It will be interesting to see if they can get investors, especially knowing that the Village has been resistant to changing the 2005 plans.

Golf ventures have been hard hit by the economy, and so this might be impossible. However, it represents a better "neighbor" for Timber Trails residents. The Flagg Creek Gold Course financials, and its proximity to this site should be included in viability studies.

A 9 hole golf course...what an idea ! Oh, wait - there is one less than a mile away. I am sure Flagg Creek golf course would be thrilled to see this.

A quote from Openlands web site:
'Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.'
Kosik/Poletti call this HORROR. What planet are they from? It is obvious their only concern is recovering THEIR equity.

Darren - The are plenty of public golf courses in the Western Suburbs.

9 holes - Meadowlark in Hinsdale
9 holes - Flagg Creek in Countryside/Pleasantdale
9 holes - Green Meadows and Twin Lakes in Westmont
9 holes - Village Links in Glen Ellyn

18 - Fresh Meadows in Hillside
18 - Oak Brook Golf Course
18 - Carriage Greens in Darien
and of couse Cog Hill.

Stop drinking the Kool-Aid. As Mrs. Dahl says it's near impossible.

Larry- protecting one's property values seems like a worthy goal. The demise of this housing project is a challenge to all parties- the Village, adjacent homeowners, the bank that owns this parcel. It exists in a terrible housing market. If a developer could sculpt an attractive proposal that would unite these interests, there could be a good opportunity for consensus and progress. That, however is a big IF,

As a resident of Western Springs, I am all for improving our town. I agree that a golf course would be a great addition to the area. It's proximity and size would make it that much easier to use than Flagg Creek. Teenagers could walk there to hit a bucket of balls, smaller kids could take lessons and adults could enjoy a quick game while the kids are at school or on the weekends. It's another alternative activity for families to enjoy together.

"and then somewhat of a boondoggle"

This was a boondoggle from day 1. Anyone who was not on the Village board (or in the pocket of the developer) knew full well this project would die on the vine. You might remember (or not, you probably weren't here then) that a LOT of the residents around Timber Trails pleaded with the Village to buy the property and continue operating the golf course but were (as usual) told to go pound sand. The Village had already made up its mind what it was spending the loot on (see: Unneeded fire station) and was not going to be deterred.

That we're now hearing about the "horrors" of open space is just ludicrous. News flash: A golf course is not open at night...and is a lot more accessible than "open space" for the very "horrors" this scare monger is trying to use to prop up this silly argument.

Yeah, let's turn ALL of Timber Trails back into a golf course. It never should have been ripped up in the first place.

{shakes head, walks away}

I would be opposed to the conversion of Timber Trails II into a nine hole golf course, or a 12 hole course, or a 5 hole course. It's not because I think golf is elitist, which some folks do, but rather for the following three reasons
First, I object to the notion that, "the Cog Hill Family is Aboard." All they have said is that if a golf course appears on the TTII site, they'll consent to manage it. (It's what they do!) So, where would the money to build a 9-hole golf course come from?
Secondly. I object to Kosik & Poletti's description of Bemis Woods as a "Hot bed" of crime. I think if I were to stroll through Bemis rignt now, I would find dozens of people hiking, biking, stolling, and sitting around enjoying the peaceful surroundings. I would further object to the callous reference to McLaughlin murder as somehow being the result of "open land." (However, Chicken Little would be proud.)
Finally, for all the prose about how Western Springs will benefit from the course, and how it will be an object of pride for the community, I think that Kosik & Poletti omitted the most salient point, one which I would cast in the area of enlightened self-interest. If a golf course were to be built next to their properties, suddenly the value of their home would rise, perhaps significantly. However, I don't see this benefiting anyone else who might be suckered into paying for the course.
I would also publicly admit, I don't like golfing.

The Village could NEVER have afforded to buy that land. Remember- it was sold for 42 million at a public auction. It is just like Tischlers: bank owned. The Village does not have the resources to buy or develop land; their role is to provide services and order for its residents. Was it wrong to annex the property, and hope to add more tax revenue for the entire Village budget? Remember, new construction is taxed at sales price. Your tax bill returns only 10-11% to Western Springs. This new source could have meant financial stability for all residents.

The fire station cost the Village Zero.
Land discounted by owner, impact fees of 800,000 (this is "the loot?")from the Timber developer, 1,000,000 from federal grants procured by our fine Emergency Services Department. 700,00 in state grants via Durkin and Radogno. It was a rare return of tax dollars from state and federal sources to our Village.

No new equipment was procured.

I was not on the board during the annexation stage, and had (and publicly expressed) concerns. Now that there are homes there, we need to consider the impact upon our Timber Trails residents. There are rarely simple solutions to such complex issues, but if time is taken, and various factions could explore together- who knows? There just may be a WIN-WIN. But misrepresenting reality is not a good starting point.

I have no opinion one way or another about the golf course plan (Timber Trails should never have been sacrifices for this mess in the first place) but the outrageous crime arguments against open space are your best clue as to the validity of your third point. Instead of just coming out and saying "hey, our property values will soar with a golf course adjacent" they sink to the lowest of low political hackery, the scare tactic.

I would expect Kosik & Poletti to be campaigning as hard (or even harder since the park exists) to close down and fence in Ridgewood Park to keep the undesirables out of Ridgewood at night. Who knows what illegal acts are being committed there in the dark!!??!!

Can you spell "hypocrite"?

Does anyone see the irony in adding pesticides back into this site after all of the money and headache that was spent to clean it up?

The trouble with you my friends is not that you're ignorant; Its that you know so much that isn't true. You should all save your breath. Just as in 2005, this property is worth far more as a housing development than it is as a golf course. The cost of purchasing the land, developing the golf course and purchasing the right-of -way back from the Village would result in a cost basis that could never be supported by a nine hole golf course. Arthur, please bring over the pro forma that would support such a ludicrous idea.

What land or home seller would go for the "bird in the bush" when they have a "bird in hand"? And a very stellar one at that.
The first obstacle for the golf-course proproponents need to overcome is the lack of a frim contract offer on the land and the $10 million to pay for it.

Just wanted to say, thanks for all the comments. I love the wide variety of feedback expressed here!

I have comments regarding Dr. Kosik's posts. "Forest Preserves don't bring in revenue, do they?"
She is obviously obsessed with the almighty dollar. My suggestion is to put in a casino, then she should be thrilled with all that revenue coming in.

"You really should check out Bemis Woods, you'll be shocked."
As a matter of fact, I have. For at least 10 years, 4 of us who worked together and are now retired go on a picnic lunch at least 5 times in season. Sometimes we grill out, play bocce ball and just catch up on life. It is very pleasant and have never had a problem or feared for our safety. This is a first hand account, not any hearsay.

From a safety perspective, Bemis Woods is not the right frame of reference when considering this site as a nature preserve. A more accurate comparison is Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook. If you keep parking immediately adjacent to Plainfield Road and have the rest of the park reserved for walking paths and natural space, with good lighting, this would be a nice addition to Western Springs.

Can we tear down Ashbrook? I miss the old Par 3 golf course. Anyone remember Par 3?

It is ridiculous to state that Bemis Woods is some sort of crime haven on the basis of what amounts to one arrest of an alleged sex offender and an unexplained death. I have spent much time over many years wandering Bemis Woods and it is a friendly, inviting space where at least some semblance of nature is preserved.

It's a shame that these folks can't come up with a better argument than this and shamelessly use the Kelly O'Laughlin murder as some sort of red herring -- that tragic event had absolutely nothing to do with nature preserves.

By the way, is Dr Kosik the same neighbor who installed video cameras and motion detector spotlights on her property to monitor folks who use the trail between Ridgewood and Timber Trails?

A preserve isn't a controlled environment & may bring revenue.Golf course is more controlled & can bring $. The preserve does bring clean air to the area which would help since the tollway is close. The golf course has greenery. Yes there are many public 9 hole golf courses some better than others. How about a semi private one? I personally don't play the game. Wasn't there a swimming pool at the corner of Plainfield & Wolf? Maybe a semi private pool with indoor for the colder months and outdoor for the warmer months with picnic areas, trees etc. or a combination of golf and swimming and walking trails? I think safety is the issue at hand. What would be the best use of the land and provide a safe environment for the surrounding homes?
No place is perfectly safe. I had a man jump from the bushes towards a friend and me riding our horses through Oak Brook. Everyone's home worth has immensely declined while taxes has gone up, at least in Du Page County. Yes the home value may go up for some individuals but the concern for safety that Dr. Kosik has expressed is valid. She had her family have gone through terrible situations because of them being against the sidewalk the Village imposed on their property. Yes I have seen the security cameras, but if you had your home shot at; threatening letters to harm your family; to poison your pets; peeping toms etc., don't you think you would be concerned what was being proposed next to you?

To answer a question, yes the security system harassing people using the path is hers.