A final decision on a plan to build houses on Eagan's last 18-hole golf course could be coming this week, with the City Council expected to vote Tuesday night on the proposed development.
The plan by Eden Prairie developer Hunter Emerson would put 177 single-family homes on Parkview Golf Club.
The proposed development for the 80-acre course on Cliff Road east of Pilot Knob Road has generated considerable controversy since Hunter Emerson announced it last spring.
Neighbors protested that the houses would ruin the open space they enjoy, draw more traffic to nearby streets, hurt property values and endanger the environment. Fans of Parkview also objected to the loss of the course, known for its long season and youth golf programs.
But Parkview's owners have said that the course has not been making money for years and that housing is the most viable use for the property.
Phone calls to Parkview last week were answered by a recording saying that the course, driving range and practice facility are not open, and that a decision whether to open won't be made until after the council vote.
The vote was supposed to take place earlier this year but was delayed because Dakota County had approved changes in a plan for nearby intersections, triggering the need for a new traffic study. The study and public comment period on it wrapped up last month.
Another issue that posed a potential obstacle has been resolved. In January, the Planning Commission rejected plans for the housing project, largely because of concerns from Dakota County over the buffer planned between the new homes and Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Dakota County Parks Director Steve Sullivan said last week that the developer and county worked together and came up with a new and effective buffer plan for the park.
