Model Plane Fliers Stall Golf Project

In response to concerns raised by model airplane hobbyists, the county Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission has tabled a decision on turning a popular Mile Square Regional Park landing strip into an 18-hole golf course.

The commission voted Wednesday night to postpone for one month a decision on which of two leading golf course developers would be allowed to turn about 150 acres of the park into the county’s 58th golf course.

Questions and concerns raised by Robert A. Richards, founder of the Save Mile Square Park Committee and a radio-controlled-airplane enthusiast, were among reasons the commission gave for delaying the matter.

Hobbyists are troubled over losing one of the few such model airplane strips remaining in Southern California. Development has replaced many others.

Richard Adler, a commission official, said terms and conditions of the proposed development, aimed at recouping the county’s $33-million investment in the park, also will be reexamined at the November meeting.

Richards, who has worked to save the park from becoming a golf course, said he was pleased with the postponement. “This was the last chance,” he said.

Commissioners will consult with the legal counsel and consider the golf course development at their next meeting, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Hall of Administration.