During the Midland City Council meeting on Sept. 24, the public comment period garnered discussion from residents speaking out about Ranchland Hills Golf Course and the use of the land to be converted into a new Midland Independent School District (MISD) school.
During the public comment, residents supporting Save Ranchland Hills and Tax Dollars, the local advocacy group pushing for the golf course to be preserved, discussed the enforcement of the city’s ordinance, which outlines that the property is zoned strictly for use as a private membership recreational club, prohibiting other uses.
Save Ranchland Hills and Tax Dollars claims to have gathered sufficient signatures from surrounding property owners to potentially force a super-majority vote on any zoning changes that would allow for alternative development.
Following the meeting, the Midland City Council has unanimously called on community members to collaborate on finding a solution for the ongoing dispute over the future of Ranchland Hills Golf Club. While the City claims they are not directly involved in the issue, council members have said they are willing to engage with the parties involved to help avoid litigation and foster resolution.
“The City Council has now, in the 11th hour, been asked to intervene in the dispute between local community members and MISD,” said Mayor Lori Blong. “Legal arguments are being made on both sides of this discussion and it is clear that one or both parties intend to pursue this through litigation against the City.”
The mayor emphasized the council’s readiness to participate in discussions. "If there is desire by others to come to the table and avoid further division, the city council will be there to be part of the solution,” she said.
The dispute currently remains unresolved.