GREAT NEWS!!! We've now collected over 1,000 signatures to keep Wood Wind Golf Club a golf course! This is such an awesome voice to save a recreational asset, beautiful green space and a viable employer in the Westfield community. Here's an update on what is happening. The developer asked for an extension after their initial proposal was rejected by the City Council. We anticipate another proposal to come back in the very near future. Meanwhile, we've been meeting with the City Council and Mayor to share your comments and the passion of this community to keep this golf course. During these meetings, we've shared facts about the golf course. They are as follows: Wood Wind Golf Course Facts: · Wood Wind is owned by Bent Tree Partners and they are the sellers. · Cohoat and O’Neal Golf Management is the operator and lessee of Wood Wind. · Wood Wind is a viable, ongoing operating entity that has allowed the management group to cover all the operating and capital cost and make continuous improvements. · The course is one of the busiest in central Indiana averaging around 30,000 rounds annually and Westfield’s only public golf course. · Wood Wind employs about 100 people during the golf season. · Around 250 youths participate in leagues, camps and lessons annually. · Wood Wind is a valuable community partner that donates around 500 rounds of golf to local charities, loans golf carts to the schools and parks department, is the home course for Westfield’s golf teams and hosts a number of outings and tournaments each season drawing in hundreds of people to the community. The result is we've received both verbal and written support from five Council members and the Mayor. They've listened and understand the importance of keeping this public golf course in our community. While the city does not own the course, the City Council does vote on zoning changes. A high density housing development would require a zoning change. We have asked them to support the golf course by not changing the zoning. Below are the comments, we've received from four Council members and the Mayor when they were asked: Question Posed to Council Members & the Mayor: "I would like to know how each of you feel about any type of rezoning of the land currently being used as Woodwind Golf Course. Would you approve rezoning that would allow someone to build homes on lot sizes smaller than current zoning allows?" Chuck Lehman: Thanks for your interest and question regarding community development in Westfield. This has been a subject of great concern for several months. With consideration to the facts and circumstances I do not support and would not vote to approve the rezone on the mentioned property. There are some deeper dynamics that relate directly to this situation that will be a matter of further discussion. I welcome your input to this and other projects that will define the future of our community. Cindy Spoljaric: I do not support development of the area that is not in-line with what the residents stated they want in the comp plan. In fact, even conservation subdivisions are something I could see only sparingly and under very strict conditions. It has been well noted that your area is to maintain its rural/equestrian nature. I believe you know I stick to my word. If you look at my voting history on APC for 8 years and Council this past 4, I believe you will find I am quite tough and assertive when it comes to our comp plan and supporting our residents. Thank you for contacting me! Steve Hoover: I do not support the redone request that was introduced to the Council in March. Me to Steve Hoover: I appreciate your response. However, it doesn't really answer my question. I'm curious to know if you would be in favor of any rezoning that would allow someone to build homes on lot sizes smaller than current zoning allows? Again, thank you for your time. Steve's response: I can not comment on things that I have no knowledge of. To say that I would not consider some type of rezone at some future time would not be fair to anyone. I always look at all sides of zoning changes and how they compare to the Comprehensive Plan. I would look at pros and cons, listen to all input and make a decision based on what is best for the community in the long term. I would like to see the golf course maintained as long as it is an economically viable alternative. Jim Ake: I would not entertain a rezone request unless the neighbors agreed to accept a project proposal. I doubt they would ever do that. Andy Cook: Although I have not heard from both sides in detail, I am hesitant to change what is currently zoned. Rob Stokes: Verbally gave us support on following the comprehensive plan which does not support high density housing on the golf course. We thank each of you for supporting this important initiative in our community. Westfield is at a critical juncture in time and our city government needs to hear from citizens what is important for today, tomorrow and the future. The incredible response given to this petition shows that the citizens of Westfield obviously care about preserving green space, supporting a viable business and insisting on responsible development. We will continue to give you updates as we get more information. Many, many thanks for your support! Best Regards, Kristen Burkman