Development at Chambers Bay, the county owned golf course and public park, is the latest land use controversy riling park lovers and environmentalists. Once a gravel pit, the land of Chambers Bay was purchased for a sewage treatment plant, and necessary buffering areas around that plant. But it’s gorgeous waterfront property, and the County decided that it would be ideal for a world class links-style golf course with park areas and walking trails. As a park, it’s been a huge success. As a for-profit golf course, it’s been a success in that it hosted the US Open in 2015, but it is often under-used and it’s expensive. The latest plan to deal with that continuing expense involves development of a portion of the land for a hotel and restaurant, and 100 units described as golf course villas or townhouses.
Host Evelyn Lopez talked with County Councilmember Derek Young and John Garner, the Tahoma Audubon Society’s point person on the Chambers Bay development. They challenged each other on questions of whether public lands should be used for private business, whether people should be able to reside in a public park, and what a public official should do when the budget is hemorrhaging money for a recreation activity enjoyed by very few residents.
Don’t expect this debate to be over with the Council vote. There is talk of a petition or possible referendum action.
Fair warning: During robust arguments, Evelyn and Derek may have talked over each other and interrupted each other. Luckily, John was a moderating influence.
Give a listen, and let us know what you think!
Evelyn: @truetacoma Derek: @DerekMYoung Tahoma Audubon: @TAudubon
Additional resources:
https://blog.co.pierce.wa.us/derekyoung/2019/05/08/explaining-my-vote-on-the-resort-at-chambers-bay/
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