What You Need to Know About the Parkview Golf Course Debate

After a death threat, protests by frustrated citizens and numerous studies and recommendations, the Eagan City Council is expected to issue a climactic decision on Tuesday concerning the controversial Parkview Golf Course redevelopment.

Last year, Eden Prairie-based Developer Hunter Emerson submitted plans to buy the golf course and convert the 80-acre property into a 177-unit housing development. The proposal almost immediately drew resistance from neighbors, who feel the development would have detrimental effects on the area. To complicate matters further, another buyer has made an offer on the golf course property, and wants to maintain it as a golf course.

An attorney representing Hunter Emerson said the company declined the offer for the property well below the fair market value of the property and a fraction of the Dakota County assessed value

To catch you up to speed, here's a quick synopsis of several important developments:

What's Happening on Tuesday?

The Eagan City Council is expected to vote whether to approve a Comprehensive Guide Plan amendment, rezoning, a site plan and a preliminary subdivision agreement for the property, according to Eagan City Planner Mike Ridley. If approved, the measures would allow Hunter Emerson to proceed with the redevelopment of the golf course. The council will also review environmental assessment findings for the proposal.

What About Hunter Emerson's Plans?

Developer Hunter Emerson, represented by Kurt Manley, has a purchase agreement in place for the golf course property, but must get the proper approvals from the council before the deal goes through. The company wants to build a 177-unit housing development equipped with a tennis court, basketball court, connecting trails, a pavilion and other amenities. Hunter Emerson also incorporated a mix of housing in its proposal to accommodate retirees, first-time homebuyers and families looking for a larger homes.

Why the Resistance from Neighbors?

Nearby residents and other community members formed the Save Parkview Golf Course Coalition last year. The group, led by spokesperson Mark Skweres, says the development will bring unwanted traffic congestion to the area and do away with Eagan's last 18-hole golf course. Skweres argues the city, which developed quickly in recent decades has limited space remaining, and must be careful with its use.

Parkview Golf Course co-owner Robert Zakheim, however, claims that the private golf course isn't profitable anymore, and that the city can't force him to keep the course operating just because residents want green space.

What About Carriage Hills?

Zakheim's statements are especially important in light of the city's history with the Carriage Hills Golf Course redevelopment.

The Parkview situation mirrors a similar redevelopment battle fought years earlier to decide the fate of Carriage Hills Golf Course. In 2004, Eagan officials refused to permit a developer to build a residential neighborhood on the site, located off Yankee Doodle Road.

The developer sued and the case eventually went to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which questioned whether the city’s denial was unfairly restrictive for the property owners, who claimed they were left without any reasonable use for the land.

To read more about the proposed redevelopment of Parkview Golf Course, click on the links below:

• Community Members Fight Residential Development Plans
• Parkview Golf Course Fight Coming to Eagan Planning Commission
• Planning Commission Deals Blow to Parkview Golf Course Redevelopment Plans
• Parkview Redevelopment Proposal Draws Opposition from Friends of Eagan Core Greenway
• Memory of Carriage Hills Hangs Over Eagan's Latest Golf Course Battle
• Council Preview: Parkview Redevelopment Fight on the Agenda
• Death Threat Underscores Controversial Golf Course Redevelopment Meeting
• PHOTO: Death Threat Sent to Eagan Council Over Parkview Issue
• Mayor Maguire: Saving Parkview Requires a Community Plan
• Parkview Redevelopment Plans Move Through Met Council Committee
• Met Council Signs Off on Parkview Land Use Change
• Eagan Planning Commission Says No to Parkview Redevelopment Proposal
• Climactic Vote on Controversial Parkview Development Will Have to Wait

Correction: This article has been changed to correct an inaccuracy. The Dakota County Parks Department originally opposed the developer's housing proposal, but the department has since worked with Hunter Emerson to make a mutually acceptable amendment to the development plan.