Missouri county cancels sale of public land near golf course
Jackson County officials halted the bidding process for land along the Blue River Parkway following protests from residents and conservation groups.
Jackson County in Missouri cancelled its request for bids on public land along the Blue River Parkway on Monday, according to the Times of India. The decision came one day before the deadline for submitting proposals for the property located near Hillcrest Golf Course.
The bidding process was halted after local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmental organisations, including Bridging the Gap, Heartland Conservation Alliance, and Urban Trail Co., opposed the sale. These groups raised concerns regarding the future of the natural areas and the trails used for hiking and mountain biking.
County Executive Phil LeVota announced that the county would not proceed with the sale and that the Jackson County Legislative meeting on November 9 would not include any legislative action on the matter. LeVota stated that the county had included the land in a surplus property process to explore potential interest and future uses.
The proposal followed an approach by Hillcrest Country Club to use the land to expand the golf course. While the county suggested the land had been empty for decades, Scott Capstack, a founding member of Heartland Outside, said the trails are used every day.
The property consists of three parcels south of Swope Park and east of Hillcrest Golf Course. LeVota noted that the county never intended to sell the glades or the trails, stating that protecting those areas was always part of the plan.
Ben Reed, the former leader of Urban Trail Co., disputed claims that people had accessed the land without authorisation, telling Axios that the organisation had a signed agreement with the county from 2018 to manage the land.