August 2003: Wensmann Realty enters into a purchase agreement with Ray Rahn and begins work on proposal for development of the Carriage Hills Golf Course.

June 2004: Eagan Planning Commission refuses to endorse Wensmann's request to rezone the course.

August 2004: Eagan City Council votes against request to rezone the golf course to low-density residential development.

November 2004: Wensmann sues city of Eagan in district court for basically scuttling the land deal by denying a rezoning request.

April 2005: District Court rules against the city.

May 2005: The city appeals the ruling.

November 2005: The City Council unanimously approves a settlement proposed by Wensmann Realty owner Terry Wensmann.

December 2005: Eagan Planning Commission votes 4-3 to recommend the golf course be changed from a park under the city's comprehensive plan to a "special area." The commission also approves the draft of the developer's plan for the area.

January 2006: The Minnesota Supreme Court's ruling on the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course sets a precedent for Eagan to protect its original comprehensive guide plan with parks and open space designation. The City Council denies Wensmann's request to amend the city's comprehensive plan to allow homes to be built on Carriage Hills.

May 2006: The Minnesota Court of Appeals overturns the District Court's ruling, finding that the city can't be compelled to change its comprehensive plan.

July 2007: Minnesota Supreme Court orders the case returned to District Court to answer the question of compensation for the land, but says that Eagan cited valid reasons for refusing to change its land-use plans.

March 2008: City Council votes to approve a settlement that puts the decision on the ballot for the residents to decide the future of the land. If a majority voted "yes" in a referendum, the city would purchase the land for roughly $10.25 million.

November 2008: Eagan residents vote down the purchase, with 53 percent voting no and 47 percent voting yes with 35,560 votes cast.

VADIM LAVRUSIK