Petition to Oppose the Development of Blue Heron Hills Golf Course into Housing Tracts in Walworth, NY

We, the undersigned residents of Walworth, NY, and concerned community members, urgently call upon the Town of Walworth Planning Board, Town Board, and all relevant authorities to deny building permits and zoning changes that would allow the destruction of Blue Heron Hills Golf Course for the construction of housing tracts. This beloved community asset provides ecological, recreational, and aesthetic value that would be irreparably lost. We oppose this development for the following reasons:

Environmental Impact

Destroys vital green space: The golf course’s open fields, trees, and wetlands absorb carbon, produce oxygen, and combat climate change, which new housing would eliminate.
Increases runoff and pollution: Replacing natural land with impervious surfaces like roads and homes risks soil erosion and introduces pollutants (e.g., fertilizers, oils) into local water systems.

Disrupts ecosystems:

Construction would harm the balance of flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity in an area already pressured by growth.

Local Wildlife

Threatens habitats: Blue herons, deer, birds, and other species rely on the golf course’s ponds, wetlands, and wooded areas for nesting, feeding, and shelter.

Displacement risk:

Development would force wildlife into smaller, fragmented areas, increasing human-animal conflicts and endangering local populations.

Loss of biodiversity:

Removing this sanctuary could reduce species diversity, weakening the ecological health of Walworth.

Drainage Worsens flooding:

The golf course’s natural landscape absorbs rainwater; replacing it with concrete and asphalt increases runoff, straining existing drainage systems.

Overburdens infrastructure:

Current stormwater systems may not handle added volume, risking property damage and road hazards for nearby neighborhoods.

Alters water flow:

Construction could disrupt natural drainage patterns, potentially flooding low-lying areas and harming wetlands.

Changes town character:

Walworth’s rural, open charm would be lost to crowded subdivisions, eroding the quality of life residents value.

Encroaches on green belts:

Replacing the golf course reduces open space, contradicting sustainable planning and climate resilience goals.

Noise and Light Pollution

Increases noise levels:

Construction and new residents bring traffic, machinery, and daily activity, disrupting the quiet enjoyed by nearby homes.

Adds light pollution:

Streetlights, house lights, and car headlights from new tracts would diminish dark skies, harming wildlife and residents’ tranquility.

Disturbs peace:

The serene ambiance of the golf course, a respite for the community, would be replaced by constant urban noise and glare.

Traffic Congests local roads:

Hundreds of new homes would add vehicles to roads like the Gananda Parkway, West Walworth Road, Hance Road, and Canandaigua Road worsening congestion and travel times.

Raises safety risks:

Increased traffic endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and children in a town not designed for high-volume residential flow.

Strains infrastructure:

Roads and intersections may require costly upgrades, burdening taxpayers and disrupting current traffic patterns.

Existing homes’ privacy reduces seclusion: Homes backing the golf course currently enjoy private, scenic views; new housing would replace this with close neighbors and structures.

Invades personal space:

Construction and new residents bring noise, lights, and activity, eroding the quiet privacy of existing properties.

Lowers property appeal:

The loss of open, natural views could decrease home values, harming long-term residents financially and emotionally.

We respectfully demand that the Town of Walworth:

Deny building permits and any zoning changes for housing tracts on Blue Heron Hills Golf Course.

Conduct a full environmental impact study under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to assess risks to wildlife, drainage, and the community.

Explore alternatives, such as the town purchasing the golf course, preserving the land as a park, nature reserve, or conserved green space for future generations.

By signing below, we stand together to protect Blue Heron Hills Golf Course, its ecological value, and the quality of life in Walworth, NY.

Let’s preserve this treasure for our community, wildlife, and environment.

Signed,