A judge has ruled that East Naples' Riviera Golf Course must remain a golf course through mid-2030. Circuit Judge Lauren Brodie backed existing deed restrictions that require the property to remain a golf course.
The ruling stops plans by La Minnesota to build homes on the land, which they bought for $4.8 million in 2005 hoping to develop it into housing.
"We are going to continue to advance our interests. And we are going to continue to do everything we can to make sure that there is not development on that property, which is our floodplain and our safety," Peter Osinski, a board director for Riviera Golf Estates and a chairman of its Golf Course Working Group, told Naples Daily News.
When La Minnesota tried to change the zoning in late 2021, they ran into problems with Collier County's new rules. They say these changes cost them $14.52 million.
Research shows that turning golf courses into other uses can drop nearby home values by up to 31%. These changes also create problems with water drainage and put stress on local roads and services.
County officials will look at revising golf course conversion rules this month.
