STURGIS, S.D. – After nearly two hours of testimony, Sturgis council members approved first reading of a zoning amendment that will allow for Phase 1 of a Planned Unit Development off Avalanche Road on the west side of Sturgis.
The planned development has raised some road concerns among adjoining landowners.
“To be completely honest, my biggest concern was the lack of communication between the city and adjacent property owners and the development organizers and the adjacent property owners.”
That’s Karen Barthel with the Eagle’s Landing campground, who says they are also worried about the future of their easement into the property.
“Our easement, to our property, will go through the development’s property, so it does affect us,” Barthel said. “Now, maybe although we shouldn’t have had a vote on it, we are certainly affected by it. And, our campers will have to go through a residential area to get to our campground. We are worried about our customers being able to do that.”
Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says according to city ordinance, only those within city limits are notified and get to vote on whether they approve or disapprove of the Planned Unit Development; even though the campground is adjacent to the proposed P.U.D. He says they did have one part of their parcel that was in city limits, and were able to vote on that.
The city passed first reading of the zoning amendment for the P.U.D., with an added amendment that road widths be no less than 33 feet, in hopes of addressing the campground’s easement concerns. The issue will have further discussion and another vote later.
This covers Phase 1 of the project, which includes developments to the east and west of Avalanche Road. It includes homes and apartment complexes.
The city will have to wait for the Department of Transportation’s study where Avalanche meets Lazelle Street before working on development there.
In a related matter, the council Monday night also approved a TIF Boundary and Project Plan for the phase 1 development.
For a complete look at the proposed development, click here: https://sturgis-sd.civicweb.net/document/11298/Consideration%20to%20approve%20TIFD%20_22%20Boundary%20and%20.pdf?handle=ECAEC1229AD84FCDBE09EC85E0A39F8D
