The closing of the bankrupt, 60-year-old, member-owned Henderson, Nev. property is approaching and plans are in the works for a developer to build 1,000 new houses and apartments. “If I had a magic wand that would make a golf course feasible for this property, I’d wave it—but I don’t,” said the club’s attorney, who described plans to include walking trails, green space and a community center as part of the new development.
Fairways will soon turn into front yards in Henderson, Nev., after Black Mountain Golf & Country Club shuts down November 25th, KSNV of Las Vegas reported.
The move is a necessity because the historic member-owned club is bankrupt. Black Mountain began with a 9-hole course in 1958 and expanded to 18 holes in 1963. A third nine holes on a new Desert Course was opened in 2002, but that course was then shut down in 2013.
However, some homeowners near the property have vowed to not go down in the face of the property’s development without a fight, KSNV reported.
They know the closure will lead to the construction of new homes in the area, KSNV reported, and are worried new homes will bring more crime and traffic to their quiet neighborhood.
Tommy Burns bought a home in the neighborhood in the 1980s and told KSNV “It was a great place to buy 30 years ago.” Burns thought it was perfect spot for his family’s home, backing up to the historic golf course.
“It’s a very quiet neighborhood. A very safe neighborhood. A very peaceful neighborhood,” Burns said.
His views of fairways soon will be replaced with sounds of construction and eventually, new homes, KSNV reported.
“You’re going to have an influx of crime, police response, schools and especially traffic on the horizon,” Burns predicted. “It just doesn’t work.”
Candace Carlyon, the bankruptcy attorney for the golf course, told KSNV that “If I had a magic wand that would make a golf course feasible for this property, I’d wave it—but I don’t.
“Since filing bankruptcy, the club has lost over $1.2 million,” Carlyon added.
The number of golfers at the course has declined, creating an opportunity for a developer to buy the land and build 1,000 new homes and apartments, KSNV reported.
“As part of the housing development, we want to have green spaces. We want to have walking trails. We’re hoping to retain a community center that would benefit all of the neighbors,” Carlyon said.
It will take years to redevelop the area, and any plans would have to be approved by the city of Henderson, she added.
Val LaPorta, who said she grew up in the neighborhood, told KSNV that while she isn’t against building new homes, she just wants fewer of them, to maintain the area’s rich history.
“I get emotional, but these homes were built with blood, sweat and tears,” said Val LaPorta.
Burns told KSNV that he is willing to fight to retain the property’s legacy.
“I raised my kids on the golf course. We’re not gonna just stand still,” he said.