MYTHS AND MISINFORMATION
Myth #1 One of the biggest myths propagated by the Water Authority is that the purchase of the golf course was made under "eminent domain". This is construed to mean that the Water Authority is legally bound to use the golf course as a huge detention facility.
The Water Authority did not take over the ownership of the golf course through eminent domain. The golf course was purchased outright by the CLCWA in 2011 according to the CLCCL document http://www.clccl.org/legal_status.htm#winning The purchase is not legally bound under "eminent domain". The following is an excerpt from the CLCCL document:
05/06/11:
CLCWA purchases former golf course property
Following the CLCWA's win in appellate court, the current owners of the golf course approached the CLCWA with an offer to sell outright, rather than continuing the condemnation suit through the court process. Terms were negotiated, and the CLCWA closed on the property on May 6. Per the terms of the sale agreement, the purchase price was $6.25 million, and the former owners were required to demolish and remove all previous structures (including the cart building, the clubhouse, the maintenance building, the bridge, and some on-course restrooms), and also remove an underground fuel tank and perform any necessary environmental remediation associated with that area.
The Water Authority did not take over the ownership of the golf course through eminent domain. The golf course was purchased outright by the CLCWA in 2011 according to the CLCCL document http://www.clccl.org/legal_status.htm#winning The purchase is not legally bound under "eminent domain". The following is an excerpt from the CLCCL document:
05/06/11:
CLCWA purchases former golf course property
Following the CLCWA's win in appellate court, the current owners of the golf course approached the CLCWA with an offer to sell outright, rather than continuing the condemnation suit through the court process. Terms were negotiated, and the CLCWA closed on the property on May 6. Per the terms of the sale agreement, the purchase price was $6.25 million, and the former owners were required to demolish and remove all previous structures (including the cart building, the clubhouse, the maintenance building, the bridge, and some on-course restrooms), and also remove an underground fuel tank and perform any necessary environmental remediation associated with that area.
Myth #2 We now have a wildlife habitat and preserve thanks to the Water Authority(Bay Area Citizen 3/7/13).
Wildlife was there long before the Water Authority took over the property. In fact, since the Water Authority bought the property, they have cut down most of the trees around the ponds and destroyed wildlife habitat throughout the sections. Furthermore, their Master Plan will ensure destruction of the remaining existing wildlife habitat.
Myth#3 The Water Authority halted development of condos and apartments on the old golf course.
The deed restrictions which limited the property solely to recreational use stopped the development. In fact, the use of the old golf course as a detention facility may be a violation of current deed restriction.
Myth #4 We worked with 40 citizens to create this Master Plan presented in February 2013.
This plan is the same plan presented in May 2012 before any citizens or citizen subcommittees were involved.
Myth #5 We will save 42% of the trees.
The Master Plan cross section presented by the CLCWA at the February 21st, 2013 meeting begins digging at the edge of the property easement. Less than 1% of the trees is estimated to exist in that undisturbed area. Approximately 99% of the existing trees will be destroyed or damaged under the current CLCWA Master Plan.
Myth #6 The Water Authority OWNS the golf course; they can do anything they want with it.
Wrong! Citizens of the area put up the money for a bond to buy the golf course. OUR money was used. WE own the golf course.
MORE MYTHS TO FOLLOW ( they just keep inventing them) FAQs Return to Home Page
Wildlife was there long before the Water Authority took over the property. In fact, since the Water Authority bought the property, they have cut down most of the trees around the ponds and destroyed wildlife habitat throughout the sections. Furthermore, their Master Plan will ensure destruction of the remaining existing wildlife habitat.
Myth#3 The Water Authority halted development of condos and apartments on the old golf course.
The deed restrictions which limited the property solely to recreational use stopped the development. In fact, the use of the old golf course as a detention facility may be a violation of current deed restriction.
Myth #4 We worked with 40 citizens to create this Master Plan presented in February 2013.
This plan is the same plan presented in May 2012 before any citizens or citizen subcommittees were involved.
Myth #5 We will save 42% of the trees.
The Master Plan cross section presented by the CLCWA at the February 21st, 2013 meeting begins digging at the edge of the property easement. Less than 1% of the trees is estimated to exist in that undisturbed area. Approximately 99% of the existing trees will be destroyed or damaged under the current CLCWA Master Plan.
Myth #6 The Water Authority OWNS the golf course; they can do anything they want with it.
Wrong! Citizens of the area put up the money for a bond to buy the golf course. OUR money was used. WE own the golf course.
MORE MYTHS TO FOLLOW ( they just keep inventing them) FAQs Return to Home Page