Proponents of 302 Disappointed in the Passage of 301, Commits to Fight On

Erin McCann

Empower Northeast Denver campaign supporters and local community members were disappointed at the passage of 301, which creates an additional hurdle to seeing the local and diverse community’s vision come to fruition to determine the future of the Park Hill Golf Course. The community as a whole and the private landowner are still committed to creating a shared vision for the property Denver voters will endorse.

“The city of Denver fell prey to the lies of a small, privileged, NIMBY interest group,” said Samie Burnett, Northeast Park Hill resident and Yes on 302 Ballot Proponent. “It is disheartening that voters supported taking away the voice of our community and letting the whole city, which has very different priorities, make decisions related to this property.” 

“But we do know the work will continue, and in reality, it’s unclear what SOS has really won. The easement that requires this property to be an 18-hole regulation golf course remains. We ask for the respect to carry on with creating a vision for the property that will revitalize our community and support the critical needs of our neighborhood without interference from special interests. We look forward to creating a plan with the City and the property owner that Denver voters will endorse and get behind. We believe we can create a win-win plan that will incorporate innovative, sustainable and equitable development and that will create opportunity for the next generation.”

Despite this outcome creating an additional hurdle for the planning process for the Park Hill Golf Course property it does not end it. The outcome of this election means any changes to this property in the future, like amending the current easement, would have the added requirement of a city-wide vote.

“We respect the outcome of the election," said Kenneth Ho of Westside Investment Partners. "We have heard that city residents want to understand more details about what the future of the golf course can be, and we look forward to showing how much better we can do than a defunct golf course for our community, our environment, and future generations. Westside and Holleran aren’t going anywhere just because the going gets tough. We are in this with our community partners until the wheels fall off!”

This outcome also does not change the easement’s restriction of this property to an 18-hole regulation golf course, nor does it enable the land to become a park. Per the terms of the easement, the land will need to remain a golf course unless a different vision is agreed to by the City and the landowner.