KSL is offering to pay $12.5 million of the $15 million projectin hopes that it will lead to approvals to add 100 rooms to theClaremont, a plan that has raised the ire of nearby residentsconcerned about traffic, among other things.

Local golfers also have opposed the golf course upgrade becauseit would push greens fees from as little as $12 course to rightaround $100. The city defends the deal, saying a new public courseis being built across town that will be reasonably priced, and thatarrangements are being made to ensure Oakland residents paydiscounted greens fees at the upgraded Chabot course.

Of course this was all supposed to happen a little faster. Whencity officials obtained approval from the City Council to beginexclusive negotiations with KSL, golf course operators canceledtournaments and other events at Chabot this summer in anticipationof the greens being taken over by work crews.