First off I don't think anyone should be anti development.  However, development that is inappropriate shouldn't be allowed.

Pelican Lake is a cherished natural gem for all of us in Pelican Rapids, MN. We all love its pristine waters, serene environment, and the way its natural beauty brings our community together. It's a place of tranquillity and joy, where families have made countless memories, and where our connection to nature feels most vibrant. But now, this precious environment is at risk.

The proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) at Martin Meadows threatens to disrupt this balance. It proposes densely populated metal 'Man Cave' dwellings and storage units that not only contravene the spirit of our local ordinances but also pose a peril to the aesthetic and ecological integrity of the area. 38 units in total, on 10 acres.  Allowing such a dense development on the second tier of Pelican Lake would exploit grey areas in existing policies, undermining Otter Tail County's "long range stratagic plan", and the ordinances meant to preserve our beloved shoreline.

Haven't heard anything about this you say?  Only 56 notices of this plan, and the meeting were sent out to residents around the lake.  Did that meet legal requirements, yes.  But now that you know, I urge you to make your voice heard!

Densely packed metal structures are not in harmony with the lush landscape that all of us treasure. Such developments could lead to increased traffic, waste management challenges, environmental degradation, and light pollution, which ultimately compromise the pristine nature of Pelican Lake that we all strive to protect.

Moreover, these developments may set a precedent for future exploitations, allowing developers to edge around regulations, which could further endanger our community and its natural settings. The repercussions could be far-reaching, affecting not only property values but the very essence of what makes Pelican Rapids unique.  Your beach could be next.

To prevent this, we must urge the local authorities to deny such a development plan that poses numerous threats to our environment, lifestyle & property values. Let us call upon the decision-makers to uphold the integrity of our local ordinances and protect Pelican Lake from developments that could mar its natural beauty.

Please, join in signing this petition, then emailing OT county, calling the Planning Commission members, and emailing your ELECTED Board of commissioners.  Let our voices be heard in protecting Pelican Lake's natural charm and ensuring it remains a pristine sanctuary for generations to come.

CALL TO ACTION!  Steps & deadlines:

Inform your neighbors today!  I bet they don’t know about this.

Write an email!                                  

Please reference “Martin Meadows”.  The written comments are very important and sent directly to the planning committee.  These emails are also entered into the public record.  Having these is VERY important in case of an appeal!  Send to land@ottertailcounty.gov

Attend the meeting!                            

County planning commission meeting date in Fergus Falls is to be determined.  You can attend in person or virtually.  You may speak with the board using either option.  Attend in person, or virtually, here is the link: https://ottertailcounty.gov/event/live meeting link 

Reach out to commissioner's

Continue to call or email the Board of Commission members.  The Board of Commissioners (different people than the planning committee) vote on the approval or denial of this proposal.  This meeting is NOT open for public comment.  However, you can contact commissioners via email or phone until then to express your view.  Contact information listed below.

Sign the petition!                                          

It only takes one minute:). If you are in opposition, sign the petition ASAP.  Please leave a comment if you like, and what your concerns are.  But this is much less important than step one of these deadlines.  Also, the site asks for a donation at the end…it is NOT required.  The results will be turned in for public record.

Link to proposed development documents.  “Martin Meadows” portion starts on page 72.  https://ottertailcounty.gov/proposal

Link to Shoreland management ordinance that this development falls under. https://ottertailcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Shoreland-Management-Ordinance-2021-07-01.pdf 

 

Detailed ordinance information below.

This proposal needs a CUP (Conditional Use Permit).  A CUP is required because they are moving more than 27,000 cubic feet (1000 cubic yards) of dirt in the shoreland area.  Actually, they are moving 544,671 cubic feet of dirt!  CUP ordinance verbiage starts on page 15.

This development also falls under a PUD (Planned Unit Development) due to the density of the buildings. PUD ordinance verbiage starts on page 39.

What is a PUD?  The purchasers of these buildings WILL NOT OWN THE LAND.  This will still be ONLY ONE LOT containing ALL of these buildings!  Not like your normal single-family home neighborhood.  Who is going to take care of this 10 acres?  Who is really going to mow it, trim trees, maintain it, care about it at all?  It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Here are the issues that I see that don't meet the ordinance:

*Violation of the “Purpose & intent” of Shoreland management statement found on page 4 of the ordinance.  Just read it and find one way this appropriately falls under the “purpose and intent”.
*Violation of “compatibility with the surrounding area” clause, page 16.  This property is located on a major thoroughfare, not a field a mile away.  “Compatibility” normally includes impacts to property value also.  This high-density development will negatively affect surrounding property value.   Much more suitable locations exist.
*Violation of the “environmental impact” clause, page 16.  They will be moving approximately 544,671 cubic feet of dirt.  That is the equivalent of 1700 dump truck loads, including removing approximately 170 dump truck loads.  Light pollution, cutting down most of the trees for buildings.  Placing high density of buildings right next to a wetland.
*Violation of “hazards”:  increased traffic, potential runoff, pollution of wetland, with no sidewalk-people walking along the highway.
*Violation of “density of development”.  Making it a PUD allows normal density rules to be ignored.
*Violation of “adequate parking & traffic control”.  Ultra dense, no place to park, no traffic control discussed in the plan.
*“Hours of proposed use”: this will be 24/7.
*Violation of “lighting”.  See attached night picture of the last development this builder did on Pelican(West side of lake). While the units are set back much further (about 250 feet), just look at the amount of light affecting the other side of the street.  Martin Meadows proposed development only has a setback of FORTY FEET!  Check out my shadow created by the storage lights.  Also, look at the reflection of storage lights in homes front windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Violation of “suitability for the area”.  This will forever alter a large property that has many hardwood trees, a beautiful meadow, and a wetland area all located across from lakeside residential properties. It will have significant impact due to density of buildings and removal of vegetation.
*Violation of “adequate lot area”.  Very high density requiring a PUD.
*Violation of “minimal change in the existing topography”.  They are needing to move 544,671 cubic feet (1700 dump truck loads) of soil to make it work.
*Violation of “PUD design criteria”(page 41) 3. a) states that “On-site water supply and sewage treatment systems must be “centralized”.  Where is the one centralized well for all these units located?  Also, each dwelling in this plan has its own septic tank (denoted by small rectangular “ST” on plan).  The storage units also have the option of having their own personal septic tank.  None of this meets the definition of centralized., since the definition of centralized is “existing in one place”.  Also, why does a storage unit need a septic tank?  Hint, so they can live in it every weekend!  Living in it is prohibited by the neighborhood bylaws.  However, who will enforce them not living in their storage unit with a full bathroom?
*PUD lacking any real common element that is normally associated with a PUD.  The developer is just trying to skirt the rules by using this part of the ordinance.  They are calling the gravel road the “common element”.
*This property is currently zoned as commercial. It should never have residential units on it.

 

Planning Commission, that runs the public hearing makes the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on their opinion to approve/disapprove this:  

David Trites 612-799-6469 

Tina Bladow 218-770-6141

David Wass 218-826-6235

Judd Fischer 218-252-6520

Rick Wilson 218-736-7197

Brent Frazier 218-850-3770

Steven Langile 218-535-1166

 

 

ELECTED Board of Commissioners that vote to actually approve/disapprove this project:

Dan Bucholz Phone: 218-849-2143
Email: dbucholz@ottertailcounty.gov
Alt Phone: 218-346-3575

Wayne Johnson Phone: 218-863-7500
Email: wjohnson@ottertailcounty.gov

Kurt Mortenson Phone: 218-205-2415
Email: kmortenson@ottertailcounty.gov

Robert Laham Phone: 320-766-6426
Email: rlahman@ottertailcounty.gov

Sean Sullivan Phone: 218-671-2921
Email: ssullivan@ottertailcounty.gov

If you look at the “Purpose and Intent” of the Shoreline Management Ordnance of Otter Tail County, in which this falls under, it is stated as such:  “The uncontrolled use of shorelands in Otter Tail County, Minnesota affects the public health, safety and general welfare by contributing to environmental degradation of surface waters and the natural resources of the county. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the public’s health, safety and general welfare to provide for the wise subdivision, use and orderly development of shorelands of public waters in an effort to prevent pollution and preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and provide the wise use of waters and related land resources of Otter Tail County. This responsibility is hereby recognized by Otter Tail County and will be accomplished through the enforcement of this Ordinance.“ 

Lastly, Commissioner Johnson stated when running for office, he wanted to continue to implement the citizens long range strategic plan.  He was quoted as saying “what do we want our communities to look like in the next 25 years”.  Lets hold him to his words. I can guarantee this development is not in keeping with the long range strategic plan that was carefully and thoughtfully drafted over 3.5 years of laborious work by the community and our elected officials!