(La Porte, IN) - A golf course in La Porte could become a haven for new housing construction.  Close to 300 single family homes are proposed for Briar Leaf Golf Course, which recently informed the city it is closing. 

Officials said the golf course owner wants to sell the property to a housing developer from the Chicago area.  It appears the sale hinges on whether the city approves a few variances in the current zoning laws to allow for the construction.

Attorney Bill Nelson representing the property owner told the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals this week the project would be a good fit since there’s already housing on the golf course and the immediate area.

“The proposed alternative use is consistent, actually, with the surrounding properties,” he said.  The sale price for the homes would range from about $350,000 to around $450,000.  The BZA approved the zoning variance requests involving slight adjustments in setback lot size requirements.  Final approval is now up to the city council.