Support Lacking for Crowfield Deed Restriction

For Mayor Michael Heitzler, the search continues for a majority of council members who will support .

A vote by council last year has the Crowfield course at the city's most restrictive zoning: conservation. Now, Heitzler wants another barrier to development — a change in the title that prevents future councils from subdividing the golf course for up to 25 years.

Heitzler is concerned that a failed golf course would drive the city to abandon the property to wealthy developers. "A future council would be more determined to keep the golf course if it can't be subdivided," he said.

Except for Councilman John McCants, Heitzler can't find any solid support for the proposal.

Councilwoman Marguritte Brown made it clear she would be against any restrictions limiting future city council members. "They're as responsible as we are," she said. "I don't think it's fair to the people in the future."

Resident Michael Lewis said he supported Heitzler's proposal. "I think you need to consider the plight of the homeowners," he said. "You need to reconsider your thinking to protect our investment."

Councilman Jerry Tekac, a Hamlets resident, stressed again that the community around the property wants to protect the viability of the golf course, not just the land. "This deed restriction doesn't help that, hurt that or change that," he said.

During a workshop last week, a proposed solution brought more questions from council members. For a title change to truly be restrictive, the deed has to change hands or the authority over the deed would have to be handed over to a trust or another third party.

Councilman Mark Phillips said he sees problems in moving forward without more information. "I don't think I've had more than a thimble of legal advice," he said. "I'm not willing to take this step with the amount of information I have." 

Heitzler said he'll try to schedule a third workshop to discuss the issue, and he eventually plans to bring the deed restrictions to the council for a up-or-down vote.

"I'm going to continue to talk to people," he said. "We're all trying to envision the future. I'm envisioning a calamity."

UPDATE: The council has scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers.