(Milford)– It was standing room only Tuesday evening as the Milford Board of Adjustment considered a special exception use permit for the Okoboji school district.
The school board was requesting the permit for a new gym proposed to be built onto the south side of the high school in Milford. The school sought the permit, even though it was told by city officials such a permit wasn’t required.
Board of Adjustment members heard from both sides of the issue during a public hearing that went for more than an hour.
Those opposed to the plans say the addition should be built on the west side of the high school, not the south. They site concerns over aethetics, parking, traffic flow and safety.
School officials say building to the south makes sense because the new gym would connect more directly with the existing gym and locker rooms. They contend a westerly addition would actually have more of a negative impact on parking; and that it would require the relocation of some transformers and the baseball field. School officials are hopeful the project would stem a growing tide students open enrolling out of the Okoboji district.
After hearing the comments, the Board of Adjustment voted three-to-one to approve the special exception use permit. Board member Rhoda Keiser cast the lone dissenting vote.
School officials are hopeful the board of adjustment’s action will nullify a lawsuit against the project. It’s been filed by neighboring property owners.
