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are growing all over the country and there are statistics to back that up. South Bend has done <br />nothing for the kids who want to learn golf. There has been no better time to be a girl and trying <br />to play golf right now and is more accessible than ever. He stated lets make the course accessible <br />to everyone and if you have to raise the rates do that then. He asked why the Mayor had his golf <br />outing for his campaign at Blackthorn Golf Course and not at a city owned golf course. <br />Greg Forbes, 502 Jackson St. Lakeville IN, he stated he has played at Elbel for seventeen (17) <br />years. He stated Elbel is a superior course to Erskine. He gave examples that Elbel is quieter, has <br />more natural diversity, and a general better atmosphere. All the wildlife is a unique experience <br />on a golf course. He stated he always buys from the concessions and buys golf clubs and balls <br />and general merchandise to keep his money in the community. He stated he is a member of five <br />(5) golfing groups who all do the same as him. He stated the family environment that course <br />considers is very unique and should not be sold off. <br />Edwin Rosado, 26445 Whippoorwill Dr. Warren Township, stated he is saddened by the news <br />that South Bend would sell Elbel. He stated he came into this area to raise grandkids and maybe <br />great grandkids in this great community. He stated he is the tennis coach at Washington High <br />School and continues to participate in events that promote families and the growth of what this <br />community should be about. He stated Elbel helps to bring this community together and its loss <br />would be to further the concrete jungle that plagues this community. He stated we have to think <br />about twenty years from now. Elbel is a treasure and glimpse of what it was maybe a thousand <br />years ago. He stated Mud Lake is a beautiful area year- round, and people fish and walk and ride <br />their bikes around the lake and do the things the city wants its residents to do. He questions the <br />administration's stance that there is no clear path to fix this problem. <br />Mike Griffin, 704 California South Bend, he stated he is proud of this city and in many ways this <br />administration. He stated this moment of great change is very fragile right now. He asked that the <br />city stop using the argument that pits urban programs against nature parks and kids against <br />ecology. He stated splash pads and parks are not in competition. It's not golf vs. nature. He <br />questioned if today's turnout means that Elbel is more on the map than it has ever been in the <br />consciousness of South Bend. He stated what is possible now after this movement is greater than <br />what it was before this whole process came about. If the Council is not swayed by ecology or <br />public access how about politics. He said this city has a big public relations problem on its hand <br />as the city wants to be behind the right kind of movement which Elbel for Everyone represents. <br />The potential is a lot of this energy could really turn and that would be highly unfortunate. He <br />stated this Council should vote no and form a commission to investigate this issue. <br />Dr. Varner stated we should establish a date for the next meeting where the administration can <br />respond. <br />Chairperson Randy Kelly said Mr. Zeeb could have a few moments to respond. <br />Mr. Zeeb thanked everyone for their input and stated he thinks everyone is looking for the best <br />way forward for Elbel. He stated they would like to still hear Council comments and they can be <br />collected under Randy Kelly and they can answer those questions at the next meeting. <br />