STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council will meet in special session Wednesday to discuss setting an election date for a referendum turned in concerning the city’s plans to develop the Marcotte property.
The city council last week reversed a decision to surplus the property in response to some concerns there should be more discussion about the future of the property.
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. Sturgis residents will be eligible to vote for the initiated referendum.
Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says he expects the council will pick a date in order to the give the city more time to hold community discussion.
The city’s proposed development of the property would keep part of it as green and open space and develop 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 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.
