South Florida Fairways to Paydays: The Ongoing Transformation of Golf Courses into Housing Developments
BROWARD COUNTY, FL. - The landscape of South Florida, and especially Broward County, is undergoing a significant transformation as golf courses, once the heart of many communities, are being closed and redeveloped into new home communities.
The Trend of Golf Course Closures In recent years, several golf courses in Broward County and around the state have closed their doors. The iconic Inverrary Country Club, forever linked in history with the late comedian Jackie Gleason, announced its permanent closure. The Margate Executive Golf Course, once a bustling nine-hole course, is set to be transformed into 132 townhomes. The Tamarac’s Woodlands Country Club, which was closed, is now planned to be redeveloped into a residential project with 335 homes.
This trend is not unique to Broward County. Over the past five years, nearly 20 golf courses have been or are in the process of redevelopment in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. This shift reflects a growing trend as developers seek open land for new residential projects.
Impact on Existing Homeowners The redevelopment of golf courses has a significant impact on existing homeowners. Many residents purchased their homes with the understanding that they would be living next to open green space. The transformation of these golf courses into residential areas can lead to a change in the neighborhood’s character and potential loss of property value.
However, research has shown that as soon as redevelopment starts on a closed course, surrounding home values begin to increase immediately. This increase is primarily due to the location of the lot rather than the residences constructed on the lot.
Implications for Cities The closure and redevelopment of golf courses also have implications for the cities they are in. Golf courses provide the greatest amount of cooling among land uses, are more supportive of pollinators than urban residential or industrial areas, and retain more nutrients from stormwater runoff than suburban or urban residential areas. The conversion of golf courses to residential or industrial use could result in reduced biodiversity and increased temperatures and nutrient transport to surface and groundwater.
Environmental Effects The redevelopment of golf courses also has environmental implications. When appropriately managed, golf courses can support biodiversity, conserve resources, and combat urban heat. They can transform damaged lands into vibrant ecosystems and serve as green lungs in urban sprawls. However, the conversion of golf courses to residential or industrial use could result in reduced biodiversity, increased temperatures, and nutrient transport to surface and groundwater.
The trend of golf course closures and redevelopment into new home communities is reshaping Broward County. While this transformation brings new opportunities for housing, it also presents challenges for existing homeowners, cities, and the environment. As this trend continues, it will be crucial to find a balance that respects the needs of all stakeholders.
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