Duluth residents won't get their say on issue

DULUTH (AP) -- The Duluth City Council decided against giving residents a chance to have their say about the proposed construction of a golf course and lodge on Spirit Mountain.

The council voted 6-3 on Monday against putting the project on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. "It wouldn't resolve any of the legal problems," said Councilor Russ Stewart, who opposes the project but voted against putting it on the ballot.

The vote only would have gauged public opinion about the project. It wouldn't have been legally binding because developers Kent Oliver and George Hovland have a lease agreement for the golf course and lodge.

Oliver and Hovland plan to build a $20 million championship golf course and lodge on Spirit Mountain. Officials said the golf course would bring an additional $500,000 per year to the recreation area.

Opponents, however, said it would be an environmental disaster that will ruin cherished forest and a nearby trout stream.