Residents in North Brevard County are joining forces to protect the defunct Sherwood Golf Course from being redeveloped into a residential area. The proposed plan includes the construction of 800 homes, including apartments and townhomes, which has sparked concerns about traffic congestion, environmental impact, and property values among the locals.

The Sherwood Golf Course, which opened its doors in the 1960s, faced financial difficulties and eventually became abandoned in recent years. The 100-acre course, located in an unincorporated area west of Titusville, was sold in 2018 for approximately $1 million after unsuccessful attempts at restoration.

While Sherwood Golf Course is not the only one in Brevard County to experience financial hardships, residents argue that repurposing the land for housing would have adverse effects on the community. Tom Erdman, a long-time resident of the area, has taken a leading role in opposing the development. He has actively organized community meetings and started the website SaveSherwood.com to rally support.

One of the primary concerns voiced by residents is the potential strain on local infrastructure, particularly the risk of flooding. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian left many streets around the golf course underwater, igniting fears that increased construction could exacerbate the flooding issue. Moreover, traffic congestion is expected to escalate significantly if the proposed housing project comes to fruition.

Erdman estimates that the majority of homeowners in the surrounding neighborhoods are against the development. A petition opposing the project gathered 600 signatures earlier this year, and community meetings regularly attract over 100 attendees.

While the Ballarena Group, the development firm behind the project, has not provided a comment on the matter, residents continue to express their concerns. County planning staff are currently reviewing the latest submission from the developer, but no public hearings have been scheduled yet.

Residents are exploring possibilities to preserve the green space, including options for homeowners to purchase parts of the property or integrating a mix of housing and green areas.

It remains to be seen whether the collective efforts of these residents will be successful in preventing the rezoning of Sherwood Golf Course. However, their determination showcases a strong commitment to preserving natural spaces and maintaining the integrity of their community.