I have been deeply involved in the Park Hill Golf Course (PHGC) process for nearly three years, and I’m voting no on 2O. When I have voiced this opinion publicly, I have been called a “racist NIMBY (not in my backyard) elitist.” For what it’s worth, I’m not an “old, rich person from South Park Hill.”

 

It is a bummer that this issue is being reduced to “NIMBYism.” In this world of hyper-politicization, we’ve gotten lazy with our arguments and seem to hide behind name calling. Being opposed to this plan isn’t anti-housing. It’s anti- government corruption and overreach.

 

Folks in support of 2O (dare I say, YIMBYs?) act like this project is the last and only option to add to Denver’s housing stock. They act like if this protected land can be developed, Denver’s housing crisis will be solved. Prices will drop, and our unhoused neighbors will finally be housed.

 

We’ve been told for decades that building more housing will reduce prices, yet we currently have some of the highest housing costs in the nation. Is this the project that’s going to tip the scale? If so, I’d have a hard time opposing it. But that’s simply not the case.

 

I’m opposed to this project because I believe that developing this land should be a last resort. When all other under-utilized properties in Denver are built upon, we can talk about adding density on the PHGC land. Until then, I will continue to advocate for maintaining this valuable open space free from development, as the state statute dictates.

 

Yes, the land can be utilized more effectively — I don’t want to see a golf course. Let’s have community-serving amenities like an urban farm, youth athletic facilities, increased biodiversity and tree canopies, and a place for all current and future residents of Park Hill to enjoy 155 acres of nature without looming 12-story buildings. How can this be paid for? The 2A Sales Tax that the city has been collecting since 2019 for the sole purpose of expanding our park system.

 

I’m optimistic that we can elect a mayor and City Council on April 4 who have integrity, creativity and a willingness to fight for the people of Denver instead of for the developers and lobbyists. I’ll be voting No on 2O and hope others might see through the YIMBY vs. NIMBY narrative to consider doing the same.