In a recent government meeting, the City Council addressed an appeal from the New Mesquite Homeowners Association and Desert Chapel regarding the Planning Commission's approval of a minor amendment to Planning Development District (PDD) 153. This amendment aims to restore approximately 90 acres of the former Mesquite Golf Course into a native desert habitat and nature preserve while maintaining its designation as open space.

Council member Holcich voluntarily abstained from the discussion due to a campaign contribution received from an executive member of the applicant, although she noted that this did not create a legal conflict. Edward Robertson from the planning department provided a detailed background on the project, highlighting that the original PDD was approved in the 1980s and that the golf course had been abandoned three years prior.

The proposed amendment includes modifications to the landscape plan to reflect the closure of the golf course, removal of dry vegetation, and restoration of the area to a native habitat. Public access along designated hiking and biking trails will be preserved. Robertson emphasized that the amendment does not constitute a change of use, as the site will continue to be classified as open space.

The Planning Commission had previously voted in favor of the amendment on July 24, 2024, but the appeals were filed shortly thereafter, leading to the current council meeting. The New Mesquite Homeowners Association raised several concerns, including ownership issues and the assertion that the site must remain a golf course. Desert Chapel's appeal echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the change from golf course to preserve is significant and should undergo a more formal review process.

In response to the appeals, city staff reiterated that the proposed changes are minor modifications consistent with zoning codes and do not alter the fundamental use of the property. The council's deliberation on this matter reflects ongoing community interest and concern regarding the future of the former golf course site.