This is not just a golf-course-edge issue. The plat threatens the entire neighborhood because:
1. **Massive growth potential**: About 57 acres of the site are zoned Urban Residential (UR) or Mixed-Use (MU-1). At full density, those districts could hold over 1,000—and potentially up to 1,800—dwelling units, plus commercial space. That is far beyond the 289 apartments and handful of houses mentioned in public meetings or the traffic report. Plat approval locks in that density even if the current owner sells the property tomorrow.
2. **New commuter corridor**: The plan creates a brand-new connection from the interior of Woodhaven to Randol Mill Road, one of the area’s busiest arterials. This road would cut directly across the former fairway, splitting the neighborhood in two and funneling outside traffic through our streets. Long block faces and waived connectivity standards mean more traffic will be concentrated on fewer roads, raising noise, speeding, and safety risks for everyone.
3. **Traffic on neighborhood streets**: Even the limited traffic scenario modeled by the developer adds hundreds of peak-hour trips every day. If a future builder uses the full zoning capacity, trip counts could double or triple the estimates.
4. **Loss of green space and buffers**: Homes and streets that once enjoyed open views and natural drainage would border apartments, parking lots, or retail buildings. This affects drainage patterns, storm-water runoff, and the look and feel of the entire neighborhood, not just the edge parcels.
5. **Strain on public services**: More residents mean higher demand on water, sewer, schools, police, and fire services, while the City still requires future phase-level drainage and flood-control approvals.
6. **Property value ripple effects**: Loss of green space, added traffic, and an influx of high-density housing can lower buyer demand and slow appreciation across all of Woodhaven, not just the homes next to the course.
We can! Under normal circumstances, the City Plan Commission would have full power to approve or deny a plat proposal. The Commission still has that power here, but is further guided by a Texas State Statute (212.0155) that says, among other things, that the proposed plat of a former golf course cannot materially adversely affect existing property values.
The proposed plat application PP-25-019 could significantly affect our beloved Woodhaven neighborhood in various ways:
1. **Traffic & Safety**: The new road tied to Randol Mill and the long-block design will concentrate cut-through traffic, raising risks for children, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout Woodhaven.
2. **Community Character**: The introduction of high-density apartments and mixed-use buildings will alter the visual character of our neighborhood, potentially increasing noise, crime, and late-night activity, which can disrupt the peaceful environment we cherish.
3. **Infrastructure Stress**: Our essential services, such as water, sewer, drainage, and emergency response, will face heavier demands. This comes at a time when key drainage permits are still pending, raising concerns about our community's resilience.
4. **Market Uncertainty**: The perception of risk could deter potential buyers and lenders, impacting home values across Woodhaven. This uncertainty could threaten the financial stability of our community and the investment we have all made in our homes.
According to a public lawsuit filed in Tarrant County District Court, Councilmember Michael Crain—formerly Northern’s business partner—alleges that Northern secretly created new companies (including Woodhaven Concerto No. 1 LP and related entities) to purchase the golf course at a foreclosure sale without informing Crain or their co-owned brokerage. He used confidential company information, staff, and branding to negotiate the purchase. Northern’s attorney acted as both trustee in the foreclosure and counsel for the buyer, which the petition calls a conflict of interest. After closing, Northern allegedly offered token buy-outs (as little as $1,000) for Crain’s share while withholding financial records.
Crain is suing for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and unjust enrichment, seeking more than $1 million in damages and a share of any profits.
These are allegations from public filings, not proven facts. But where there's smoke, there's likely fire. If Mr. Northern is willing to work in secret to keep his business partner out of a deal, why should we expect him to deal honestly with us?
1. Sign the petition!
2. Attend the City Plan Commission hearing – Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM. A strong turnout shows decision-makers that the entire neighborhood is engaged.
3. Spread the word – Share this FAQ, talk to neighbors, post on social media, and encourage others to attend.
4. Contact City Council representatives – Let them know you expect the City to protect Woodhaven from over-development and to enforce the no material adverse effect requirement in Texas Local Government Code §212.0155.
5. Stay informed – Follow updates on this neighborhood website.
