San Geronimo golf: Vote no on Measure D

Supporters of Measure D ask what’s wrong with having the whole county vote on any and every use for the San Geronimo property — with the exception of golf, which they want to bring back. Here’s the answer:

Measure D would require any project applicant to prepare an environmental study, a fiscal impact report for any change of use, an economic report on historic golf use, county approval of these reports, and two public hearings — all prior to the required countywide vote, with no outcome certainty. If a vote does favor a proposal, the applicant still has to go through the usual robust county application and approval process. Encumbering one single property in the whole county with excessive requirements is not fair or democratic.

In 2001, 284 golf courses opened in the U.S; 25 opened in 2017. In 2018 205 courses closed. This was the 13th straight year that more courses closed than opened. When San Geronimo closed, it was the eighth course to close in two years in the Bay Area. The previous owner tried to sell the property as a golf course. No buyers — no surprise.

The current owner has repeatedly stated golf is off the table. The economy doesn’t support re-opening the course. While Measure D backers want to burden the San Geronimo property in hopes of giving a free ride to another golf course (which wouldn’t have to meet its requirements), a critical flaw in this approach is that it’s just wishful thinking. Golf is not coming back.

Marin County already has an extensive approval process for any project. Measure D is entitlement masquerading as community concern. Vote no on D to support true Marin values: resource conservation and public open and recreational space for all.

— Randy Greenberg, Tiburon