(Spirit Lake)– A development being proposed for McLelland’s Beach on the north side of Big Spirit Lake is causing a lot of controversy.
About 130 people attended a public hearing at today’s (Tues.) Dickinson county board of supervisors meeting on recommendation from the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission to approve a preliminary plat for the development.
Homes and cottages in that area, some of them going back several generations, are currently on leased land. Under the new development, residents will need to purchase the lots…many of which will be re-sized which will also necessitate homes being relocated. Those who don’t buy their own lot will be faced with moving elsewhere.
Several who spoke at today’s (Tues.) hearing said they can’t afford to pay what’s being asked for the lots…saying the price is absurd. One man said he’ll have to change his retirement plans. And a woman told the supervisors it’s further evidence to her the Iowa Great Lakes Area is turning into a place strictly for the wealthy.
Mike Zenor, an attorney representing the family proposing the development, says some homeowners will probably be allowed to stay for atleast a little while in the event their lot doesn’t sell right away.
Some in the crowd described the situation as another Harlan Beach…a former trailer court on the east side of Big Spirit Lake who’s residents were evicted after the land on which the trailers were located was sold to a developer.
Following the hour and-a-half long hearing, the supervisors voted five-to-nothing to approve the preliminary plat.
