Ellie’s Notes – 7/19/23

Hope this communique finds you well in this hot, hot, hot summer!

The SaveSCC team has been busy behind the scenes and in public working to advance our efforts to protect our golf courses.  A special shout and thanks to Carol Hugill and her team who continue their efforts to gather signatures on our petition for the County Commissioners. They were at the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and the response was excellent from many supporters. Mike Newsom had also continued in his efforts with Commissioner Owens and his office, Brains Grady – HCC Development Service and Adam Gormly, Department Director – HCC Develop Services. They have confirmed that there has been no pre-application conference or communication of application files by ClubLink or anyone else concerning the golf courses in our community as of late last month.

Also thanks to Garry Higgins and Larry Bender for work fixing our email blast list. This will be the first use since they have loaded and sanitized our listserver.

On the great new front, the Pebble Creek Golf Course Redevelopment Plan (MM 23-0132) in Hillsborough County (HC) was defeated at the HC Board of County Commissioners’ Land Use Meeting 7/18/23 by a vote of 5 to 2.

In my opinion, their case was not as strong as our case. They did not have a local community plan demanding:

“GOLF COURSES

• Maintain and protect existing golf course(s) and insure that they are dedicated for future recreational use only. “
• And community support against development is at 90% based on our polling and petition efforts.  Per the Hillsborough County’s reckoning bases on their calls, letters and email on Pebble Creek, their support was 20% for and 80% against.)

Please watch the hearing at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61097zou9Fk&list=PLZwNyAnHaDIti2GLsDni9UU0UsRjUHgRN&index=75

For the whole hearing on MM 23 -1032 go to 1:46 on the video.

For just the Board comments and vote on MM 23 -1032 go to 2:35 on the video

You really need to listen to the Board’s comments.  This is great news that points the way to our future success but know that there will be many challenges.

We need volunteers for our many committees to ensure we do our homework and prepare for success.  It is kind of like the iceberg, 90% of the work is below the water line in prep and ground work, before the 10% in the home stretch.  No matter your skills or how much or little time you have, we need you.  Do not let us or your community down. It takes the whole community!

I will be out of the country from August 21 until late September with very limited access to the Internet and email.  I am trying to get five folks who will agree to monitor via email notifications for zoning applications and HC web site new zoning requests so we do not get blindsided. Email to info@savescc.org  to volunteer. I will provide training via zoom.  We do not want to miss any action regarding our golf courses. Thanks!

 Please help us!

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337