Earlier this month, the Flathead County Commissioners have approved a variance to build a a 36-boat marina in the former Hockaday Orchards location. Now, the group Citizens For A Better Flathead is suing the Commissions, arguing that decision violates the Lakeshore Protection Act and the Public Participation in Government Act.
At the time, the developers, Discover Land Company out of Arizona, told the Commissioners the marina would be for public use, although it’s part of their plans to develop their 1,700-acre resort-type community proposed for Blacktail Mountain. The Flathead Lake Club would be the developer’s 4th members-only community in Montana…including the Crazy Mountain Ranch in Shields Valley, the Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish and the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky. The plan for the Flathead Lake Club includes a golf course, restaurants, a spa and fitness center and 359 homes.
In their lawsuit, Citizens For A Better Flathead cite the lack of a Public Hearing by the County Planning Board. They maintain that the Commissioners’ actions put the health of Flathead Lake in jeopardy.
Lakeside residents aren’t happy with the concept of the Flathead Lake Club, citing traffic congestion, straining water and sewer systems and stormwater run-off into Flathead Lake.
