Chang Yang, standing, spoke to the Devils Lake Planning Commission and thanked everyone for their input and ideas. He said he has encountered very friendly people throughout the Lake Region and looks forward to working with the commission on this project. The Journal asked him if the result of this meeting was what he expected for today and he said, “Yes, I expected the project to be tabled.” Now the preliminary work begins. (photo by Louise Oleson)
There were three items on the agenda for Thursday’s early morning meeting of the Devils Lake Planning Commission.
Chairman Larry Leier started out by explaining the rules that govern the meeting for anyone who may have been visiting for the first time.
The first item discussed was a petition from Klemetsrud’s to be able to build an apartment in a downtown building that had been zoned as commercial. Although this petition had already been granted, the petitioner did not act on it and enough time had lapsed so that it needed to be refiled.
The second item of discussion was the annexation and zoning petition for a PUD – Planned Urban Development – submitted by Chang Yang who desires to build a resort on four lots he purchased that were located south of the city limits across Highway 20 from Ed’s Bar and Bait Shop.
A number of questions were brought forward and some suggestions, too, were deemed “good ideas” to contemplate. Mike Grafsgaard stated that one of the first things they needed to settle, was he thought an area within the property had been officially designated as wetlands. If that were the case, they would have to figure that in with the plans for the enterprise if they were to go forward.
The present design and plans for the 85 acres, the commission was told, was very fluid. It may not end up looking like they had it on the preliminary plans.
Comments and questions were encouraged by the commission throughout the meeting.
City Commissioner Jason Pearce asked about a “buffer zone” to separate the camping areas and the residential area it is planned to butt up against.
Infrastructure costs, whether private or public, was an issue brought up by someone in the audience. Access points into the resort looked at and traffic counts along Highway 20 would need to be done. Today’s public hearing was to gather information and allow those concerned about the plan to voice their concerns. A couple of individuals did just that, asking questions and making comments.
The third and final item discussed was to allow the SAAF House to dedicate one wing of their new building as a temporary emergency shelter. Concern was expressed by a resident living near the facility, “What could guarantee that it would not end up changing from a shelter for women and children to a homeless shelter?” This speaker stated that the present homeless shelter located in downtown Devils Lake has some issues that need to be dealt with and she didn’t want to see this turn into a situation like that.
The resident was assured that if at any time the SAAF House wanted to change that designation, they would have to come back to this planning commission for permission first before making a change like that.
More comments and questions were called for, and when none were forthcoming, Leier closed that portion of the meeting.
Then it was time to vote on the three items before the commission.
The apartment for Klemetsrud’s was approved.
The annexation of the property for the Eagle Landing Resort was tabled. Grafsgaard explained to the audience that the progress of the resort plan will be a long process and there are multiple things that need to be studied and discussed before anything is decided.
The SAAF House wing for an emergency shelter was approved and it was stated that the space would be used for women and children only, they would have to come back to this body for any changes in use.
