the interests of the taxpayers. I intend to honor them both.
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=267040">Should there be golf at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve? <span class="date">[01/26/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267042">Pro: Build the golf course <span class="date">[01/26/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267041">Con: Golf at Fort Sheridan isn't good for the county <span class="date">[01/26/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>