Goleta to Study Purchase of Glen Annie Golf Club
City Council Votes to Fund $25,000 Study to Evaluate Establishing Municipal Course
Moving forward with an idea floated by City Councilmember Roger Aceves during his reelection campaign last fall, the Goleta City Council on Tuesday approved a $25,000 study to determine whether it would be financially feasible for the city to take over Glen Annie Golf Club and turn it into a municipal course. The hope is that move would enhance residents’ recreational opportunities while also boosting the bucks coming to City Hall, and the councilmembers voted unanimously 4-0 in favor of the study (Councilmember Paula Perotte had already left the meeting by the 8:30 p.m. vote).
“It could be a real wise investment on the part of our community,” said Councilmember Michael Bennett, noting that real estate prices remain relatively low.
Aceves said that the idea has been very popular since he brought it up in November. “I’ve gotten lots of emails,” he said.
Mayor Margaret Connell was the only one with reservations. “I’m not sure what funds we would have … for making such a major purchase,” said Connell, later adding, “If there’s any question at all about the fiscal viability of this project, I could not support it.”
Both Aceves and Councilmember Ed Easton, however, noted that financial feasibility as well as investment alternatives were a critical part of the study.
