A Gull Lake Yacht Club rezoning request was approved in part at the Crow Wing County Board meeting Tuesday with commissioners hearing opposition from neighbors.
The yacht club wanted to rezone about 3.4 acres from rural residential and shoreland residential to waterfront commercial. Neighbors of the club were concerned what the commercial zoning would allow for traffic, safety, noise and future uses - particularly if the yacht club land changes hands. Residents said the commercial use would adversely affect the residential quality of the area, which is now only occasionally disrupted by seasonal activities such as the yacht club's annual regatta.
The Planning Commission recommended the zoning change be allowed. Tuesday the county board agreed in part.
Attorney John Erickson, representing Kay Dondelinger of East Gull Lake who owns neighboring property to the club, said the rezoning would be a mistake and a radical departure in the neighborhood. It was a decision Erickson said is arbitrary and reversible.
Dondelinger said she'd like to save her neighborhood as it is now and had concerns for security, liability and the peace and quiet of the residential area. Residents said they've heard of plans for wedding receptions at the yacht club and for a future restaurant. Resident Marv Nicolai said he was concerned about the road with three 90-degree corners and its ability to safely handle the increased traffic.
Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick, speaking for the yacht club, said it was formed in 1949 as a nonprofit aimed at teaching sailing skills and the club has been operating on its property since 1960 with thousands of children learning how to sail there. Fitzpatrick said this was a rezoning request and before any project would be proposed there would be another public hearing. When neighbors spoke of the wooded untouched area, Fitzpatrick said the club shouldn't be penalized now for being good stewards and underusing its property.
Commissioner Paul Thiede said he was wrestling with a neighborhood dispute about two parcels that predate zoning and that were in commercial use for years. Thiede suggested using one of the lots as a buffer while the other lot could be used for the yacht club's expansion. Erickson said that buffer did not offer the same screening consideration for his client's neighboring property.
Thiede offered a motion to rezone one parcel to waterfront commercial and then retain the other smaller triangular parcel in its existing zoning as a buffer, then withdrew it before changing his mind and restating it. The county board approved his motion.
The zoning change would allow the yacht club to keep a parking lot that otherwise might have been forced to move closer to the lake to be on commercial property.
In other business, the board:
Heard a request for assistance from Beth Watson, owner of Harting Shoe Repair in Brainerd, regarding back taxes. When Chairwoman Rachel Reabe Nystrom suggested Watson meet with staff members and one commissioner, members from the audience voiced concerns about meetings behind closed doors. Nystrom said committee meetings are regular means of doing business but before any decision is made issues come back before the board for a full discussion.
Agreed to seek quotes for coroner and body transport services.
Amended the liquor license time regulations after concerns were raised it didn't allow people who were waiting for a cab to wait indoors, particularly during the winter.
Voted 3-2 to approve a road easement request for the city of Deerwood with Thiede and Commissioner Rosemary Franzen voting against.
Accepted a request for a Serpent Lake Improvement District and tabled the matter, with expectations for a future hearing date.
Voted for a new position as land services supervisor for Planning and Zoning.
Voted to hire a social worker replacement, but commissioners expressed concern for the hire at a time when layoffs are anticipated. Human Resources Director Tami Laska said there is a deadline of November to identify efficiencies and traditional turnover may create options. Thiede opposed.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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