Assembly Bill AB672 threatens the future of golf in California

[CerealKiller]

From the SCGA website: http://www.scga.org/govt-affairs/category/legislative/view/ab-672-threatens-golfs-future

 

Quoted verbatim from the SGCA website: 

Quote

AB 672 Threatens Golf’s Future

Monday, April 19, 2021

 

AB 672 is the most damaging piece of legislation re golf to be filed in a generation.

It proposes to facilitate the development of California’s municipal golf courses (22% of the total courses in the state) as “affordable” housing tracts by:

• Removing them from the protections of the Public Park Preservation Act.
• Providing an exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Mandating a one-size-fits-all zoning element.
• Singling golf as the ONLY open space/recreational activity for which these exemptions and facilitations apply, literally targeting them for development to the exclusion of all other open space/recreational activities.

 

The bill may take direct aim at California’s publicly owned golf courses (22% of the total), but its passage would put golf’s blood in the water in such a way as to jeopardize the position of golf’s private sector clubs as well. Just as the Public Park Preservation Act is the public game’s backstop against residential/commercial development, ARTICLE XIII, Section 10 of California’s Constitution establishing “open space” as the property tax basis for private golf clubs is the private sector’s backstop against residential/commercial development. Tax something per an economic “highest and best use” standard, and residential/commercial use is what you’re going to get.

 

This is one of those rare “speak up now or forever hold your peace” moments.

 

The SCGA link posted at the top of this thread contains search tools identify your California Assembly and State Senate members along form letters to voice your concerns to your local politicians.    

If the game of golf is a significant part of your recreational life and your favorite golf courses fall under the parameters of this proposed legislation, then it's time to step forward and let your voice be heard.   

[wildcatden]

AB672 has stalled.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/california-bill-ab-672-redevelop-150034880.html

 

It's far from over.  If you are a golfer, golf fan, support golf, love what the game of golf teaches, you had better watch who you vote for next.  22% of the courses in California are muni's.  If they go, the price of golf tee times will skyrocket and availability (supply/demand) will disappear.