A new subdivision could displace a golf course in Westfield, but so far city officials and residents aren’t sold on the plan.
The project would replace the Wood Wind Golf Course, 2302 W. 161st St., with 315 residential properties.
The 210-acre subdivision along Towne Road between 161st and 156th streets would include four “subdistricts” with houses varying in size, shape and color. The homes would have two- or three-car attached garages, and the community would boast a swimming pool, clubhouse, common greenspace, and lake pavilion or meeting facility.
House prices would range from $300,000 to $1 million.
Developer George Sweet spoke Monday night to the Westfield City Council about the project, which requires rezoning approval. Several council members expressed concern that community members would not have sufficient opportunity to provide input because the public hearing will be during the upcoming spring break for Westfield-Washington Schools. They also questioned the high density of the subdivision.
“This wasn’t in our comprehensive plans,” council member Cindy Spoljaric said. “I really don’t support it right now in its current form.”
Council member Jim Ake agreed.
“It does call for lower density,” he said about the comprehensive plan for that area.
The land currently is managed by Cohoat and O’Neal Management Corp. and the lease expires at the end of 2015.
The golf course is open to the public for a daily fee and also sells annual memberships. It offers golf leagues for men, women and seniors and a teaching academy. In addition, it hosts weddings and banquets.
Doc O’Neal, of Cohoat and O’Neal, was not immediately available for comment.
The council told Sweet to discuss the proposal with surrounding neighbors, who had expressed unhappiness with it via social media earlier on Monday. After that, Sweet can return to the council with an amended proposal.
By Tuesday morning, more than 500 opponents had signed a petitionon on change.org, and more than 330 people had “liked” the Facebook page “Westfield Citizens Against Development at Woodwind.”
“Keeping the golf course is important to the citizens of Westfield as a recreational asset, established green space, junior golf developer, employer and Westfield High School Golf Team home course,” the petition states.
Sweet is CEO of Brenwick Development Co., the developer of the Village at West Clay in Carmel. Brenwick, however, is not involved in the Wood Wind proposal.
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