RE: Nelson golf course to be redesigned and run by U.S. company
For most (if not all) Nelsonites, housing has been at the top of the list for concerns with the future of the community. Housing prices have soared, and limited affordable housing options have meant that many families, artists and workers have been forced to leave town.
Additionally, there is a growing number of folks who are unhoused, and the announcement of this ridiculous development came around the same time that the encampment was cleared from City Hall.
The land was rezoned in 2019, with the intention for mixed-housing, and I believe that the vision was for a mix of housing options for different levels of affordability. Flat land for development within city limits is rare, and it is sad to see it sold off of a scheme designed to maximize profit without consideration for community needs. Nelson does not need a bespoke housing experience at $1.8 million per unit; we need affordable housing, specifically with more secure rental options.
Mr. Ebrahimi said, “I cannot believe this place exists, it’s so pristine and perfect, you can’t mess it up, because Nelson itself is the recipe. It’s magic as it is, where it is. So whatever we do needs to be in line with what Nelson already is, because that’s the magic.”
This shows that Mr. Ebrahimi clearly does not understand this community, and unfortunately he has outsized impact on the future of Nelson. This development will fundamentally change Nelson. This community is not a commodity to be extracted and sold, but a community that needs intention to support the people and culture.
I am calling on the city to explore all options to ensure that this and future developments include affordable housing options.
Ben Simoni
Nelson
