By Reason
In yesterday’s municipal elections, Denver voters roundly rejected a ballot initiative that would have allowed the conversion of a private, shuttered golf course into thousands of new homes and a park.
While votes are still being counted, early returns show that just under 40 percent of voters cast ‘yes’ votes for Referred Question 20. If approved, the measure would have dissolved a conservation easement requiring the 155-acre Park Hill Golf Course to remain a golf course and allowed developer Westside to proceed with its plans to build 3,200 housing units alongside a park and other public amenities.
“The Park Hill Golf Course will forever be a case study in missed opportunities. With historically low turnout, Denver has rejected its single best opportunity to build new affordable housing and create new public parks,” said Westside in a statement. “Thousands of Denverites who urgently need more affordable housing are now at even greater risk of displacement.”
