(La Porte, IN) - Plans to develop a La Porte golf course into new housing has stalled.

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said it became clear about two weeks ago the housing developer, Lennar, and the Briar Leaf Golf Course property owners were not going to reach an agreement without some level of investment and participation from the city.

He said this came several months after representatives from the city worked diligently to help bring the project along.

“After much deliberation, I have made the decision to walk away from this project. If Lennar and Briar Leaf are able to reach an agreement on their own, we would be more than happy to resume our work to assist in the project,” he said.  

"Though housing is a top priority for this administration – like it is for many administrations across the region and state – we have a responsibility to the tax paying citizens of La Porte to be good stewards with their money. We will continue our efforts to improve the availability of housing in our community without doing so at the expense of our residents," he said.

The golf course has been closed, so far, this season because of the plans to convert the 18 hole course into new housing.