Greetings, Beacon readers! Maggie Dresser here, and I’m mentally preparing for a standing-room-only Flathead County commissioners’ meeting that will likely include a line of public commenters appearing in the old courthouse tomorrow morning. Officials are scheduled to vote on the final plat for phase one of Territory 1889, a private luxury golf club that is slated for 359 single-family homes, a private marina and a number of other amenities in Lakeside.
Previously called Flathead Lake Club, the first phase will total 393 acres and include 79 residential lots, 11 open-space lots, and will be served by the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District (LCWSD) if approved. Lots will be accessed from U.S. Highway 93 via Territory Drive and Backcountry Road.
Officials with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) last month gave the development their stamp of approval while requiring the developer to build new community water supplies and operate and maintain stormwater facilities.
The developer must complete the project within three years of the Aug. 13 approval date.
Proposed by Discovery Land Company, additional plans for the property feature restaurants, a clubhouse, a spa, fitness areas, offices, retail stores, and other facilities, along with open space totaling 864 acres. The company has a large portfolio of clubs around the world, which includes Montana properties at Crazy Mountain Ranch in Shields Valley, Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish and the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky.
A private marina with 36 boat slips is also included for Territory 1889 members; however, the marina is not part of the final plat application.
Territory 1889 has drawn some support from residents who described the economic benefits the club would bring, including additional jobs, boosted school tax revenue and road infrastructure upgrades.
But the development has largely received opposition from Lakeside residents and watchdog groups who have described in multiple meetings the potential negative impacts the golf club would bring, including gentrification, traffic congestion and impacts to wildlife habitat and water. Those concerns have been litigated in multiple lawsuits centered around water quality and rights in Flathead County District Court.
As the plaintiffs in those lawsuits, Citizens for a Better Flathead and North Shore Water Alliance have been vocal in their opposition to the development, and the nonprofits’ leaders are calling on commissioners to table the final plat until the DNRC water right permit is officially secured.
County commissioners meet tomorrow morning for their regularly scheduled meeting. Public comment begins at 8:45 a.m. The vote on the Territory 1889 final plat is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Flathead National Forest Plans Fall Prescribed Burns on More Than 2,400 Acres
Fire crews will conduct broadcast and pile burns at 14 sites across the Swan Valley, Spotted Bear, North Fork and Hungry Horse areas this fall and into winter. Smoke may be visible to residents and visitors while burns are underway.
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