zoning decision may determine future of big phoenix golf course

The future of a 118-acre golf course on the western side of Phoenix continues to challenge local leaders.

The owner of the Villa de Paz Golf Course at 4220 N. Third Avenue has announced that it wants to transform the vast open space into a subdivision that would see the construction of nearly 150 new homes.

The private equity firm Virtua Partners purchased the course, which in recent years had been losing money and players, in late 2017 for $1.3 million, and subsequently announced its home construction plans.

Residents living in the vicinity of the course initially tried, but failed, to challenge those plans in court. Now Betty Guardado, a member of the Phoenix City Council, has announced plans to pursue a zoning change at the site that would prevent any residential development there.

If that effort succeeds, the Villa de Paz Golf Course would either remain a golf course, or be left as open space.

A representative for Virtua Partners said it was doubtful that the city could force the company to re-open the golf course, meaning that the space would remain vacant and in declining condition for the foreseeable future.

It is not known when the city may make a zoning determination on the site.
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The 18-hole Villa de Paz Golf Course was opened in the early 1970s and upgraded in 2002.

By Garry Boulard

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