(Okoboji)– The Okoboji city council chamber was filled to overflowing Tuesday evening as council members heard detailed plans for a multi-million dollar expansion and rennovation of the Inn.
David Slattery, owner of the 111-year-old resort and convention center, told the council they’ve reached a cross-roads and it’s time for a major rennovation.
Slattery said the new facility will consist of a resort-hotel with 243 rooms, a new convention center, an indoor water park, outdoor pool, wellness center, spa, new golf course, and other amenities. Slattery says a second phase is tentatively planned for some time in the future, based on how well sales go in the first phase.
Many neighbors expressed concern over the project, siting safety, traffic, infrastructure and environmental issues…among others. Slattery says his plans address those issues, adding he’ll incorporate low impact development practices.
Joe Fitzgibbons, a neighbor and lawyer, questioned the legality of the project and whether it complies with terms and definitions in a special use permit granted to the Inn in 1974. He called on City Attorney Mike Chozen to issue a written opinion on the matter. Chozen responded by saying the proposed project WOULD be allowed under those terms, saying he’s confident a judge would agree.
There was also a call for the city to put a 90-day moratorium on the proposed project, something Chozen says would likely result in a lawsuit against the city.
It was also reported Tuesday evening that as of right now, the Inn has not approached the city for any financial assistance, although an attorney for the Inn didn’t rule out the possibility of requesting a developer’s agreement with the city sometime in the future.
When it comes to concern over infrastructure, councilman Jim Delperdang told the crowd the city can’t legally use that issue to stop the project.
