The Port Townsend City Council is currently considering whether to maintain the city’s golf course as the current lease is scheduled to end Jan. 1.
They rushed to put out a Request for Proposals for future course management in order to meet that deadline.
However, statements made in the most recent council meeting make clear the proposal may be a mere technical hurdle prior to finding ways to turn the property into something other than a golf course, including building houses.
The course was first dedicated for golf by the city in 1927.
The land has been used for golf every year since.
It has provided outdoor recreation for many city and county residents including the high school golf team. Additionally, tournaments have raised thousands of dollars for local charities and scholarships.
For the past several years, the city has obviously not understood, nor taken advantage of, its potential for enhancing tourism.
It has never been touted as an attraction that adds to the many reasons to visit the city.
Considering the exceedingly short timeline for potential course managers to bid on the proposal, and the difficulties for bidders to consider the proposal posed by the COVID-19 epidemic , and council’s apparent hidden agenda for the future of the course, the city must extend the current contract for one year.
Write to the city council to let them know we do not want this important decision rushed through in this time of a pandemic.
George Bush
Port Townsend