LETTERS >> From page 28

(City Councilman Sal) DiCiccio and all members of the committee, must realize that the site will never become a golf course again, primarily because of today’s economics. The land is just too valuable (as ASU has realized in that its top-rated Karsten Golf Course will be closing in the not-to-distant future), and, unfortunately, golf is on the decline. Here in Ahwatukee, one might argue that the area has too many courses, none of which are in great shape. Secondly, I’m sure everyone would agree that the present status of the site is a complete and total eye-sore that must be addressed soon. The status quo is not acceptable. Further, does anyone think that the present condition of the site is a positive factor to the value of near-by properties? I think not. As to the other objecting points raised by Mr. DiCiccio and the Committee: •Density: The use of the term “triple density” is a scare tactic, especially because only single family residences are proposed. No multi-family units are planned, nor should they be permitted. I would agree that minimum lot sizes should be set by the applicable zoning commission.

•Flooding: Over the past few weeks, Ahwatukee has experienced some significant rain. Clearly, the present state of the site did not prevent the resulting flooding in and around it. With the proper engineering, I’m sure that future flooding can be properly controlled. •To Councilman DiCiccio: Your recent “editorial” in the Ahwatukee Foothills News regarding the zoning (multi-family) of the ACC has absolutely nothing to do with the discussion of the Farms proposal. To do so only enflames the subject. •To the committee: Your advertisement in the Aug. 10, 2016, edition of the News infers that there are potential buyers. Given the present zoning requirements, economics and present status of the site, there are only three potential buyers, as follows: City of Phoenix. The City of Phoenix could always purchase the site from True Life, using the process of eminent domain (and we all know how we feel about that) and convert it into a park or golf course. But given the cost and economic feasibility of this, and present budget issues, I highly doubt that this will happen. Residents of the area (but not the HOA). The residents of the area could

QUEEN CR

pool their money to purchase the site and restore it back to a golf course The residents would then be owners of the course and run it as they see it. The only obstacle in this option would be to raise the needed funds, approximately $12 $15 million, and additional funds to cover any future operating losses, which will probably be significant. Anyone in for this? A charitable benefactor. If a donor, either individual or corporate, could donate the needed funds to purchase and restore the site (and to cover future operating losses), this could be a reasonable solution. Therefore, given all the realistic options, the Farms proposal is a step in the right direction. Some adjustments are probably necessary. I’m sure genuine discussions/ negotiations involving all parties can result in an outcome that all can agree. But to utterly and out-right reject True Life’s proposal does not recognize the reality of the situation. -Thomas Bell

If it sounds too good to be true….

Everyone’s heard the phrase “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably

is.” That’s exactly how I felt when I received a glowing e-mail from someone named Quentin Thornton with The True Life Companies detailing a “vision” of what his company “intends” to do with the now-closed Lakes Golf Course. He says I will soon receive in the mail a consent form to sign that will allow his company to change the CC&Rs so that they can “begin the process to convert this property into a community asset that will bring additional tax revenue for our schools.” Hah! True Life is NOT a developer. Their job is to find properties, clear away obstacles (like those pesky CC&Rs) then sell the property to developers, who are in no way bound to complete, or even take a stab at creating True Life’s “vision.” Once changed, the protection that our community receives from the existing CC&Rs (which apply not only to The Lakes but also to the Ahwatukee Country Club) is gone. Please do NOT sign the form that comes in the mail. Ignoring it is a vote against some amorphous “vision” that will never happen. -Judy Wade

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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 Page 29