Otter Tail County, Minn., commissioners have decided a controversial project on Fish Lake doesn't need an environmental impact statement.
The move could spark a legal challenge from opponents of the Preserve at Echo Bay, the backers of which have been working for several years to obtain a permit to build a housing development of 200-plus units.
The EIS decision means a final ruling by the County Commission on whether a permit for the project will be granted must come within 60 days, said Bill Kalar, Otter Tail County's land and resources director.
Developers provided the county with an environmental assessment worksheet county officials say is more detailed than most and includes much of the information an EIS would contain.
The Pelican Lake Property Owner's Association opposes the development, maintaining its size makes it unsuitable for Fish Lake.
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David Majkrzak, president-elect of the association, said the County Commission's EIS decision was surprising because it contradicts a Planning Commission recommendation calling for an EIS. Majkrzak said the association may challenge the EIS decision in court.
Developer Dan Passolt said he offered to downsize the project from 252 units to 214 and make other changes to reduce the plan's impact on the lake.
Reducing the number of housing units would also increase the cost of the remaining build sites, Passolt said.
"If we go down to 214, it becomes a little more exclusive," he said.
Passolt said he hopes to be selling sites as early as this spring.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
