New Bill Permanently Blocks Golf Course Construction at Greenbury Point Conservation Area

If you’ve ever found a piece of public land you love—a park, a trail, a coastline—you know the sinking feeling when you hear about development plans. This bill, the Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act, is essentially a legislative shield designed to prevent that exact scenario at one specific location: the Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland.

The Final Word on Fairways

This bill cuts straight to the chase. It amends a section of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which previously only limited the Navy’s authority to restrict public access. Now, it explicitly imposes a prohibition on the development of a golf course at Greenbury Point. Think of it as slamming the door on a specific development proposal that was likely floating around. The Secretary of the Navy is barred from using any funds to construct a golf course there, period. This is a crucial distinction: the bill doesn't just make it difficult; it makes it illegal under this act.

Protecting Public Access

Beyond blocking the golf course itself, the legislation reinforces public access. It prohibits the Navy from modifying or restricting public access to the area in connection with any such development. For the hikers, bird watchers, and local families who rely on Greenbury Point for outdoor recreation, this means the trails and views aren't going anywhere. This provision ensures that the land remains available for the community, maintaining the status quo for everyday users.

The Security and Cleanup Carve-Outs

Legislation involving military land always has necessary exceptions, and this bill is no different. The prohibition on construction and access restrictions does not apply to actions necessary for national security, safety, or environmental restoration. This is sensible; if the Navy needs to perform an emergency safety repair or conduct a mandated cleanup of old ordnance, the bill doesn't stop them. However, these exceptions are narrow—they can’t be used as a backdoor way to build a driving range. The environmental restoration must also be done consistent with existing law, adding another layer of oversight.

Real-World Impact: Keeping the Green, Green

For the people living around Annapolis, this bill is a win for open space. It means the land designated as a conservation area will stay that way. Instead of dealing with the noise, traffic, and restricted access that comes with a new golf course development, the public gets to keep their existing trails and natural habitat. It’s a clear example of policy stepping in to preserve a local resource against potential commercialization. While the developers who might have been eyeing the site for a new course are out of luck, the public gets certainty that this slice of nature is protected for the long haul.