UNM regents approve golf course plan

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It is going to cost some money, but Bernalillo County commissioners think it will be a fair way to keep UNM's north golf course from being developed.

University regents agreed Tuesday morning to enter a deal with Bernalillo County to keep the course as is.

Now it is up to commissioners to put their final stamp of approval on the deal.

If the deal is approved, the county will pay over $1.5 million for upgrades including a new irrigation system, improved running trails and regular maintenance at the course.

In return, the university will not change a thing.

The deal is in response to planned development that had neighbors up in arms in 2007.

Back then, the school wanted to turn the 80 acre course into a retirement village to make some extra money, but the north campus neighborhood did not like the idea.

In March, county commissioners offered $1.5 million for a 25 year agreement that would make the course an "open spaces area".

UNM countered the offer for 10 less years, Making it 15.

The president of the North Campus Neighborhood Association says this is a plan she and her neighbors can support.

“We’ve had a long struggle over this area and we feel this is a new step forward…a way to a much more positive future where everyone benefits,” Sara Koplik said.

UNM regents approved the deal Tuesday morning and county commissioners will make a final vote by 5 p.m.

If approved, the money will come from the county's open space budget , which has secured 1,000 acres at 12 different sites around the county.