Oceanside city officials will consider the future of a parcel of prime coastal land used by golfers but coveted by soccer players.
Center City Golf Course is 76 acres just north of Oceanside Boulevard and only two miles from the beach.
The owner of the Real Salt Lake soccer team in Salt Lake City, Utah has proposed building an $8 million complex that would include six private soccer fields.
A smaller nine-hole golf course would take over the rest of the space.
Over a longer-term lease, the project could be expanded to add an 8,000-seat soccer stadium for a minor league soccer team and two hotels.
In 2012, the city solicited ideas for alternative uses for the course, because of lagging profits.
Up until now, the city had been in negotiations with golf-attire mogul John Ashworth for an improved course.
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On Wednesday, the council is expected to decide if they're moving forward with the team or looking at other options.
At 4 p.m. Wednesday, residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions.
Some neighbors and golfers we spoke with fear the city council has already made up its mind because of the economic potential here.
“It's just sad you know,” said golfer Tyler Dingvell. “People have called this their home for 40 years. It's been here since 1952. It's the oldest golf course in North County. People have a lot of history and heritage here. People love this place.”
In a statement, Dell Loy Hansen discussed the proposal in this way.
"At the end of the day, it's about giving the kids - many of whom won't be able to go to college without academy development - a chance to aspire and achieve. Through the excitement of soccer, hard work, determination and teamwork, the Oceanside complex will be a pillar of this community and a beacon of hope for our youth."
Oceanside City officials didn't respond to messages from NBC 7 Wednesday.
