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Golf course bid scrapped by developer

Aurora association continuing efforts to save the greens

Javier Erik Olvera, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 12, 2006 at midnight

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AURORA - A developer, who was interested in buying a private country club and golf course, has withdrawn his offer.

Andy Klein decided to pull away from the Heather Ridge Country Club and Golf Course property last month because of "a litany of reasons," including protests from neighbors.

Klein, co-owner of Icon Investment Group, was approached by a group of neighbors who began rallying together to try to save the land from development.

The developer has never publicly detailed his plans for the 33-year-old, 18-hole golf course, located along East Iliff Avenue near Interstate 225.

"At the end of the day, what it comes down to is that it's a better opportunity for a housing developer . . . rather than someone like me who is a land developer," Klein said.

He is among a long line of interested buyers who have approached country club and golf course owner Dick Jorgensen about buying the property since it went on the market a year and a half ago.

Jorgensen couldn't be reached for comment on Tuesday, but he told the neighborhood group about three months ago that Klein's offer was his twelfth.

Rumors have swirled since the property was put up for sale, fueling neighbors' fears that a developer could level the greens to make way for construction.

Last year, property owners formed the United Associations of Heather Ridge - composed of 1,400 households - to try to preserve the golf course.

The group, which holds monthly meetings and has a Web site, is considering its options, including creating a special tax district to buy the golf course.

Such a proposal must be put before area voters, something that can't happen until the election this spring, said association member Errol Rowland.

He said the association would be OK with developers buying the property, but only if "as long as the 18 holes are untouched."

"All we want to do is preserve the golf course," said Rowland. "We'll work with anyone who wants to do the same."