STURGIS, S.D. – The final public meeting to update Sturgis residents on plans to develop the Marcotte property before it heads to a vote next week was held Wednesday night at the Community Center.
The vote to decide whether or not to allow partial development of the property or whether to leave it as is for five years is Tuesday, February 2nd.
A group of residents opposed to the development turned in a petition last fall to force the vote on the issue.
Opponents who turned in the petitions are asking for a 5-year wait on development from the city in keeping the property an open and green space.
A “Yes” vote means the property will remain undeveloped for approximately five years. A “No” vote would allow developers to proceed with the plan.
Speakers from both parties provided arguments.
The proposed development of the property would still keep part of it as green and open space and develop just the eastern edge with much needed homes. It would also provide connections to various biking and hiking trails surrounding Sturgis.
The city acquired the property in 2015 from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. The approximate 60 acre space at the time was located just outside Sturgis city limits and was previously used as a public hunting area. Because of encroaching development by the city of Sturgis, the G.F. & P. rendered the property no longer suitable for hunting.
The city annexed the property in 2016.
