Chabot Golf Course Deal Slows

The city is working on an environmental impact statement addressing a proposed upgrade to the Lake Chabot Golf Course by KSL Recreation Corp., owner of the nearby Claremont Hotel & Spa in Berkeley.

KSL is offering to pay $12.5 million of the $15 million project in hopes that it will lead to approvals to add 100 rooms to the Claremont, a plan that has raised the ire of nearby residents concerned about traffic, among other things.

Local golfers also have opposed the golf course upgrade because it would push greens fees from as little as $12 course to right around $100. The city defends the deal, saying a new public course is being built across town that will be reasonably priced, and that arrangements are being made to ensure Oakland residents pay discounted greens fees at the upgraded Chabot course.