Proposed Deed Restrictions Split Goose Creek Council

Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler wants a long-term deed restriction on the Crowfield Golf and Country Club, but fellow council members say they aren't convinced that it will protect the city's recreation hub.

In an effort to prevent development, Goose Creek purchased the golf course in 2003 and owns the clubhouse and pool also on the large property in The Hamlets. Last year, the property was rezoned conservation/open space to limit any future development.

Heitzler told the council at a recent workshop and reiterated at a council meeting last week that a deed restriction would prevent any future attempt to subdivide the property.

"The land is worth a whole lot more than the golf course," Heitzler said. "Someday somebody may want to subdivide that land and develop it."

Heitzler says a deed restriction would be an insurance policy against any future councils with a different plan for the property.

Current council members said they're committed to the golf course, but they haven't heard enough to convince them that a deed restriction serves its purpose.

"This deed restriction doesn't protect the golf course, it protects the property — that's a big difference," said Councilman Jerry Tekac, a Hamlets resident who wants other alternatives. "What folks in the Hamlets want is the golf course."

And some question whether a deed restriction would be prohibit a future council from removing the restrictions.

"If you deed restrict it, can't you just undeed restrict it?" asked Councilman Kimo Esarey.

The council will hear more on the pros and cons of deed restrictions from the city attorney at a council workshop later this month.