Tyler locals express concerns over mini golf course

TYLER – A new mini golf course will begin construction soon in Tyler; however, people who live in the area are concerned about the noise and lights this development may bring. Due to the concerns, the City of Tyler granted the ‘Special Use Permit’ at a council meeting on Wednesday.

According to our news partner KETK, the new mini golf course would be located near the intersection of South Broadway and Donnybrook Avenue, behind ‘Andy’s Custard.’ Kyle Kingma, Genecov Planning Director, said this is all to meet an entertainment need in the growing city of Tyler.

“We have gotten feedback that there is a desire to have more outside entertainment within the city,” Kingma said. So, we think that this would probably check that box for people.”

People who live nearby worry about light and sound bothering their neighborhood. An anonymous concerned neighbor said her questions are. “What are their hours of operation? What type of music is going to be played? How loud is the music going to be? I know kids are noisy —we have kids —but how much of that is going to travel over to our house?”

According to the city of Tyler, a public hearing on the plan happened on Oct. 7th. And people living closest to the affected area were sent mail notices; officials say no notices were returned, either in favor or in opposition.

Kingma attempted to address some of the concerns that Tyler residents currently have.

“So the applicant is proposing the site to be more oriented towards the commercial area, not so much near the trail or the homes that are across the creek,” Kingma said. “And so that helps them keep all that in one location close to where you already have that commercial activity. So that shouldn’t have any impact on the homes nearby.”

The developer says they expect low-level outdoor music and downward-facing lights to be installed.