Supreme court hears golf course case
By Pioneer Press
Published May 8, 2005
Lawyers for the city of Eagan and Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course made arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court this week over whether the course should stay open or be sold to build housing.
The ruling, perhaps months away, might have broader implications by more explicitly defining the powers that city governments can wield in regulating land use.
And in Eagan, officials learned last week of a ruling that dealt a blow to that city's efforts to block the sale of the 120-acre Carriage Hills Golf Course for housing.
The judge ordered Eagan to either amend the property's land-use designation to allow for housing or begin eminent domain proceedings to take the course. The City Council is considering an appeal.
Owners of the Mendota Heights Par 3 argue that the city's zoning permits housing development. Judges want to see the city bring its zoning ordinance and comprehensive plans in line. Opponents say the comprehensive plan shouldn't be amended piecemeal.
