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City to exempt new Cobbs Creek Golf Course project from anti-erosion regulation

Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. has introduced legislation to exempt a private foundation building the new Cobbs Creek Golf Course from a steep slope ordinance designed to limit erosion — a measure the group says is needed for wetlands restoration.

The exemption, however, would apply to the entire course being renovated by the Cobbs Creek Foundation. Officials say the exemption is needed for work around the creek bed and some of the golf course. The course, first opened over a century ago, had to close in part due to flooding and erosion problems.

Also regarding the course, the city Art Commission recently approved designs for a new multitiered driving range and youth education center on the site as part of the $65 million redo of the course.

Arts Commission approval

The introduction of the steep slope exemption ordinance comes a week after the Arts Commission approved two key components of the course’s design: a multistory, 27-acre driving range and a youth education center. The commission had rejected concept plans for the two components in April saying they needed more clarification.

The commission voted Nov. 9 to accept the designs after a foundation presentation on site improvements, stormwater management, lighting, and landscaping. The plans call for clearing 13.1 acres of trees for the driving range that included 150 heritage trees (notable for uniqueness, age, or size), and 250 dead or diseased trees. The foundation said it would plant 62 deciduous trees, 42 evergreens, and 290 arborvitae to serve as hedges.

Supporters from the public, including teachers, said they eagerly anticipated the youth education center and associated programs the foundation has promised to instruct local school children in golf. Detractors of the plans said they were still wary of how environmental issues are being handled.

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