In 2005 we first learned about plans to close the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and develop the property. The application for the 229 unit housing development was filed in June 2007. The Draft Environmental Impact Report was released in May 2009 with public comments concluding in August.   As of today the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and our communities continue in a holding pattern. This stop & go process has made it difficult to maintain momentum; however, our local communities have remained staunch supporters of the VHGC and advocates for protecting our neighborhoods from the negative environmental impacts which would result from the proposed development. Despite the delays you have been stalwart, writing letters as needed;  helping raise funds;  submitting your comments on the Draft EIR;  keeping up with the eBlasts and sharing them with others;  visiting the official website, SaveTheGolfCourse.Org;  and signing up for the Facebook Save the VHGC Fan Page. While we wait for the Final EIR this is a good time to reflect on what we stand to lose if the proposed project goes through. The City of Los Angeles already faces a shortage of recreational parkland. Loss of the VHGC would only worsen the situation. In fact, the 2009 Draft Environmental Impact Report acknowledged this. The loss of recreation is one of two significant negative environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated. There is no way to lessen the loss. Preserving the Verdugo Hills Golf Course is MORE than saving just the existing golf course. The extended property of the VHGC provides space for additional forms of recreation for local residents. The Verdugo Hills Golf Course & Regional Park could become a recreational destination for us all. In 2008 Richard Toyon, president of VOICE and a member of the VHGC Committee, explored what the VHGC could become. Toyon's drawing, below, captures a variety of ways in which a regional park could evolve. Even in the best of economic times a regional park would have to be created in stages. While developing a new regional park would take a significant amount of time, preservation of the golf course and some basic improvements to the site would put it well on the way to becoming the envisioned regional park. If the VHGC is lost, we also lose the prospect of greater recreational opportunites for future generations. View enlarged image of plan What are the Possibilities? Preservation of the Golf Course - The 18-hole, 3-par golf course and driving range would be retained and enhanced based on Aubudon International's Signature Program for sustainable golf courses and could provide an ideal location as the home of the Los Angeles County Junior Golf Program. Expanded Recreational Resources - An adjacent 'River Park' could be designed to include six tennis courts or 2 soccer fields; a 1.1 mile 'Tuna Camp' multi-use trail and a 'Verdugo Mountains Loop Trail' could produce opportunities for hikers, joggers, and casual mountain bikers. Recognition of Historic Significance - Interpretive elements could celebrate the site's history, including the Tongva village of Wiquanga and World War II's Tuna Camp internment depot. Water Retention and Recharge - Catch basins throughout the course would create opportunities for storm water retention and groundwater recharge. Living in Southern California we must be vigilant not only in conserving water but also finding ways of maximizing it's production. Habitat Restoration- 'Laid back' walls along the Blanchard Flood Control Channel would promote restoration of riparian habitat. Economic Viability - Golf courses are a unique kind of recreation - they are self- sustaining. They can generate revenue. In addition, adding a Banquet Hall and/or Community Center could offer rental potential. Educational Opportunities - Although the property across the street from the VHGC is not included in the proposed housing development, Toyon included examples of how those parcels could provide an outdoor classroom and picnic area for students from local schools to visit. View an enlarged VHGC & Regional Park Map For a more detailed description visit Envisioning a Regional Park What's Up with the Final EIR? On January 26 an detailed update from the City of Los Angeles Planning Department was posted to the SaveTheGolfCourse.Org website:   Environmental Impact Report. Check it out. While you're there you can also review what happens once the FEIR is released. Did you miss Snowball West's October 18, 2010 Presentation? To give you some perspective on what Snowball West Investments LP has in mind for the golf course property review the notes taken at the October 18, 2010 On October 18, 2010, Michael Hoberman, primary investor and spokesperson for Snowball West Investments LP, and his attorney, Fred Gaines, addressed the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Land Use Commitee and community members. In addition to the presentation Hoberman and Gaines took questions regarding the proposed Verdugo Hills Golf Course Project - a 229 unit housing development which would shut down the golf course. Community Summary Minutes of the STNC Land Use Committee Keep Spreading the Word! Share your eBlast! The V.O.I.C.E. Board Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment gcvoice@gcvoice.org P.O. Box 273 Montrose, CA 91021 Visit Us on the Web: V.O.I.C.E. Save the Golf Course Official Website "Save the VHGC" Fan Page on Facebook If you are on our eBlast mailing list please add gcvoice@gcvoice.org to your Safe Sender list to avoid the message being diverted to your Spam folder.

To unsubscribe/change profile: click here

To subscribe: click here