(Spirit Lake)– A 50-lot residential development proposed for the north side of Spirit Lake on what is now a sheep farm is in jeopardy after Tuesday’s city council meeting.
The council voted four-to-one in favor of a motion NOT to sell a public access across the road from the proposed development. The developer, Neal Slater, wanted to buy the access from the city for 360-thousand dollars. He planned to use it for docks, giving the development lake access.
The council’s vote followed even more public comment on the matter. Among those opposing the proposed sale was the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation. Councilman Steve Balm said if the group is that concerned about losing accesses, it should buy them.
One resident, Larry Weber, said it’s time the city re-think its development policy altogether. Weber says he’s tired of the city lining the pockets of developers by putting in infrastructure for them.
Jerry Harbst was the only councilman to vote against the motion NOT to sell the access.
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