Homeowners in Phoenix, Ariz., are celebrating the developer’s decision to back out of a deal to redevelop the property, which a local group has fought since the course closed in June 2013.
In a small victory for a group of homeowners, Pulte Homes has backed out of a deal to buy the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course in Phoenix, Ariz., to build a residential community, the Phoenix-based CBS 5 reported.
Homeowners with Save the Lakes have been fighting development plans since the course closed in June 2013. Pulte Homes said it was unable to come to final terms with the seller, CBS 5 reported.
“As we continue to believe that redevelopment of this property offers tremendous opportunities for adjacent neighbors and the broader community, we would consider reopening discussions in the future,” said Pulte spokeswoman Jacque Petroulakis.
Save the Lakes president, Ben Holt issued this statement:
“The news today that Pulte Corp. has terminated their agreement with the owner of The Lakes Golf Course to buy the property is great news for the neighborhood. The Lakes property is a gem, a valuable asset to the Ahwatukee community. The opposition to Pulte’s plan to turn this green space into a 250 home development demonstrates the strength of resolve within the community to protect The Lakes Golf Course property.
“While we are very pleased with the news today, we know someone else will likely come in with a new plan for the property. When they do come in, Save the Lakes and the Ahwatukee neighbors will be ready to again defend the (covenants, conditions and restrictions) which state that the property can only be used as a golf course.”
In October, two Lakes residents filed a lawsuit against the golf course owners, claiming they violated the covenants, conditions and restrictions for the land by closing the course. The property has been reduced to brown grass and drained lakes, CBS 5 reported.
The plaintiffs, backed by Save the Lakes, are asking a judge to force the owners to restore the golf course to its former condition, CBS 5 reported.
C&RB has reported on the controversy surrounding Ahwatukee Lakes since its closure (“Ahwatukee Lakes GC to Drain Lakes“).
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